Wednesday 19 December 2012

Justine Ellis Designs - Screen printed homewares & textiles


Today we talk to Justine about her business; Justine Ellis Designs.

What is name and background behind your company?
Justine Ellis Designs

I have been screen printing for nearly 10 years, but I finally took the plunge and left my day job as a Special Needs Teacher about 3 years ago. Since then, I have been printing like mad and teaching others to do the same.



Where are you based?
I’m based in woody enclave between Crystal Palace & Dulwich.

How long have you been in business for?
For about 3 years.


What do you love most about living in London?
What’s not to love? I was born here and yet I still get that excited feeling when I see the glorious view as I cross the river by train.


Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by mid century art, architecture, design & textiles. Places I’ve been, places I imagine going. Colour, pattern & texture.


What advice would you give designers starting out?
Be supportive of your peers, share your knowledge and help each other out.


What is new for your company?
I’ve recently been making a range of hand printed lampshades, which are currently selling well.


Sunday 16 December 2012

JONNA X KANGAN - Screen printed homewares

This chilly morning, we chat to Jonna and Kangan about their business and what inspires their beautiful screen printed creations.



What is name and background behind your company? 
JONNA X KANGAN - the name is combination of our names, Jonna Saarinen & Kangan Arora. We met whilst studying textiles at Central St Martins back in 2006 and decided to join forces this summer to produce our first screen printed collection of home wares. 

Where are you based? 
South London 



How long have you been in business for? 
As a collective since this summer, but we both have been individually practicing for a few years now. 

What do you love most about living in London? 
The vibrance of the city, and the fact that you can discover something new and exciting every day. London is also perfect for networking. 



Who or what inspires you? 
It can be anything from a great exhibition to colourful food packaging, inspiration can be found everywhere. Also every day life in our home countries Finland & India - we have mixed those two cultures into our own heritage, Finndia! 

What advice would you give designers starting out? 
Follow your heart and network! 



What is new for your company? 
We are working on getting a premises for our studio... thinking of new products for the christmas period!

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Ozzybag - Handmade bags

Today we chat with Ozlem from Ozzybags. 



What is name and background behind your company?
My name is Ozlem and my company called Ozzybag. The Inspiration for Ozzybag came to after studying Handbag Design at the LCF in 2006. From there Ozzybag formed its identity. I love accessorizing, it's something that I have always been attracted to, no girl or woman can do without a handbag, especially me :)  So since then I have tried to create functional and quirky handbags. I've enjoyed every minute and LOVE the design process seeing where I can take my creations.


Where are you based?
I am based in Battersea.

How long have you been in business for?
I’ve only officially been in business since 2011. Back home I started sewing and creating bags as a hobby when I was at high school and I wanted to learn more about how to sew and create bags and I decided to move to London to study. 


What do you love most about living in London?
I love everything about London! It is such an inspiring city with full of talented, creative and open minded people ! I also love being able to discover amazing places, such as hiding fabric shops all around the London to create unique   Ozzbags!

Who or what inspires you?
Everything! But mainly I inspired by the people. I read a lot of fashion blogs and I always try to keep up with the latest fashion news and colors.


What advice would you give designers starting out?
Do something you like and don't expect it all at once.

What is new for your company?

At the moment I'm busy creating my new range of bags for the Autumn and Winter collection. 


Saturday 1 December 2012

Jilltydrawings - British vintage inspired gifts and homewares


This evening we find out more about Inspired:London featured Designer, Jilltydrawings


What is name and background behind your company?
I graduated from Kingston University in 2005 with a degree in Illustration and have been pursuing a career in that field whilst working at various temp positions. I have explored another avenue for exposure of my work through my Designer/Maker name Jilltydrawings where I have developed a range of British vintage inspired gifts and homewares.


Where are you based?
I design all my things in my room in Southwark, London and I print at East London Printmakers studio in Hackney.

How long have you been in business for?
I printed my first tea-towels in 2010.


What do you love most about living in London?
It’s history and mysteries. It is a constantly changing city with lots around to get inspired from.

Who or what inspires you?
I like drawing food and learning about cutesy British traditions. I love afternoon tea and the Brits’ obsession with tea drinking and retro Britain. I enjoy working with typefaces and draw a lot of inspiration from old shop fronts and vintage packaging.


What advice would you give designers starting out?
It is always good to try things even if they don’t work out something may follow up afterwards.

What is new for your company?
Party bags! I’ve just started to do a bespoke printing service for party bags and I’m currently developing the designs.