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.

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!

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. 

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.

Jean Power - Jewellery Designer and writer

Inspired: London featured Designer, Jean Power tells us about her business and what we can look forward to seeing in the future.

What is name and background behind your company?

I work under my own name: ‘Jean Power’ and have always done so.

Where are you based?

In London.

How long have you been in business for?

Solely for myself since 2007.

What do you love most about living in London?

The liveliness, the mix of cultures and nationalities, the secret quiet spots, the cocktails, the shops, the river…my love for London is endless!

Who or what inspires you?

I am mainly inspired by the beads I use. Their shape, structure and colour all inspire me to create my work.

What advice would you give designers starting out?

Practice! There is nothing else which makes as big an impact on your work as putting in the time to perfect it. Every minute you spend creating teaches you new things and I truly believe it all pays off.

What is new for your company?

I’m beginning a series of self-published books with one on geometric jewellery being the first which will be out around November time.

ilanaDesign - Handcrafted jewellery

This morning, we chat to the lovely Ilana about the inspiration behind her jewellery. ilanaDesign is featured in We Make London's new book, Inspired:London which is out now!

What is name and background behind your company?

My company name is called ilanaDesign and grew out of my fine arts and graphic design backgrounds. My intention is that all disciplines will intertwine, influence, shape and inspire one another.

Where are you based?

I am based in West Kilburn where I work from my cozy little flat.

How long have you been in business for?

Approximately 2 ½ years.

What do you love most about living in London?

I love that there is a plethora of design and art. So much inspiration everywhere you turn! I also love London’s big parks! Just couldn't go without mentioning that!

Who or what inspires you?

Things that are clever and creative inspire me. Simple and witty. Things that are larger than life and also those that are commonplace and almost go unseen. The people who inspire me are those who just get out and DO, and don’t let their fears get in the way.

What advice would you give designers starting out?

I still see myself as starting out, and I probably will for some time to come. It’s a process. A growth and a learning. I would say, find mentors, get advice, ask questions, see what and how others do what they do, build and nurture your network and have a colleague or two to regularly meet with to churn out ideas, get feedback and discuss challenges with (over a great cup of coffee of course!).

What is new for your company?

I’m working on some new collections and ideas are floating about. I continue to look for opportunities like the Makers at the Mill exhibition I recently took part in where I had to create a piece that was inspired by the historical location it was held in.

I Wish I Was A - Handmade costumes

This afternoon, we discover more about Inspired:London featured designer, I Wish I Was A...

What is name and background behind your company? 

I’m a costume designer & maker based in London. I trained in textile design (specialising in embroidery) and have a background in film & TV

Given my background, I was delighted that my son had a natural passion for dressing up from an early age. He dressed in whatever he could find lying around the place (a marigold glove, a piece of string or cardboard cut to his requirements, a vintage fur hat, a fringed leather waistcoat). I watched how freely he played when his games sprung from his own imagination. He invented characters and stories to go with each (somewhat eclectically styled) outfit. He became the creator of his own world. He became the inspiration behind iwishiwasa...

I started to make pieces ‘on demand’ for him, then for his friends and over time, this evolved into iwishiwasa… 

My mission is to produce pieces which are vibrant, fun, beautiful and well crafted with an emphasis on colour and design. I value imagination and my costumes are designed to encourage creative play. Each piece is made by hand in my studio in South London and the detailing and finishing I do myself.

Where are you based? 

I have a studio space just 5 mins from my house at the vibrant Bussey Building in Peckham 

What do you love most about living in London? 

The energy, vibrancy, sense of community, Londoners’ open-ness and friendliness 

We are lucky to be living in such a culturally rich city with so many things to do and see, many for free. Ranging from ‘high’ culture: art, galleries, design etc, to the cultural and ethnic mix of people living here and diversity of street culture, music, food etc etc 

Who or what inspires you? 

Inspiration can strike at any time… I often have great ideas whilst just chatting with friends (a kind of informal and lighthearted brainstorming) I enjoy talking to kids and getting inside their heads (usually a very interesting place!) and watching how they play. I find the work of many photographers and childrens writers/illustrators inspiring as they have the power to transport me to another world. 

What advice would you give designers starting out? 

Don’t work in a vacuum… Get out there, get seen, get feedback from customers, ask for help, there is a lot of support for new designers in terms of business, creative development and community. 

What is new for your company? 

New collections just about to launch for Christmas 2012 and lots of exciting new products in development for 2013 

Hope and Eden - Beautiful childrens gifts

Today ,we chat to Inspired:London featured designer, Hope and Eden.

What is name and background behind your company?

For many years I worked as a freelance fashion textile designer, later combining this with teaching at various art colleges. After becoming Mum to two beautiful daughters, I was inspired to start producing cuddly creatures to keep them company at night, other Mums loved them and asked me to make creatures and other items for their children and my range grew from there. I named my business after my daughters, as they were my inspiration for starting Hope and Eden. 

Where are you based? 

I am based in lovely East Dulwich. 

How long have you been in business for? 

I started my business in April 2010 and have loved every minute since. 

What do you love most about living in London? 

It’s such an inspiring place to live with such diverse cultures and people. 

Who or what inspires you? 

I am inspired by many things: the nostalgia of 1950’s children’s book illustrations, especially the colourful, witty work of Miroslav Sesek and Paul Rand; the joy of childhood and its many memories; and a love of natural fabrics, pattern and vintage buttons. 

What advice would you give designers starting out? 

Do what you enjoy and don’t be afraid to take creative risks. 

What is new for your company? 

I am currently working on a range of new products. 

Websites: 

www.hopeandeden.etsy.com

www.hopeandeden.com

Follow Us On Twitter:

www.twitter.com/hopeandeden

Find Us on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001685380682

Frances & Francis - Beautiful Paper Artist

This afternoon, we discover more about Inspired:London featured designer, Frances & Francis.

What is your name and background behind your company?

Frances & Francis was launched in the summer of 2011 as a design studio focusing on creative solutions using tactile mediums such as paper. We opened an online store to sell products based around our commissioned pieces.

The first ‘Frances’ of our name is in reference to myself Helen Frances, and the second is a tribute to my grandpa who was a great inspiration and whose stationery was so proper that it always felt like an honor to use.

Where are you based?

We are based in St Albans, just north of London and only a 20 minute journey from St Pancras International. We love being located here as we get the best of both worlds by seeing countryside near our studio and being able to pop into beautiful London easily.

How long have you been in business for?

We established Frances & Francis in the middle of 2011 but have only been selling our paper bouquets for the last 8 months. 

What do you love most about living in London?

It's the way that you can find inspiration anywhere. It could be the lovely ornate architecture of the Queens Palace to the amazing spirit that came about this year through the Olympics and the Jubilee. 

Who or what inspires you?

The drive of being creative inspires and pushes me forward. I can only think and do in a creative manner and so it's proving to people that this is what I'm about.

What advice would you give designers starting out?

The fear of going solo to cover studio costs and expensive London rent will generally give any creative that extra push to work exceptionally hard and all hours of the day to make their business a success. Having said that, establishing a name for yourself as a bench mark is extremely important before taking the plunge. Make sure creditable people in the design world believe in your work before hand and not just your friends and family. 

What is new for your company?

We are currently working on a framed floral range that will be available from our shop very soon. 

Useful links:

Website: www.francesandfrancis.com

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrancesandFrancis?ref=si_shop

Blog: http://francesandfrancis.com/blog/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/fandf

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frances-Francis/255505227829041

Florio Designs - Bespoke Millinery and Jewellery

Florio Designs is featured in Inspired:London, We Make London's new book. Today we find out all about Florio Designs and plans for the future.

What is name and background behind your company? 

Florio Designs. It’s my husband’s surname and I may have borrowed the name before we got married, but it just worked. We were engaged at the time that I started up and I was making Tiaras and wedding accessories. 

Where are you based? 

Streatham, South London 

How long have you been in business for? 

5 years 

What do you love most about living in London? 

The vibrancy of a busy multicultural city 

Who or what inspires you? 

The materials themselves, I love to see how different things go together. 

What advice would you give designers starting out? 

Don’t run before you can walk…take your time. 

What is new for your company? 

Even more sparkle!

Flaming Lily Glass - Handmade Contemporary Glass

Flaming Lily Glass is featured in Inspired:London, We Make London's new book. Today, we find out about Flaming Lily Glass and plans for the future.

What is the name and background behind your company?

My company is Flaming Lily Glass. I've been fascinated by glass for a long time and after experimenting with it for a number of years, I finally took the plunge and set up my own design business.  The name itself comes from a trip into the bush with my mother in Botswana, where she is from. We were driving through a muted landscape of browns and yellows when we came to a clearing where a stunning red lily was in full bloom. The light made it look as if the flower was on fire and the image has never left me.

Where are you based?

Southeast London. I live in Brockley and my studio is in neighbouring Nunhead.

How long have you been in business for?

Four or five years now.  In many ways it feels like I've been doing it forever (in a good way!) as I feel I’m doing what I was meant to be doing.

What do you love most about living in London?

I love the fact that the world comes to London.  I find the mix of people and cultures (including British!) exciting.  I had terrible wanderlust when I was younger and now that I can no longer just take off to another country for a few months here or there, I love the fact that I can still discover something or somewhere new in the city where I live.

Who or what inspires you?

This can quite a difficult question to answer as I find inspiration all over the place and it’s hard to narrow it down.  First and foremost though, I’m probably inspired by colour.  I’m also very drawn to Japanese art and design, patterns in architecture, 20s and 30s design, as well as old books, and sometimes even just words and phrases that resonate with me.

What advice would you give designers starting out?

It’s rather a cliché but I think the best thing you can do is stick at it and stay true to yourself.  Also try not to overload yourself with information if you’re starting something completely new to you, such as running a business.  That’s definitely a mistake I made: I took courses, read hundreds of blogs, listened to anyone willing to talk to me about it.  I followed so much conflicting advice, without really considering whether it was good for me and my business, I ended up getting knocked off course more than once.  I’m not saying you don’t need advice and information, you definitely do, but just remember it’s okay to pick and choose.

What is new for your company?

Lanterns!  I've been wanting to do some for ages, light and glass are natural companions after all, and after some trial and error and a lot of experimenting with adhesives I’ve come up with a design that I’m really happy with.  I’ve started making some and hope to have them for sale on my website before Christmas.

Enclosed Spaces - Silk Screen Prints

Today,we chat to Inspired:London featured designer, Enclosed Spaces.

What is name and background behind your company?

Initially it wasn't actually meant to be my company name. It was a domain name and email address I’d had for years, but had a creative slant (it referred to the warnings on spray-paints about not using in an enclosed space). I always liked the name though and realized it could easily also refer to your own living space. Be it a flat, or house, or studio, we’re usually in an enclosed space and for a lot of people, particularly in the city, it’s a little cramped! I designed my logo to reflect the sardine-like situation of living in a city, and my company’s aim became to help people cheer up their own “enclosed space’ with art.

Where are you based?

I’m currently based in the same area I spent the early years of my life – West London.

How long have you been in business for?

I launched my website in 2010, with a year or so of experimenting with printing before then, but it’s only been since 2011 that I've started to turn it into what I’d call a proper business.

What do you love most about living in London?

I think it’s easier to ask Londoners what they don’t like about the city (we like to moan). To sound a little clichéd, it really is a vibrant place though. No more so than during 2012 with the Olympics and Jubilee celebrations. What I love most is how multi-cultural it is. It feels like you can get pretty much anything from anywhere.

Who or what inspires you?

My dad. He’s the most entrepreneurial person I know. We’re alike in that we both have lots of interests, and I think it’s focusing on just the one which is our dilemma (case in point – aside from screen printing, I’m hoping to branch into jewellery shortly too).

What advice would you give designers starting out?

Expect to make mistakes. And when you do, call it a learning experience! Also, research, research, research. With the internet at your fingertips, there’s really no excuse not to make sure you know as much as you can.

What is new for your company?

Aside from the new Inspired:London book, I’m also getting involved in a couple of We Make London’s fairs in Spitalfields in November; focusing on expanding my stockists; and opening a sister company selling jewellery.