I often get asked what inspires me to design. I had never deeply thought about it until recently and its not an easy question to answer.
My designs are very detail orientated, and I strive to learn new ways to manipulate materials. I often will not draw down my ideas because I feel like my ability to draw restricts me. I also need to be in a very calm and relaxed mood so often inspiration hits when I'm lying in bed, long car rides and, yes, in the shower! I have two ways to find inspiration that I always use. I will explain both below.
I do wonder if I look at the world a little differently because it is often the most mundane items that makes my mind tick. Its curiosity on how I could use this item in another way. This is how I entered design at age 13, taking your average dried spaghetti noodle and turning it into an embellishment for a dress. Why? I don't know, it looked beautiful and created an unusual effect. This way of inspiration comes from the maker inside me. Using new or existing techniques and materials in ways they haven't been used before.
My designs are very detail orientated, and I strive to learn new ways to manipulate materials. I often will not draw down my ideas because I feel like my ability to draw restricts me. I also need to be in a very calm and relaxed mood so often inspiration hits when I'm lying in bed, long car rides and, yes, in the shower! I have two ways to find inspiration that I always use. I will explain both below.
I do wonder if I look at the world a little differently because it is often the most mundane items that makes my mind tick. Its curiosity on how I could use this item in another way. This is how I entered design at age 13, taking your average dried spaghetti noodle and turning it into an embellishment for a dress. Why? I don't know, it looked beautiful and created an unusual effect. This way of inspiration comes from the maker inside me. Using new or existing techniques and materials in ways they haven't been used before.
Pasta Dress 2008 Hastings Pak'n'Save Edible Fashion Awards Supreme designer and 1st in Senior Section
The other way I find inspiration is much more traditional. I use a theme, which is either an era or imagery. Sometimes it's longs hours of researching on the internet. I once spent days researching about the cuttlefish, the name does not do them justice, they are extremely beautiful.
Most importantly is once I have found that inspiration I have to get specific. I whittle it down until I know exactly what inspired me about it. It doesn't necessarily have to be one thing, its easier to work off three or less aspects that really get me designing. I know that I design better with the more restrictions I have because it forces me to be more creative. To push the boundary. For example: the cuttlefish. The color combinations, its shape and its camouflage ability are what inspire me most. I would then use these element to come up with a design.
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