Saturday, October 30, 2010

In Their Own Words - Hungry Designs

Due to unfriendliness from the internet Gods, this has been a little delayed, but here and now, I present to you an interview with this week's Showcase Local Creative, Amanda Whitelaw from Hungry Designs.
Find out more about this very talented lady, how Hungry Designs has grown, and what makes her inspired to create. 



When did Hungry Designs begin? What was the motivation to start creating?
Hungry Designs started when I was studying at Art School in Scotland.  I studied Illustration & Printmaking at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and in my final year I began work on a project questioning the cost of fashion and luxuries and the cost of starvation and poverty.  I screen printed a set of t-shirts with the label “Hungry Designs”  The name just stuck and while Hungry Designs is a completely different beast, it’s nice to know that the name is still appropriate. 

How did you learn your craft?
I wouldn’t say I learned my craft.  I am a self confessed geek and love modern American comics.  I am inspired by them every day and am so thankful that I picked up my first comic book in the library when I was 15.  It is a love affair that encourages me to create and better myself and my designs.



What are your favourite materials to work with?
I primarily work in pencils and digital colours.  I am a screen printer by trade and always have a soft spot for printmaking, although the facilities aren’t as readily available as I would like them to be.

Where do you get the inspiration for each piece from?
I am inspired by comics, macabre themes (especially zombies!) as well as more whimsy and romantic themes, such as my Balloon Girl brooches.  I love pin up and these saucy women provide an ever changing source of inspiration for me.



Who do you imagine to be a buyer and lover of your items?
I am constantly surprised by what customers Hungry Designs attracts.  I have had more mature ladies buying brooches for themselves and their granddaughters and then I have had young children who adore the Typewriter Key Rings.  My customer base shifts and switches and I love meeting customers.  They are so enthusiastic and I enjoy getting their feedback. 

What has been the highlight for you since it all began?
A highlight for me was being featured in Gold Coast October Style Magazine.  This was so nerve wracking!  I don’t really seem myself as the face of Hungry Designs and prefer to think this of my products.  So having my photograph in a magazine for people to see was a little unnerving. 

Also finding out that Andrew G is the proud owner of a Hungry Designs Polaroid Brooch was very exciting!  He bought one of my brooches from Leeloo (https://www.leeloo.com.au/) and I’m thrilled!



Describe the Art scene of the Gold Coast through your eyes?
I think the Gold Coast is fantastic as it always seems to be changing.  People are so willing to buy handmade goods and no longer is it thought that only Granny’s knit.  The handmade scene is very much here and people are embracing it.  They appreciate the time and effort that goes into designing and creating accessories and other wares.  Customers are inquisitive and like to know that what they have bought isn’t mass produced.

What do you wish for the future of art, creativity, and culture on the Coast?
Although I love the markets I attend on the Gold Coast (The Village Markets), I would like to see more markets on the Gold Coast that are strictly handmade.  I am a member of BrisStyle an LOVE their markets.  They specialize in markets that are strictly handmade and everything is so thoughtful and well put together.  I would love to see something like this on the Gold Coast.

What about for the future of Hungry Designs?
I am hoping that Hungry Designs will have even more handmade accessories in the coming years.  I’m looking at making purses with my illustrations printed on the fabric as well as screen printed tote bags.  I am very happy with the direction that Hungry Designs is going in and am hopeful that this continues.

Thanks so very much to Amanda for taking the time to share her brilliance with us, and be sure to come back tomorrow for your chance to win Three YES THREE original Hungry Designs Wearable Art Brooches!  Woweee!!

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