Amelia’s Magazine | East End Prints: an interview with Helen Edwards

make ideas real print dale edwin murray east end prints

Make Ideas Real by Dale Edwin Murray.

Next in my series of interviews with my new market place stall holders, I am pleased to introduce Helen Edwards, the talented lady behind East End Prints. Her little boy is almost exactly the same age as Snarfle and although I have been aware of her for some time (read our introduction, written in 2010) we finally met on the Shoreditch mummy circuit, bonding immediately over our shared histories and careers in design. It’s been wonderful to make friends with someone who shares my situation so closely – juggling motherhood with running a business – and I’m very pleased that she will be part of my website relaunch (now due to happen in the New Year).

Cops by Dale Edwin Murphy

Cops by Dale Edwin Murray.

You have had a varied creative career: what led you to set up your own company and what has been the best part about setting up alone?
I worked in fine art publishing for 8 years and there was also someone above me calling the final shots on what we we finally published. I guess I got so frustrated with seeing all this great art that wasn’t getting out there. I volunteered for redundancy and then spent every hour of the day focussing on growing my business. The best part of running your own business is you are your own boss which is good and bad. I love working in a team and I found I spent a good deal of time at my laptop. I now have an apprentice and freelancers which really adds a buzz in the office. Now I have my 18 month old son, my focus is more than ever on making the business a success to secure his future. Plus as all working mums know, with the school run looming it makes it practically impossible to get a 9 to 5. 

play more work less print by anthony peters east end prints

Play More Work Less by Anthony Peters.

How has East End Prints developed over the three years since you launched and we first met you at the East London design show?
We launched in 2010 as a small publisher – mostly friends and since then we have been picked up by Habitat and Urban Outfitters who we feel are a perfect brand match! The range has moved on so much in those three years as we have started to respond to what the market likes, but still being a little esoteric.

Dancing In The Rain print by Stacie Swift east end prints

Dancing In The Rain by Stacie Swift.

What has been the most successful thing you have produced since then?
My most successful achievement has been the trade deal but commissioning new, young talented artists is still the thing that gives me the biggest buzz. I am working with two new paper cut artists who I found at D&AD Awards.

Hackney Empire by Lee Haydock

Hackney Empire by Lee Haydock.

You deal with a lot of artists at the same time; do you have any tips on how they can make the whole business run smoothly for everyone concerned?
Artists (typical artists!) never ever market themselves. They need to put us as a supplier of their prints and always back link, follow our tweets and generally be more proactive. The more chatter about the work the more people are inclined to purchase it. 

cute black and white cat print by dicky bird east end prints

Cute Cats by Dicky Bird.

What kind of imagery sells best, and what are you looking for when you scout for a new artist to join your stable?
What I like is not necessarily what we sell! Our Fiona Watson singing tree just keeps on selling because it is beautiful and seems to appeal to the hippest types. I think its the bedroom colourways… blue blue and more blue! 

given enough chocolate i could rule the world by of life and lemons east end prints

Given enough chocolate I could rule the world by Of Life and Lemons.

You collaborate with lots of other companies, what are the most exciting things that have happened in 2013?
Habitat: love the brand and have wanted to work with them for years since I used to research the images for them during the noughties, so we have come full circle. We are product developing too, which is all a bit hush hush actually! 
 
East End Alphabet by Pate at east end prints

East End Alphabet by Pate.

Where can we find you in the run up to Christmas?
We will be at Spitalfields Art Market every Thursday to Sunday until Christmas .. great for those last minute bargains! We have our special London themed editions being launched at the East London Design Show on 5th-8th December… very excited to be back there after a year out!  

vinyl print by dale edwin murray east end prints

Vinyl in Turquoise by Dale Edwin Murray.

Which is your favourite piece amongst my curated selection for the new Amelia’s Magazine market place and why?
You have selected one of our bestsellers, Vinyl in Turquoise, by Dale Edwin Murray. We LOVE this work, it’s so bold and clever. There is a record fair on once a month at Spitalfields so we usually shift a few then and this obviously appeals to suited city boys who hanker for a bit of retro vinyl!

You can check out fab prints from East End Prints at the East London Design Show this week and on my new market place soon.

Categories ,Anthony Peters, ,Art Prints, ,D&AD Awards, ,Dale Edwin Murray, ,Dicky Bird, ,East End Prints, ,East London Design Show, ,Fiona Watson, ,Habitat, ,Helen Edwards, ,Lee Haydock, ,Market Place, ,Of Life and Lemons, ,Pate, ,shoreditch, ,Spitalfields Art Market, ,Stacie Swift, ,Urban Outfitters, ,Vinyl in Turquoise

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | An interview with illustrator Petra Börner

EMMA Jane Austen Petra borner
I have long admired the work of Swedish born illustrator Petra Börner, who brilliantly mixes Scandinavian and Arts and Crafts influences to create a style all her own. Her book cover for Emma by Jane Austen (artwork above) is nominated for the 2012 V&A illustration awards so I thought I’d find out what makes her tick. Be very inspired…

Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -studio
You have a very distinctive style – what are your greatest influences?
I still draw inspiration from objects and books I’ve collected since I was a teenager, books on school posters and photographic references on anatomy and plants and DIY books form the 70’s.
I like studying LP covers, especially ‘classical’ ones and browsing antique shops and I like drawing in public and from life.
I’ve been taught to be hands-on and ‘do’ from my family and I’ve learnt creative skills from my mother.
I like work by Max Ernst, Niki De Saint Phalle, Carl Johan De Geer and Katja of Sweden.
 
Petra Borner -studio
How long did it take you to come up with your look – was it a gradual process or were you always attracted to working in this way? 
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t really into drawing and making things.
It’s taken me a roundabout way to get to a place where drawing is central and a means to living though.
I suppose it’s good to pack many things in your bag along the way.
A friend of mine sent me a drawing I did when I was 18 and it looks just like my current work – that was quite shocking!
 
Petra Borner -studio
You trained as a fashion designer and had your own label until 2004 – why did you decide that your heart was in illustration and was it a hard decision to make? Any regrets?
It wasn’t a very hard choice to make at all.
I’ve always wanted to be an artist and my experience from the fashion helped build my drive.
I had quite a few tough and interesting years creating my label with partner Tove Johansson, but it felt right to finally focus on my goal.
In fashion I felt like a cowboy, a strange fish in a big pond!
 
Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -field print for Cacherel SS 2007
Petra Borner – field print for Cacharel SS 2007

In terms of moving across industries, did you have to develop a new set of contacts for illustration or was there a lot of crossover?
I’d illustrated a little for magazines parallel to my work in fashion, so I had a few contacts.
But generally, I had to start a fresh and it took a while to generate an interest.
With a fashion angle I broadened my chances and managed to bridge fashion and illustration into an interesting mix of commissions.
 
Petra Borner -studio
You’ve been based in London since 1994 – what brought you here and what keeps you here?
I came here to study Fashion whilst improving my English during a one- year foundation course.
It turned out to be an intense and exciting year leading onto a degree in Fashion at Central St Martins and my London roots grew deeper.
I lived in NY for a while which was great fun, but I seldom contemplate moving anywhere else now.
Having family ties here and in Sweden at times makes for an ambivalent longing for ‘home’.
London always keeps me on my toes.
 
Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -partridge bowl for Seto Seikei
Petra Borner – partridge bowl for Seto Seikei.

When you are working on illustration in a decorative capacity (on 3D objects etc.) what has been your favorite project to date? And why?
It’s amazing to be able to work on projects with open briefs, but with technical support to maximize the result.
I often wish I had more knowledge and skills of many crafts to increase the level of intricacy and open possibilities within a project, but sometimes it’s good not to know all the limitations before you start.
Collaborating with Studiothomson, Clements Ribeiro, Bally, Aquascutum, Seto Seikei and Jonathan Adler has also been interesting.
 
Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -gift box for systemet
Petra Borner – gift box for Systemet.

If we were to take a peek inside your inspiration library what would we find?
Books, paper scraps, comic books, postcards and photocopies on arts and crafts, design, pottery, folklore, nature, portraits, travelling and maps,  anatomy, animals, foods and eating, antiques, DIY books, interior design and architecture, rubbings and sculpture.
 
THE_LOVER petra borner
You have illustrated lots of book covers – which was the best book you had to read for a job?
I love ‘The Lover’ by Marguerite Duras.
 
How do you balance looking after a toddler with work? You are incredibly busy!
She’s managing me.
 
Petra Borner -summer papercut for Harper Collins
Petra Borner – summer papercut for Harper Collins.

Your logo adopts your father’s signature – do you come from a creative family and if so what do they do?
On my mums side of the family there is an army of hands on, inspiring creativity, a well of skills within all sorts of arts and crafts.
My father’s side holds many in a row of painters, a photographer and a composer.
Most of the paintings are portraits, still life’s and scenes from the sea, as we come from an island.
Most of my family members prosper academically and save their creativity for relaxation.
 
Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -greetings card for Habitat
Petra Borner – greetings card for Habitat.

Can you tell us about your new product range in collaboration with Studiothomson, aimed at encouraging writing and correspondence?
I’ve always been a keen letter writer and as a teenager I’d spend hours decorating envelops before posting them.
I like the time and thought that goes into handwritten letters and though it it’s ‘out-of-date’ as soon as it’s posted, it ‘s magical to receive them.
We are currently developing the prototypes for a range of bold products, which will make staying in touch with your friends a treat.
We are launching the collection early autumn 2012.
 
Petra Borner -studio
What kind of imagery can we expect in your new range of hand tufted fair trade rugs for the Design Museum?
This is an early collaboration and my designs are in the making.
The project is directed by Chris Haughton for Design Museum and involves a group of artists including Sanna Annukka, Donna Wilson, Jon Klassen and Neasden Control Centre, so the rugs should be a striking collection!
The limited edition rugs will be handmade in Nepal according to Fair Trade regulations and will be on display at the Design Museum this autumn.
 
Petra Borner -studio
You are also writing your own book about collectables – tell us more! What do you collect?
This is exciting!
Having been a keen flea-marketeer and collector since I was five, I am now in contrast ruthless about what I keep.
What I’ve kept has a real value (to me!) and I am assembling these objects into a journey of sorts.
 
Petra Borner -studio
Finally and not least you are nominated for the V&A illustration awards, and the winners will be announced tonight – what inspired the Emma artwork?
The first ideas for the cover of ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen, was sketched in the V&A.
I aimed to create a bold and lush interpretation of the novel in contrast to it often soft and feminine covers.
I decided to let her hand symbolize elements of the story.

Petra Borner -studio
Petra Börner sells her book cover artwork and much more on big cartel – so you can own your very own piece! See what else she’s up to on her website. I hope you win tonight Petra!

Read my review of the 2011 V&A Illustration Awards here.

Categories ,Aquascutum, ,Arts and Crafts, ,Bally, ,Cacharel, ,Carl Johan De Geer, ,Chris Haughton, ,Clements Ribeiro, ,Design Museum, ,Donna Wilson, ,Fair Trade, ,fashion, ,Habitat, ,Harper Collins, ,Jon Klassen, ,Jonathan Adler, ,Katja of Sweden, ,Made by Node, ,Marguerite Duras, ,Max Ernst, ,Neasden Control Centre, ,Niki De Saint Phalle, ,Petra Borner, ,rugs, ,Sanna Annukka, ,Scandinavian, ,Seto Seikei, ,Studiothomson, ,Systemet, ,Tove Johansson, ,V&A Illustration Awards

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | An interview with illustrator, textile designer and author Jane Foster

Jane Foster toucan
Jane Foster is an illustrator, textile designer and author based in Devon. She and her husband run a studio in which she designs, prints and sells a range of products in her distinctive style. On top of all this, she has recently found time to share her talent through a series of craft book and help classic children’s book character Miffy celebrate her 60th birthday. Jane’s success as an illustrator is down to the unique, joyful style of her work. A mix of clean shapes and lines, bold colours and playful, charming characters makes each of her creations something truly special which you can’t help but smile at! With this being such a busy and exciting time for Jane, I couldn’t wait to find out more about her inspiration, process and plans for the future.

Jane Foster owl
Can you tell us a bit about you and your work?
I’m a self taught illustrator who also screen prints, sews and collects fabric. My initial career was in music – I studied the violin at music college for 5 years, followed that by a 1 year PGCE and then taught music for 15 years before changing my career.

Jane Foster mugs
Can you tell us about your creative process? How do you document ideas and then take them forward to end products?
I always carry a note book in my bag and usually sketch and think about future ideas when I’m in a cafe. I’m very good at going to cafes on my own in order to do this, and most of my designs would have been sketched in a cafe somewhere before I then return to my studio to work on a neater version on better paper. I work with fine black line pens and my designs are then scanned into a computer in order to then be transferred onto acetate and then exposed onto a silk screen for screen printing.

Jane Foster teapot
You choose to screen print your products by hand. Is there any reason you choose to produce them this way?
It might not necessarily be the most cost effective way, as owning all your own screens etc. can be very costly, but I love the whole process. I find it very satisfying and therapeutic. I love the way every print can be slightly different, I like the way the ink sits slightly proud on the paper and I like experimenting with short runs for prototypes. Doing all the processes here is very liberating as I can design something in the morning and in theory, have it exposed on to a screen within the same day to then screen print on to fabric or paper in the evening.

Jane Foster lion drawing
Jane Foster lions
You say your work is influenced by Scandanavian design. How did you come across this sort of design and what is it that appeals to you about it?
My parents loved Scandinavian design in the 70s so I think they were a huge influence. My mum loved bold designs in primary colours, even at a time when Laura Ashley flowers might have been the trend. She shopped in Habitat and Heals and had a few Marimekko duvet covers. I like the freshness and simplicity of Scandinavian design – it’s not overly fussy and it’s often geometric.

Jane Foster ABC
What else inspires you? Are there any artists, places or objects from which you draw a lot of inspiration?
Fabric from the 50s and 60s inspire me, especially those designed by Lucienne Day and early Heals designers. I draw inspiration from ceramics, vintage children’s illustrations, like the work of Alain Gree and Dick Bruna, and also from the internet – Pinterest!

Jane Foster miffy bag
What is your studio like?
We now have a studio at home in our garden that we have just spent the past 5 months building. It’s a wonderful light and airy space, white walls and floors and full of colourful fabrics, prints and handmade toys!

Jane Foster cat apple plush
If you could see into the studio of any artist (dead or alive) who would you choose and why?
Probably Henry Mattise – I love his use of colour, especially his huge collages like his famous ‘Snail’. I think he seemed like a wonderful, interesting character and I would love to have a snoop around his studio!

Jane Foster Miffy cushion
You have produced a few products using the classic children’s character Miffy. What appealed to you about this character? And why did you choose to use it in your designs?
I grew up with Miffy books and started to collect them. Over the last ten years, I was lucky enough to source several pairs of Miffy curtains from Holland dating from the 70s. I made some cushions and bags for my daughter and a few friends and more recently, started to sell some of these items on my Etsy shop. I have always loved the simplicity of Dick Bruna’s Miffy books and think he has a real skill at not making his work too complicated. I love his simple use of outline and colour and think he’s a genius to create a character who seems timeless and is still incredibly popular today all over the world. I really enjoy combining Miffy fabric with my own fabric and 70s vintage fabrics to create purses, bags and cushions. I’ve been fortunate to sign a contract with Miffy headquarters to allow me to sell handmade Miffy items. It’s Miffy’s 60th Birthday this year so I shall be making 60 limited edition items to sell in July!

Jane Foster creative craft with kids
You have recently released your second book Creative Craft With Kids. Can you tell us a bit more about it and what inspired you to write it?
I was fortunate enough to sign a 3 book deal and this was my second one. My first book Fun With Fabric was really for adults so I thought it would be great to make my second book dedicated to projects to make with and for kids. My daughter is now 7 so I’ve had plenty of experience being creative with her these past few years so wanted to share some of my enthusiasm and ideas with others.

Jane Foster 123
Finally, what is next for Jane Foster? Any creative projects or future goals you would like to mention?
I’ve the first of my 2 pre-school children’s books out this May which is very exciting. A 123 book and an ABC book. These are published by Templar. My designs are going to be added to kitchen textiles, placemats, coasters, fine bone china mugs and glasses. These are produced by the company Make International. I’m also working on some secret commissions for next Christmas which you will discover towards the end of the year.

Shop Jane Foster products here, and see more on her blog here.

Categories ,60th Birthday, ,Alain Gree, ,Author, ,Creative Craft With Kids, ,Devon, ,Dick Bruna, ,etsy, ,Fun With Fabric, ,Greg McIndoe, ,Habitat, ,Heals, ,Henry Mattise, ,illustrator, ,Jane Foster, ,laura ashley, ,Lucienne Day, ,Make International, ,Marimekko, ,Miffy, ,Pinterest, ,Scandinavian design, ,Templar, ,Textile Designer

Similar Posts: