CWC event recap: Marimekko day trip

While our regular CWC events involving presentations, panel discussions, intimate conversations and (of course) plenty of socialising are always a hit, in late May, CWC Melbourne hit the road for something a little different. We hired a bus and hit the road to Bendigo Art Gallery for some in-the-flesh inspiration in the form of a retrospective of the work of Finnish textile and fashion design house, Marimekko.

After an early start, we hit the road on a two-hour bus trip, providing ample opportunity to connect and catch up with fellow creative lady travellers (and one very cute baby boy), and take in the sights of the countryside. A couple of hours later we landed in Bendigo. You could also call it temporary Marimekko-land, with many of the main street retail shops' windows proudly showing off bright colours and bold prints.

On arrival, we were treated to a special talk by the gallery, sharing the history of Marimekko. Despite most of our group considering themselves keen fans, many had no idea that the textile icon began life as a failed oil cloth design and manufacturing business. Viljo Ratia had enlisted his wife, Armi, to help design prints for the cloths. While the business ultimately did not succeed, they saw the opportunity to pivot and turn it into a textile house. A great lesson in how failure can lead to success! And also how women's creativity can play a big role!

After learning more about the history, including how Jacqui Kennedy helped crack the American market when she wore Marimekko while accompanying JFK on the campaign trail while the was a presidential candidate, we were set loose on the gallery to take it all in.

The exhibition itself included an extensive array of Marimekko's original textiles and garments from its beginnings in 1949 to today, as well as other amazing remnants from their history such as hand drawn concept development sketches for the company's logo.

One of the most striking experiences for me was discovering that prints I assumed to be vintage were actually designed in recent years, and vice versa, highlighting the timeless unique nature of Marimekko's designs.

The day included a picnic lunch enjoyed under crisp blue skies, with refreshments from Remedy Kombucha. Most of us also squeezed in a wander around the centre of Bendigo to make the most of the road trip.

By the time we arrived back in Melbourne, the skies were dark, but my heart and mind were certainly feeling very bright and inspired. 

Phoebe Miller is a member of the CWC Board. Her professional background covers experience in marketing and communications for the corporate, arts and not-for-profit sectors. She also ran her own creative side project, designing and making accessories under the moniker Simply Phoebe. Follow her on Instagram (@simplyphoebe).

Image credits: Samantha Jayaweera

Interview with Claire Harris, Filmmaker

When we heard about a recently released independent film called Zelos, made by a majority female crew, we were intrigued. We figured our members and followers would be too, so we had a chat to the woman behind it all, Claire Harris.

Like many creative pursuits, the career path of a filmmaker never seems straightforward. Tell us a little about the journey that led to where you are now?

My journey was particularly unusual - prior to making Zelos I'd never worked in the industry, never made a short film and never even set foot on a film set. After finishing my degree in film, I went travelling for ten years, working in various odd jobs in different countries and backpacking in between. I 've written travel articles and short stories but I wanted to write a screenplay. I returned to Australia to study at the Australian Film Television and Radio School where I met the director. It was never my intention to produce a film, but we just decided to go ahead and make it ourselves. 

Without giving away any spoilers, what is your film, Zelos, is about?

In a nutshell, it explores the aftermath of an affair and the corrosive effect of jealousy on a relationship. It's about a couple in their thirties - the girlfriend Sarah returns from an overseas holiday, and her boyfriend Bernard finds out she has been unfaithful while she was away. To save the relationship, she insists that he also sleep with someone else. He has to decide whether to go through with the infidelity - and if he does, then with who?

What was the inspiration behind the film?

I get asked a lot if it's based on a true story... The events didn't unfold in my life the way they do in the film, but when I started writing it I was in a long term relationship and I was thinking about the way that every couple has to navigate jealousy one way or another. It doesn't mean that there's always infidelity, but when you've been with someone a long time, you'd be lying if you said you didn't at least think about the possibilities. The more I talked to other people about this, especially couples in their thirties who are thinking seriously about their future with their partner, the more I realised that everyone had a story to tell on this theme.

The film is written and directed by women, but centres around a male protagonist. How do you think this impacts the story and the way it is told?

The approach to the main character's journey and even the look and feel of the film would probably be quite different (our cinematographer is also a woman). But I find it very hard to generalise, as no two people would write, direct or shoot this film in the same way - no matter what gender they are. I'm often asked why I wrote a male protagonist, and it makes me wonder whether men who write female protagonists get asked about it to the same extent. But I'm keen to write more female-centred stories in the future, because I realise the importance of redressing the imbalance.

Zelos film still

In addition to the writer and director, most of the crew were also women. Is this unusual in the industry and if so, how do you think it impacted the filmmaking process?

I've never really worked in the industry, but from what I've heard this is very unusual! We didn't necessarily set out to have a majority-female crew, but starting with a female writer/director/producing team, we found that the project naturally seemed to attract other women. I think this created a pretty unique dynamic on the set, working with a mostly-female team.

What is the best advice you have ever received, and what is the one piece of advice you would offer to a young female filmmaker?

I'm fortunate enough to have a mentor in the industry who gives me ongoing encouragement, support and advice. One of the most important things I've learned is to keep things in perspective and remember that your first film is for making mistakes and growing from the experience... The advice I always give is to be extremely careful who you work with. Filmmaking is a very intense and stressful process, it's a lot of hard work and it takes a long time. Trust your gut instincts and choose people who are in it for the long haul because the last thing you want is to be left doing all the work by yourself. And for god's sake, don't listen to the people who tear you down.

What project are you working on or do you hope to work on next?

Now that my producing role on Zelos is winding down, I'm excited about having more time just to focus on writing again. I'm working on a bunch of writing projects : including developing my next screenplay with a producer, and finishing up some prose writing that I had to put on hold for the film.

Claire Harris

What are you or have you recently enjoyed…

• Watching? Lovesong - written & directed by So Yong Kim

• Reading? Half of a Yellow Sun - by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

• Listening to? Anything by Mercedes Sosa

Which female creatives inspire you right now?

When I grow up, I want to be Miranda July. I love that she writes across various forms: films, novels, short stories, and always stays true to her own wacky style. 

Closer to home, I recently met Melbourne-based actor/writer/director Saara Lamberg and am absolutely in awe of her tenacity.

How can people find out more about the film and where to see it?

For a sneak peek, catch the trailer here. For details of our upcoming digital release, check our
website or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

CWC Spotlight: Rhonda Pryor, visual artist

Last month we introduced a new monthly feature in which we profile one of our amazing CWC members. Following from our interview with long-time member Louise Jones, we thought it would be fitting to turn the spotlight onto a brand-new member. We hope you’ll love learning about Rhonda Pryor, her work and her creative path as much as we did!

What do you do or make?

I make 2 and 3D artwork and installations in which used textiles are often a feature. My work always relates to memory in some way, and sometimes I include photography in the mix somewhere. I find memory a limitless source of possibility. I also teach workshops.

What was the path you followed to doing what you do now?

I originally trained in fashion design, worked in the industry for several years, and then studied painting and photography at the College of Fine Arts (now UNSW Art and Design). It wasn’t until returning to university to do my Masters of Fine Art that my choice of medium changed (or, more accurately, returned) to textiles. It was then I found my interests really lay in ideas of time, and how we interpret memory. Textile is the perfect medium for this.

What does a typical day involve for you?

After duly processing and dispatching the family, I generally do a bit of email catch-up in my pyjamas before getting some exercise out of the way. Family admin follows, and then I’ll typically re-jig my to-do list and get down to writing (proposals, workshops, etc.) or continue working in the studio on whatever I’m involved in. I tend to get bogged down in research but once I’m in studio mode it’s hard to stop. I find it difficult to manage studio time, teaching, admin and all the other stuff that goes along with running an art practice. Somehow it all gets done, though. Evenings are generally taken up with family stuff but I do tend to continue with some writing, research or studio work in between.

What have been one or two favourite recent projects or commissions?  

I had the most amazing residency in Japan in 2016 (funded by a grant from the Australia Council for the Arts), learning about indigo, shibori dye methods, silk harvesting and making, and antique Japanese textiles. It really resonated with my practice of employing used fabric into my work, sifting through notions of memory and personal and cultural value.

Detail of Armchair Critic, by Rhonda Pryor

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your work? 

Not trying to be perfect. In fact, I’ve learned to value imperfection more and more. I’ve always loved wonky, odd or mismatched things. Now I have an outlet for it! In any case, trying to be perfect only clams you up, stifles your creativity and makes you a miserable stress-head. Use your mistakes as a method of discovery, another way to do things, a different direction, a new product…

What are your plans for the future?

I’d like to manage my time better so I can spend more time making in the studio. I’m always looking for time management tools to help in this regard. After much trial and error, I think I’m at last getting some procedures in order that (thankfully) work for me and my lifestyle. I’m also working toward more exhibitions and artist residencies.

What are you or have you recently enjoyed...

...watching?   The Crown, The Handmaid’s Tale. Completely sucked in.
...reading?   Working Class Man, Working Class Boy, Alone in Berlin, The Last Girl. I lean toward nonfiction, or fiction based on reality.
...listening to?  Radio National interviews. The radio is always on, unless I have serious thinking to do and need silence to hear myself think. My husband has the most amazing musical ear so we have lots of styles we listen to, but in the studio it’s Radio National.

Can you list for us your top resources across any media for creative inspiration? 

In print media, Selvedge Magazine. Online, it’s Trend Tablet, Garland Magazine, Hiut Denim’s newsletter. All full of inspiring stuff.

What drew you to become a member of CWC?

I wanted to mingle with like-minded individuals with a view to possible collaborations, expanding my profile and gathering business tips and ideas.

What is the best advice you have ever received, and what is the one piece of advice you would offer to a young artist, maker or designer?

Mistakes are learning tools. Learn from them and find a way to use them to your advantage. Also, trust your own judgment. If you believe it’s good, it is. It’s your vision, not someone else’s. That said, always be receptive to constructive criticism. You can choose to reject it but always listen. Listening is underrated.

To learn more about Rhonda and her work, visit www.rhondapryor.com and www.rhondapryor.wordpress.com.

Phoebe Miller is a member of the CWC Board. Her professional background covers experience in marketing and communications for the corporate, arts and not-for-profit sectors. She also ran her own creative side project, designing and making accessories under the moniker Simply Phoebe. Follow her on Instagram (@simplyphoebe).

CWC spotlight: Louise Jones, textile designer

We know our readers love to learn about other women’s creative lives and journeys. So, we thought it would be fitting to introduce a regular interview series shining the spotlight on our very own creative ladies: our CWC Members!

Louise Fernando

We’re kicking off with Louise Jones, a textile designer from the Dandenongs in Melbourne who has been a CWC Member since 2012. Enjoy the interview! If you’re keen to learn more about Louise, don’t forget to check out her CWC Member Profile.

What do you do or make?

I specialise in original artwork for fabric, wallpaper, interiors and soft furnishings. I use a combination of different mediums in my practice, including watercolour illustrations and my own original photography.

What was the path you followed to doing what you do now?

After graduating with a Bachelor in Communication Design in 2007, I started my career in a boutique design studio. I soon realised my passion was illustration and pattern design as I was doing a lot of illustrative designs for retail and hospitality clients.

In 2010, I took the plunge into freelancing doing traditional graphic design work, whilst trying to work out how to break into pattern design industry specialising in interiors. My friend, Shelley Steer (a textile designer/illustrator), and I were becoming frustrated with the limited opportunities, so we decided to create our own pattern designs. We started a Tumblr blog called A Side Project, where we posted one pattern per month based on a monthly theme, along with developmental work and other inspirational posts. Some of my pattern designs gained recognition and I started to receive commissions from big companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch. Whilst working on other exciting commissions and other collaborations, I was building my own pattern library, which allowed me to follow my dreams of creating my own textile range specialising in interiors.

What does a typical day involve for you?

There is no typical day for me, as I manage parenting and running a business. I’m extremely fortunate to have a supportive family, which allows me two days a week in my studio. I aim to do all my creative work and planning on my ‘studio days’, whilst leaving all admin/emails for nighttime or whenever I can steal a few minutes during my parenting days. I like to visit local gardens and galleries during the week with my young daughter, Grace, as she also loves to discover new flowers and explore new spaces.

What have been one or two favourite recent projects or commissions?

Launching my new website, logo and online store along with a new fabric design, Dreamscape. I worked with some very talented people to launch my website, including Dylan McDonough, Atelier Upholstery and CWC members Martina Gemmola and Ruth Welsby (dream team!). I worked with Martina and Ruth to shoot some bespoke furniture pieces I had sourced to launch the Dreamscape design. The furniture pieces ranged from art deco to mid-century styles, all upholstered in Dreamscape colourways, along with ottomans and cushions. It was such a treat to work with other talented creatives on the launch of my website and online store. I have learnt that a lot of planning, sourcing, and general work goes into creating products and selling them online.

Dreamscape Copper cushion, by Louise Jones Design

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your work?

Understanding licensing and setting up proper agreements and contracts with clients has been the biggest learning curve for me. I have learnt to not undervalue your work and time, because not only does it affect your own creative work but it also impacts others in the creative industry.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m expecting a big year with my second baby arriving in March, so it will be a bit tricky working out new routines with family and work life. I plan to continue promoting and building my textile range in the interiors world by collaborating with other creatives, branching out overseas with international representation, adding a wallpaper range, sourcing more vintage pieces to showcase my fabric, and maintaining an online store of cushions and other soft furnishings. I’m also planning to put a dream project of mine into action later in the year, which is to collaborate with a furniture maker to create custom furniture pieces featuring my textile range.

Glass pendant lamp featuring Louise's Tropical design digitally printed on glass panels, designed by Italian industrial designer Francesco Favaretto for Italian lighting company Torremato.

What are you or have you recently enjoyed…

• Watching? Shameless, Fargo (all seasons), Narcos

• Reading? The Handmaid’s Tale

• Listening to? Arcade Fire, Whitney Houston (my 3-year-old daughter is obsessed)
  

Can you list for us your top resources across any media that you turn to when you’re in a need of creative inspiration?

• Instagram: I’m finding a lot of inspirations from contemporary florists, interior designers, stylists and furniture makers.

• Design magazines like Vogue Living, Architectural Digest, Belle and Habitus Living.

• Design blogs such as Sight Unseen and Design Milk
  

What is the best advice you have ever received, and what is the one piece of advice you would offer to a young artist, maker or designer?

Don’t be afraid to say no to paid jobs or projects that won’t lead you to your dream job, as it will only hold you back and delay you from doing the work you want to do. It took me a while to learn this, but once it became clear as to what I really wanted to do, I started to verbalise my dream job out loud to others as a way of making a public commitment. This made it easier to decline projects that weren’t aligned to where I wanted to go with my work.

What do you enjoy or value most about being a CWC member?

I love the speaker events. I find those afternoons to be such a great inspiration to hear the speaker's stories, and what works and doesn't work for them. And just catching up with familiar faces afterwards and having the opportunity to meet new creatives. 

To learn more about Louise and her work, visit her CWC Member Profile, her website and her wholesale textiles gallery.

Phoebe Miller is a member of the CWC Board. Her professional background covers experience in marketing and communications for the corporate, arts and not-for-profit sectors. She also ran her own creative side project, designing and making accessories under the moniker Simply Phoebe. Follow her on Instagram (@simplyphoebe).

Photo of Louise Fernando by Sarah Collins from Work & Co Photograph

8 tips for market stall success

CWC Member Susie Monte with her Drunk on Water market stall. Photo by Elize Strydom

Throughout the history of the CWC blog, some of our most popular content has been posts about planning and running market stalls. It makes complete sense, as many of our amazing members and followers are makers, designers and artists who sell (or aspire to sell) their wares at markets.

Given that we are about to roll into peak pre-Christmas market time, it's a good time to revisit some tips from our archives for those about to dive head-first into market mayhem.

This first instalment is based on a previous CWC blog post by Monica Ng, the jeweller behind Geometric Skies. Monica shared her top tips for market selling, gathered from participating in everything from outdoor weekly markets at Bondi Beach and Kirribilli through to major event markets like The Finders Keepers and special showcases run by Etsy and the L'Oreal Fashion Festival.

1. Think about your display.

Dedicate time to considering how you want to set out your work. This is especially important if there’ll be a lot of other stallholders selling similar types of items, like jewellery. I’ve seen a lot of jewellery designers lay their pieces flat on tables, which may make it difficult for customers walking by to see the work from afar.

Ask yourself: how can my display be different from those of other stallholders? Can you arrange it at different levels? Use busts? Racks? Trees? If you sell products that are worn on the body, consider using a mannequin, so customers can see from afar how it looks and fits. 

Now consider: will you buy these props or will you construct them? What materials will they be made from? What do these materials say about your brand?

Try to be consistent and use the same materials to display your goods, as this gives your shop a cleaner and more cohesive look.

How will you display your shop’s logo? Laser cut on acrylic, wood or another material? Painted or printed on canvas? Wooden or metal letters? Time for some DIY fun?

Will you bring your own table or will you hire one? If you’re using a tablecloth, make sure it’s wrinkle free.

2. Bring marketing materials. 

What if the customer doesn’t buy your product right away, but wants to show it to her friend before making a decision? How will she find your work again? Or what if she does buy it and wants to share your work with friends and family?

Be sure to bring business cards, postcards, a email list sign-up sheet or ipad, branded packaging, or even an iPad or laptop with photos of your work and a slideshow of press clippings. These are all great ways to promote your stall. If you need help designing these, perhaps a CWC member in graphic design can assist!

Printing business cards doesn’t have to be expensive. There are inexpensive online options such as Moo, Vistaprint and Print Together. If you simply upload your design, they’ll print it and post it straight to you.

Market stall by CWC member, Alice Legendre for Paris Bourke , her Australian Map board game.

3. Tell everyone about your event! 

Tell your friends, family and colleagues. Even if you think they won’t ever buy from you, they may refer people who will. Let your existing customers know, too!

Publicise your event through all available channels such as your social media, website or blog, and email newsletter and of course, word of mouth!

4. Be a “yes” person and set up future sales.

Is the size of your product too big, too small, too short or too long for your customer? Offer the option to customise.

At the market, consider offering free shipping or a discount coupon to customers for their next purchase.

Running a competition can help direct traffic and add new followers to your blog, mailing list and social media channels. Consider tactics like collaborating with a relevant social media influencer to help increase your outreach.

5. Be prepared for all weather conditions.

Consider yourself a scout and always be prepared.

If the market is outdoors, bring:

• warm clothes, hat, sunblock

• snacks/drinks so if you're super busy and can't duck away, you have something to keep you going

• a chair to take a load off when you get a chance!

• sandbags if using a gazebo (in case it gets windy)

Another version of Susie Monte's market stall set up for Drunk on Water.

6. Pack ahead!

Pack the night before (or even earlier) to save yourself a freak-out the morning of the event. Use the checklist below so you’re not kicking yourself at the event for forgetting something.

• Stationery/admin: blu-tack, pen, notebook, measuring tape, screwdrivers, drill, receipt book, bull clips, plastic bags, duct or masking tape

• Sales: sufficient change in your float, eftpos/ credit card facility if using, mobile phone, phone charger

• Furniture and accessories: tables, chairs, trolley, gazebo, sand bags

• Props/display: stands, mannequins, table cloth, signage, business card holder and extra business cards, price tags, mailing list sign-up sheet, packaging

• Enough stock to sell: always better to take too much than too little!.

• Personal: mini first-aid kit, snacks/drinks, hat, sunblock, warm clothes, umbrella

7. Network with other stallholders.

Get to know your neighbours and become friends! Gather business cards and/or follow them on socials straight away so you can remain in contact after the event. Building your creative community can be so rewarding and you never know when a collaboration opportunity might pop up! 

8. Have fun. 

Sometimes market days are so c-r-a-z-y, the day is over before you know it. Congratulations! That means sales were probably good! On other days, you may not do as well as you hoped. Despite what it may seem, every market stall holder has had that experience. Try to stay positive and enjoy the experience regardless, and apply what you've learnt to the next one.

Good luck!