It seems like ages since my last etsy shop post but it was only last month!
I've got another lovely interview for you all today and this time its the turn of Genine Delahaye.
Genine is a freelance graphic designer specialising in childresnwear, home and stationery design, and in her etsy shop, creates beautiful, happy artwork for kids and has recently added some super yummy pieces, so what better time to have a little gander over there..
Ooh and with Christmas looming, they could make lovely pressies for your little ones bedrooms.
Here we go, get that cuppa and a cheeky little biscuit, or muffin, or fruit cake, ooh anything that takes your fancy really, and lets get to know Genine.
1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background...
I have always been creative from a very young age, I loved drawing and painting as a child and art was always a subject I excelled in at school, unlike maths!
My journey to becoming a designer has been a long and hard one.
I did not follow my heart, after school I listened to my head and decided it was best for me to get a 'proper' job.
I kind of fell into an administration position and before I knew it I was working as a PA for my local council.
I was very unhappy in my job, as I knew something was missing and it wasn't until a holiday to Jamaica in 2008 that I realised what it was.
I missed that thrill I got from producing pretty pictures!
I wanted a job that felt natural to me.
I decided that life was too short to be stuck doing something I didn't love.
I set my mind on working my way into the industry, which was hard considering I had no qualifications in design, only my own self-belief that I could do the job.
I started by taking a position as a studio manager at a childrenswear design studio in London.
Over the years I tried to absorb everything I saw like a sponge until a few years ago when I decided to put it all into practice and start designing myself.
I haven't looked back since! :-)
My journey to becoming a designer has been a long and hard one.
I did not follow my heart, after school I listened to my head and decided it was best for me to get a 'proper' job.
I kind of fell into an administration position and before I knew it I was working as a PA for my local council.
I was very unhappy in my job, as I knew something was missing and it wasn't until a holiday to Jamaica in 2008 that I realised what it was.
I missed that thrill I got from producing pretty pictures!
I wanted a job that felt natural to me.
I decided that life was too short to be stuck doing something I didn't love.
I set my mind on working my way into the industry, which was hard considering I had no qualifications in design, only my own self-belief that I could do the job.
I started by taking a position as a studio manager at a childrenswear design studio in London.
Over the years I tried to absorb everything I saw like a sponge until a few years ago when I decided to put it all into practice and start designing myself.
I haven't looked back since! :-)
2. Who are your design heroes and how do you stay inspired?
Ohhh so many its hard to choose!
I would say the big ones that stand out for me are Orla Kiely, Helen Dardik and Jillian Phillips.
All have a strong, individual style which I very much admire.
I would say the big ones that stand out for me are Orla Kiely, Helen Dardik and Jillian Phillips.
All have a strong, individual style which I very much admire.
3.What books/ magazines are currently on your coffee table?
I have a few reference books, print and pattern, lilla rogers - I just like to make things etc...but I find most of my inspiration online to be honest.
I love pintrest and its the first place I visit before starting a new print.
I love pintrest and its the first place I visit before starting a new print.
4. What are your top three blogs?
1. http://pop-i-cok.blogspot.co.uk by Dawn Machell an amazing designer and a lovely lady who I use to work with back in the day in London.
2. http://www.printpattern.blogspot.com just for the vast amount of gorgeous eye candy
3. http://orangeyoulucky.blogspot.co.uk by one of my design favourites Helen Dardik.
2. http://www.printpattern.blogspot.com just for the vast amount of gorgeous eye candy
3. http://orangeyoulucky.blogspot.co.uk by one of my design favourites Helen Dardik.
5. Away from etsy, youre a freelance designer/illustrator specialising in childrenswear, stationery and homeware, working with an array of clients. What do you enjoy designing for the most and what’s the most rewarding/favourite thing about being a designer?
What a fab question :-) I love all areas! working with the children's markets allows me to create fun, bright, happy prints across the board.
I love creating cheerful prints that help to put a smile on people's face's.
One of my favourite things about being a designer is seeing the finished product on a shelf in a store.
It feels me with such a sense of achievement to think "I drew that'.
I love creating cheerful prints that help to put a smile on people's face's.
One of my favourite things about being a designer is seeing the finished product on a shelf in a store.
It feels me with such a sense of achievement to think "I drew that'.
6. Tell us about a typical day for you...
Every day is different depending on the project, which is one of the things I love about my job!
One day I could be working on illustrations for children's clothes and the next I could be designing anything from wall art to bolt fabric.
One day I could be working on illustrations for children's clothes and the next I could be designing anything from wall art to bolt fabric.
7. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?
I start by having a little clear up of my work area, which helps me to focus on the task at hand.
Secondly TEA! Couldn't start my day without it :-)
then I give myself about 20 minutes or so to look at material online and gather my own ideas about what I want to do, which direction I want to take the print in.
Once I decide on a idea, I start sketching things out ready to be scanned.
When I have a digital draft on my computer I can start playing around with the icons, re-drawing them if needed and neatening them up.
I would then play around with the finished icons and try different arrangements until I'm happy with the print.
Secondly TEA! Couldn't start my day without it :-)
then I give myself about 20 minutes or so to look at material online and gather my own ideas about what I want to do, which direction I want to take the print in.
Once I decide on a idea, I start sketching things out ready to be scanned.
When I have a digital draft on my computer I can start playing around with the icons, re-drawing them if needed and neatening them up.
I would then play around with the finished icons and try different arrangements until I'm happy with the print.
8. What art do you have on your wall?
I have some of my own artwork, as well as illustrations/prints from Etsy and lovely vintage bootfair finds!
9. What makes you laugh?
My husband and daughter :-) also adventure time with Finn and Jake :-)
10. How has 2014 been for you so far? Any exciting projects? Any big plans coming up that you can share with us, etc..?
After a rocky start and having to take some time off at the beginning of the year for health reasons, I can honestly say its been really really good! things have been getting better and better for me, iv worked with lots of new clients and made some bonds for future work. I've also seen lots of the work I did last year hit the shops which has been amazing. I can also reveal an exclusive and share for the first time that I am currently working on my own fabric collection with Dashwood Studio's. Such an exciting time for me and I am enjoying every second of it!
Thanks to Genine for taking the time to be part of the etsy interviews.
You can follow her here;
x x x
