Wednesday 29 July 2009

5.1 / Money changes everything / Stuart Semple

What: Artist
Where: London, United Kingdom
Website: stuartsemple.com

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His thing…
I’m really interested in pictures and images – the possibilities of how they can be made and what impact they have on the world. Drawing and painting are my things really but I’m also into design and crossover stuff. And I love music too.
In particular…
There’s a solo show in October in Hong Kong. I’m making some new paintings for it and I have a few commissions going on. I’m working on a collaboration with The Prodigy at the moment. I hope to have it done in a couple of months – the artwork goes with a track off their new album called ‘Thunder’. I’m working on my next article for Art of England magazine and trying to do some more critical writing, just for myself. I’m working on designs for another large public work too.

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Day in the life…
Well, we’ve just had a little boy so I’m trying to spend as much time as I can with him, and when I’m not doing that I’m in the studio carrying on with my work.

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Geography and history…
I was born in Bournemouth and was quite a quiet kid. I spent all my time drawing and making things. I was always impatient and easily bored. I had a great, loving family and was very close to my grandfather, who I made things with, and my grandmother who painted. I went to a catholic school and after a decade or so of that, I realised that the belief system wasn’t for me. I went to art school and did advanced art and design. I left with a distinction and then moved on to Bretton Hall at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. I focused on painting and printmaking although a lot of people wanted me to go the Mac design route, because in those days you could get paid well doing that. While at Bretton, I got very ill and was hospitalised for a while. I made it through that experience but it was a close call and took me several months to get over.

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Then I started making very different works (compared to what I was doing before, at least) and I was selling them on eBay. I sold a few a day. Then I started working with other young artists in the North of England (I lived near Leeds at the time). Eventually I moved back to Bournemouth, into a studio and started making more works. I had my first show in the west end when I was 21 and that went well so I carried on. In 2004, my friend Anthony d’Offay (the art dealer) suggested that I move to London, so I did and I’ve been here ever since.

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Unconventional learning…
I sort of learnt as I went along. I think I’ve made a lot of mistakes, which is the best way. I also read a lot of books. I used to live next door to a Borders and I would go in there every morning for at least two hours. I’d sit there and read as much as I could. I could quickly spot any new magazine or book that arrived. I did this for three years religiously. I read the entire marketing section, the whole thing from left to right. I also read a lot of the spirituality section and flicked through every fashion, lifestyle and design magazine. I think
I learned the most in the time that I spent there. I still go into Borders now and read but only twice a week because it’s a bit of a walk.

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Art vs science...
I was always quite frustrated and hyperactive. I had to be doing something all the time. I was always drawing or making things. As a teenager, I was good at school – just as good at the sciences as I was at the arts, so I was very torn about what to do. I think right up until the last minute I could have gone either way. But if you look at my school exercise books they are basically sketchbooks. I think I’m less frustrated now because I have more resources to realise the stuff I’m thinking but overall I don’t think I’ve changed much besides being a lot hairier.

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Doing it for love…
I never really thought about being good at it, I just knew that I enjoyed it and it felt right. It always felt like I was doing what I was supposed to. I guess I was encouraged, which I’m very grateful for. I won a few competitions as a kid too. I got to switch the Christmas lights on one year with the mayor because I won an art prize. I won a few things with my pictures. I was better at being on my own and daydreaming and doodling than I was with other kids, say, playing sport or something.

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Ups and downs...
I like the challenge of it and strangely I like the struggle with the work itself. I love coming up with new ideas and working away until they're finished. I don’t like the social aspects of the art scene. I don’t really like private views. I hate eating out. I don’t like the hustle of it all and having to sell my work.
Home sweet home…
I think growing up in Bournemouth is strange. There are two sides to it. There are all the old people – exactly how you would picture them being – and then there’s also a very affluent younger scene too. There are some very rich people and a lot of entrepreneurs. I think because it’s a closed community to an extent, there are a lot of people there that have become big fish in a little pond. So you’d see the stereotypical status symbols around. There are also pretty rough neighbourhoods, drug problems, crime and all the rest of it too. So it was clear to me when I was growing up that there were only two ways you could go and I
obviously wanted the more favourable one. That desire motivated me. It became apparent that there was no real culture in Bournemouth, apart from music, which is strangely vibrant. Quite a few good bands have come out of there and it’s a destination for some pretty good DJ’s too. I think if you’re born in Bournemouth and you want to be an artist you need to achieve some sort of success so you can leave. I miss it though. My family is there.

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Day in his life…
It’s busy. I’m managing the studio so I make lists of what I want to happen. I sometimes have meetings. I paint as much as I can, obviously. I’m up at seven and I do all my computer work 'til about nine then at 10.30 the assistants arrive. Works might be being shipped out. I could be working on proposals, designing things, writing. By Friday I’m normally exhausted. The assistants leave at 6.30 and I work through 'til about 11pm with a supper break.

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Confidence kick-start…
Initially I could have gone in a totally different direction. I could have been a doctor or something. At one stage I really wanted to be a paediatrician so my family were forcing me in that direction, after all this was before the YBA (Young Britsh Artist) thing so the main artist example for them was Van Gogh and that’s not the sort of life you want for your child. I can definitely see that now, after having one of my own.

I think to an extent there was a motivation in me to prove them wrong, to make art and to show I could make a go of it. They always encouraged me with making pictures, even though they might not have thought I could make a living from it, and said my work was good.

Now, because so much in my career has happened, they’re more like ‘oh that’s very nice dear’. I think they’ve become a bit immune to it all, they are very used to it.

My friends are great. I love them all. They always support me and pitch in and help. I hope they feel that I do the same. I’m very lucky with the community I’ve found myself here.
In the family…
They are all amazing. My grandad could make anything out of anything, and I’d spend as much time as I could working in his garage with him making allsorts. Weather vanes, chess sets, bird tables, magic tricks. It was brilliant! And my grandmother, on my mum’s side,
painted and had all these impressionist-style works she did. She had some amazing art books, she showed me Pissarro (who I loved) and Rodin. I was drawing from those books and playing with her art materials almost from day one. My mum got me my first set of proper paints (ones in little metal tubes) when I was about seven. I remember how happy I was. I was always surrounded by music, every kind of music and I think that influenced the way I thought about making pictures. I memorised all the lyrics and quite early on started writing words on things I was making.
Jumping over hurdles…
There’s always something, a creative hurdle like a creative block. Keeping enough momentum in the act of making things is really hard sometimes. Then there’s business type stuff, tax and deals and things. Having to raise funds for ideas or just getting into work when you’re exhausted. There were my health problems when I was younger and my shyness, which is an ongoing annoyance to me. Technical things too, with different materials, pose some challenges. Sometimes if something is being done outside the studio there are hurdles in trying to explain what I want it to be like.
Basic instincts…
I’m learning all the time. I’m not sure what the most important one is. I think one thing I’ve learned is to really trust my gut feelings and instincts. There have been times where I’ve felt very strongly that a particular thing should happen or I should do something. On those occasions I have let logic or other people talk me out of it and each time I’ve made a big mistake by doing that. Sometimes when this happens it sounds and looks completely irrational but in retrospect it would have been the right course of action. I think I’ve learned the hard way to trust my hunches.
Heroes…
Not particularly. I collect music, and I collect images in huge amounts. Massive amounts. I have heroes that I’m obsessed with and I need to read about them or have anything to do with them. Cyndi Lauper is a huge one, I’m fanatical. Then Conor Oberst, Bob Dylan and John Lennon.
Truly inspiring…
There’s music, which I find mostly via word of mouth or particular blogs that I like because I know the writers are on a similar wavelength to me, magazines (I still go through all of them) music videos, Borders, iTunes and blogs.
A friend indeed…
Hockney is a big inspiration. He talks about the process of making pictures in a way I identify with a lot. I think all my friends in one way or another inspire me. All of them are doing their thing, whatever it is. I love to hear the stories of people’s lives because I’m very much just keeping to myself in the studio. I love it if someone has travelled or has some kind of gossip. My heroes have inspired me a lot – a whole heap of artists actually – Twombly, Polke, Rauschenberg.

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A few favourites…
My friend Ken has this blog This Heart's On Fire I love it! Ken and I have similar tastes in things so it’s a great place to find out about stuff that I’m going to be into. Slamxhype is good too and Facebook/Twitter to keep in touch with what’s going on with people I care about, which is most interesting to me to see what’s going on.
Time to unwind…
I meditate and I like to exercise. I’ve not been to the gym for a while because I’m balancing the little one with work time and it’s still very early days. I love reading, normally things relating to spirituality. I love a hot bath and music television. I’m also a big DVD collector. I love films. I’m also a bit of a gossiper on the phone.

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Back to the future…
I’ve made so many stupid mistakes. But I don’t regret them really. You’ve got to go through what you’ve got to go through to end up where you are. There are a few personal memories that are sore points but we’ve all got those though I’m sure.

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Big goals…
To spend as much time with my son as possible and to keep making, keep pushing along doing what I’m doing.
Day dreaming…
In my dream life, I have a house in the country, not flash but comfortable, with a barn at the bottom of the garden to paint in, a few dogs, some long walks, a couple of kids and a treehouse to meditate in.

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Starting from scratch…
If I wasn't an artist, maybe I’d be a paediatrician, perhaps a graphic/editorial designer or I could have run a record label – I still might.
Advice…
Keep doing it, every day counts. You can use today to build on what you did yesterday and if you do that long enough you’ll find yourself in a different place. You should defiantly follow what your gut is telling you. You should be yourself, find your own language, your own vocabulary. Never ever, EVER make stuff just for the money no matter how bad it gets. And never believe you’re not any good at it.

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Monday 27 July 2009

6.1 / Sustainably stylish / Tamasyn Gambell

What: Printed textile designer
Where: London, United Kingdom
Website: Tamasyn Gambell

Tamasyn
The Gambell…
I am a printed textile designer and run my own eco luxury brand, which sells fashion accessories and notebooks. I graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2005 and moved to Paris where I worked as a freelance textile designer at several couture houses. I then moved to Stockholm where I worked as a print designer for H&M. After six months there, I realised it wasn’t for me and moved back to the UK where I went about starting my own company.
Why textiles…
I always thought that I would study fashion design but during my foundation year in art and design I discovered screen printing. As soon as I picked up a squeegee I knew I wanted to be a print designer. I love the physical element of it and the way it makes you directly involved with the fabric.

After seeing Chelsea College Of Art with its huge print tables (it’s still the most wonderful print room I’ve ever worked in) I knew I had to study there. It was amazing being able to experiment with all the different processes and the unpredictability of screen printing that appealed to me.

Tamasyn
What, where…
I grew up in Earls Court in London which is home to many a colorful character. I think being part of such a multicultural and diverse environment has had a huge impact on me. Everyone was so different and I grew up with adults who hadn’t necessarily followed a traditional career path.

London also has some of the best design schools so I think this made my life choices clearer. I always went to the graduate shows at the Royal College with my dad and knew quite early on that I wanted to do an MA there.
Mama and Father…
My mother is French and my father English so we spent all our holidays with family in Paris or Normandy. I think part of the reason I wanted to work in Paris was to explore that side of my heritage – I’ve always wondered if I would have been different if I’d grown up in France.

Having a glamorous French grandmother definitely got me interested in fashion from a young age. She would have loved the fact that I have my own scarf company.

Tamasyn

My family is an intriguing bunch. My mother's grandparents were anarchists – her grandmother ran away from the south of France to Paris where she rallied and marched for equal rights and was legendary for being able to tango on a coffee table in the bar she worked in.

Her parents were communists during the war and my grandfather was imprisoned in a concentration camp for his beliefs. He had amazing strength of character and survived four years. He was well known for whistling famous operas to keep the other inmates spirits up. My father’s grandparents were famous opera singers who toured Europe and were friends with Toulouse Lautrec. My father's mother was a twin born in Chile and married my grandfather who was from a very wealthy family but gambled his fortune away and died when my father was five. He was sent to a children’s home and stayed there until his many part-time jobs could buy him a plane ticket and he went travelling for years, occasionally coming back to London to work for a few months, which would further fund his travels. He was a real adventurer and loved to draw. I inherited both those loves from him.

Tamasyn

My mother was brought up on politics and literature and is a fierce intellectual. She is a very strong character and was heavily involved in the CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), taking us to marches and demonstrations in our buggies. It is from her that I get my interest in environmental issues and my stubborn nature!
Childhood…
As a child I was quite bossy and loved anything gold or lamae! My grandmother called me a ‘force de la nature’ due to my determined nature. I used to dress up a lot and wanted to be a tight rope walker so my mum advised me to start ballet lessons as they would help with my balance. I was always drawing, cooking or getting lost in my and my sister’s imaginary worlds.

I had a fantastic and happy childhood. My parents were both extremely creative and I had amazing themed birthday parties. My favourite was a circus party where my dad and his friend hired a horse suit and my mum dressed up as the circus tamer. My dad hand painted circus posters and we performed a levitation act in front of lots of bemused parents with my dad's invention – fake legs that I stuck out of a sheet, while pretending they were my real legs – creating the illusion of me floating! After the party my mum forgot her drawn-on moustache and confused the men at the petrol station when she paid for petrol while looking like Salvador Dali!
Then vs now…
As a teenager I thought I was incredibly mature. I wore a lot of black, DMs, elaborate eye make- up and was really into grunge music. A couple of friends and I ran a fanzine where we managed to blag our way into various concerts and often to interview the bands. We had a great time!

I have chilled out a lot but am still quite stubborn and ambitious. I’ve always worked hard, but can be too hard on myself.
Encouragement and approval…
My parents were really encouraging of me choosing a career in art and design and I think their backgrounds and the fact that neither of them had a traditional upbringing meant that they didn’t expect us to do the expected.

We didn’t have much money growing up and I have never been materialistic, which has let me do something I love rather than something that would make me rich.

My father grew up in a children’s home and was a really talented artist but never had the confidence or support to pursue his passion. I have memories of being a young child and watching him draw and paint and as soon as I started showing an interest in art he was very encouraging. We would always take pencils and paints on holiday with us and escape from the rest of the family to draw. As I got older we would go to art galleries together and he loved it that I went to art college. My family is quite unconventional and has always told us to follow a path that makes us happy, rather than one that makes us rich!

Tamasyn

My friends are mostly creatives too, so we all support each other. None of us ever have any money but we find creative ways of making do with what we do have!

Tamasyn
Working abroad…
I absolutely loved Paris and learnt a lot about myself while I was there. The city has a real energy to it and everyday brought something new. I was addicted to the flea markets and found some real gems on my ritual weekend jaunts.

I worked as a freelance print designer in several Couture Houses which I was really excited about. I learnt that you have to be really pushy as no one is going to come to you at first. It’s quite a fickle and elitist world that forgets you quickly. I was on the phone for at least an hour every day ringing round making appointments and hassling people. It was a real challenge as I’m quite shy and I used to have to psyche myself up and pretend I was this ultra confident person!

Stockholm was a beautiful city and I loved its quirkiness but it didn’t have the same buzz and appeal for me as Paris does. In the summer it was incredible and I lived near a huge lake and would go for runs at sunset. I was unhappy in my job and spent a lot of time questioning myself and my creativity so I felt quite raw by the end of it. I learnt that working for a commercial company can be very exciting but I felt really limited and stifled.

Swedish design however became very influential on me and I learnt a simplicity and pureness of design there, which I didn’t fully understand before.

I miss elements of both cities and could easily live in either again.
Free time…
I run my own company producing eco friendly scarves and accessories. I also work as a freelance writer for WGSN and design collections of printed fabrics for various designers in New York.

Tamasyn

In my spare time (that which is left), I love going to markets and travelling. I recently visited southern India and fell in love with it. My boyfriend and I made the trip to spend some time at the Welfare Project I work with, based in Munar and built a holiday around that. There is something about waking up somewhere different each day that I could get quite addicted to. The scenery, people and food out there blew me away! We are already planning our next trip.

I also love going to galleries, museums and the cinema and cooking really relaxes me.
Relaxing…
I love cooking and find it really therapeutic. Going running and my daily cycle to the studio keeps me sane. I can also be found in galleries, museums and cinemas or having a relaxing natter with friends.
Acquiring knowledge…
After seven years of college, I was ready to get out there and learn on my feet. Working as a freelancer in Paris taught me how to design away from the print table. I had always been very experimental and tended to neglect imagery a bit in favor of new techniques and color combos. But not having a workshop space forced me to focus on the imagery I used.

I spent loads of time researching and drawing, which I feel made my work progress a lot. I also learnt the business side of the textile industry and what it is like to be your own boss. I set time aside each morning for what I called secretary hour where I would put on my poshest voice and ring around scouting for work, and promoting myself. I’m naturally quite shy so I would dread doing this, but in the end I just pretended I was someone else and quite enjoyed it.

When I came back to London and decided to set up my own business selling scarves I attended some free business advice sessions in Deptford. This really helped me get my head around the financial and practical side of things and gave me the confidence that I needed.

The rest I have picked up along the way. The PR side of it is always tricky but I have a great placement student and together we have learnt loads about contacting press and promoting the brand.

Tamasyn
Talents and interests…
I am really interested in all elements of art and design and love seeing new things whether that’s in a gallery space or on the streets. I find London a really exciting place as there’s always something new to do and see.

I am a very talented market haggler and always manage to find something. My proudest finds have been my art deco dinner set with beautiful hand painted motifs and my vintage printed dresses which never fail to inspire me.
Taking the leap…
It’s never been a conscious path for me, things have just fallen into place. I was at a point when I couldn’t imagine working for someone else and I didn’t want to be a freelancer so it seemed logical to start my own business. I knew that people liked my designs and felt confident in myself that I could sell them and make exciting products, so I just went for it!

I think the amount of training I’ve had has really helped me. When I lived in Paris and worked as a freelancer, I had to be confident in my work as I had to sell it. I’m not naturally that confident a person, but I have always been confident in my work as I put so much into it.

I think its more the fact that I couldn’t not do what I love. It’s such a huge part of who I am and my identity that I would feel lost without it.
On the side…
I have just launched a new notebook range which I am really excited about. There are two ranges, a paper back and a hard back version. The paperback one is made using recycled card and are individually printed and bound by a young British bookbinder. Its pages are reject sheets from local printers in Holborn, all pages are plain with a blue side and a white side.

The hard back range is bound in vintage scarves which have been overprinted in our unique designs. The spines are in contrasting colours. These were bound by a family bookbinding company in Essex and use recycled paper stock from a 100 year old British paper mill.

With each range, no two notebook is the same.

Tamasyn
Hoarding…
I am a complete hoarder! I love old ceramics and my flat is filled with mismatched crockery. Anything with print, an interesting colour or texture will draw me straight to it. When I was a teenager I was really into swing and jive. I was totally obsessed with that period and took lessons in jive dancing and collected 1950s dresses and toy cars. I am currently really into old prints and packaging. The flea markets in Paris are full of gems, luckily my boyfriend loves them too so we’ve framed loads of them in our flat.

Tamasyn
Pros and cons…
I really like the independence of it all and having my own studio. I love being able to screen print and spend time developing my own designs, so that I am not only printing on fabric but papers and potentially other materials.

I also like having freelance projects that take me away from my own head space and enable me to explore other peoples briefs. Working for WGSN is great as I am able to see new things and I get to write which I love. It’s a different kind of work but I find it very stimulating and I love taking photos, especially doing street shots and city guides.

Its really hard from a financial point of view as I am at the stage when there’s a lot of money going into the business and not enough coming out. I would love to have a business partner who would take charge of the PR of the company and manage the books. It’s a lot to do for one person and can get really stressful and tiring.

I would like to feel more financially secure but know unfortunately that’s probably a long way off!
A day in the life…
Very busy! I don’t sit still for long. Monday morning usually involves me cycling to my studio then the rest of the week is always different. It could involve me printing ‘til the wee hours of the morning or being out and about, meeting potential stockists or visiting museums/galleries or shops for inspiration.

I’m usually quite mucky and can be seen in my ink splattered boiler suit running around Holborn!

Tamasyn
Jumping over hurdles…
When I worked in Paris my father became very ill with cancer. My career there was starting to take off and I was getting increasing amounts of work but I had to make the decision of either staying there or coming back to spend the last few months with my dad and help look after him. My mum works as a head teacher and he was alone all day so I felt I had to come back. We were extremely close and I wouldn’t have lost those last months I had with him for anything.

I did bits and pieces of work but it gave me the time to think about what I really wanted to do and it was during this time that H&M contacted me. After my father died I ran away a bit and moved to Sweden. Now when I look back I realize it wasn’t the best thing to do as I was away from my family and friends and felt quite isolated.

I overcame this though and made lots of friends there and feel that I got what I could out of the job. Sometimes it’s enough just to know what you don’t want to do (if not what you want to do).

My biggest hurdle in setting up my own business was financial. I entered the Cockpit/Nadfas award for sponsorship of my first year in business and was lucky enough to get it. I gained studio space and business support, which really kick-started my business.
Learnt about herself…
I have a strong design sensibility that is most successful when I am able to experiment and work for myself.
Best advice…
My mum’s always told me that regret is the most worthless of emotions so try and do everything you want to do – including things that make you feel mortified when you think back to them – but never regret anything as it’s made you who you are today and you’ll have learnt something from it!
Advice from Tamasyn to you…
Think long and hard about it before hand. Get as much business advice as you can and make sure its something you are really passionate about as your life is about to be lost to it! When you are working all weekend and late nights you have to love it!
Re-inspiration…
I get out of wherever I am and go to a gallery or museum. For some reason I always get my best ideas on buses. I always have a pen with me to scribble them down on old receipts or scraps of paper.

Tamasyn
Few of her favourite things…
One of my favorite places in London is the V&A arts library. It is very ‘old English’ with wood panelling and long walkways through the middle of heavy oak desks. The walls are covered with bookshelves and the head librarian sits at the main desk where you write the name of the books/magazines on a small slip of paper and they are bought out to you. I love looking at Vogue and Harpers Bazaar from the 1930s and 40s with their Surrealist photography and illustrations.

I have a wonderful book called ‘Textiles of the Wiener Werkstatte 1910-1932’, which is pretty worn now. They were a collective of designers who produced incredible modernist designs which really inspire me.

Most of my inspiration however comes from markets and objects that I pick up along the way – be it an old scarf, piece of fabric or ceramic.
Back in time…
Everything I’ve done has taught me something. I think at the time I wondered whether I should have gone to Sweden but it taught me loads and made me stronger.
Inspiring people…
Artists and designers like Moholy Nagy, Sonia Delaunay, Louise Bourgeois, Vivienne Westwood and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Immediate future…
Expand my notebook range and do a new range of recycled scarves based around old family photos and collages.

Tamasyn
Dream life…
I dream of owning a huge old farmhouse and converting one side of it into a huge print studio with a 10 foot print table where my boyfriend and I can work all day. I would have a big garden with some crazy dogs and a pot bellied pig!

I would travel to Paris and London regularly where I would have a couple of boutiques selling a mix of antiques, vintage clothing and my work. My weekends would be spent in markets finding goodies to sell on and inspire my new collections.

Tamasyn
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Wednesday 22 July 2009

4.2 / Nova Scotia watch this space / Toby Newsome

What: Illustrator and designer
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
Website: toby newsome

Toby
Mister T…
I was born in Cape Town and spent most of my childhood in this beautiful city. I grew up loving books, pictures and a good story. I studied graphic design, also majoring in illustration and my first job was in advertising but I soon left and went solo, mainly to do more illustration, with a dream to design album covers. I discovered book cover design instead and did that intensively for a few years. I still love doing book covers. But right now, I get excited by pure illustration and am enjoying animation – something I’ve always loved.
Presently he is…
I’m illustrating, animating and designing book covers. I’m going through a bad book reading patch (hopefully it won't last long). I just got all the Tim books out of the library (wonderful children’s books by Edward Ardizzone). I also do a bit of walking and I’m learning about dogs.

Toby
Acquiring skills…
I’ve always drawn (but not as much as I should have). My mom’s an illustrator too so I was exposed to the illustration processes pretty early on. I’ve always been obsessed with figuring things out on my own – not sure if that’s a blessing or a curse! I figured out a lot of the programmes I use through long hours in front of the computer. And I taught myself to play the guitar too (hence, my bad rhythm).
Then vs Now…
I liked going up the mountain with my dad when I was younger. I was pretty active but was sick a lot as a child and spent most of my time listening to adventures and fairy tales on my cassette player. And reading books. I still like to read or be read to aloud.

Toby
The short version…
I’m good with line. I enjoy animation. I can play a mean blues guitar lick. I like walking in the forests. I love snorkeling – I love experiencing that ‘other’ world and the quiet with just the sound of your breathing, the flashes of light and colour.
When the penny dropped…
Maybe I believed I was good enough because when I used to copy surf label stickers at junior school, the other kids thought they were cool. I don’t think I thought too hard about it. I knew I wanted to be involved with images and I wanted to tell stories. Exactly how I wanted to be involved is something I’m still discovering.

Toby
Free time…
Magazine illustrations, a book cover made with collage and cut-outs, an animated TV commercial, a web site, web animations and an animated video short… I have no spare time!

Toby
Likes, dislikes…
I like being in charge! And being involved in the whole process of what I do (I love and hate that actually). I love trying new mediums – cut-out , collage, clay. Working on my own does feel a little isolated sometimes. But I share my studio with two great people, and the best cat in the world (Max the champion) so it’s OK.

Toby
Old world, new world…
I grew up in the southern suburbs of Cape Town – middle class suburbia. When I studied, there was no specialist course in illustration available, which I think I would have done. So, studying graphic design was a little random but it worked out well. It’s also been hard focusing on being an illustrator, and especially a childrens’ book illustrator, as there are relatively few local children’s books being produced in SA and the budgets are pretty tiny.
Average day…
I keep pretty regular office hours. In summer I end off most days with a quick ride to the beach or a walk somewhere peaceful. If work’s going badly, I play a lot of guitar… it’s my Valium. I constantly listen to music. I look out the window a lot. I do some stretching too.

Toby
Family ties…
Generally they’re quite quiet and introspective – like me. Those qualities definitely influenced me to go solo. I like my own space. My mother’s an illustrator, and my uncle and grandmother are both painters too so I’ve always been exposed to creativity and seen as it a possibility to make a living.
Obstacles, of course…
Quoting for fees has always been difficult, but I’m getting better at it. Being decisive with the direction of a project was a problem in the past too – I’d always do loads of options for my clients, which wastes time.

While drawing for a living you lose spontaneity and life goes by. I hate not having enough time. And another of my personal obstacles is not being physically flexible – I have to get supple so I can touch my toes one days!

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Confidence…
I’m still getting there! It’s hard to say whether I'm confident or not... I’m stubborn! I think there’s an initial confidence needed in deciding on a career, but once you’re there, you just keep going. Sometimes I have no confidence at all but at other times it’s easy. There’s an excitement when starting new projects – often I have a very clear picture of where I want it to go but even if it doesn’t work out, I still get excited all over again.
The familia approves…
Yes, often, usually in a rather general way. I think my parents were worried about me becoming an illustrator from a financial point of view. And I see their point! But they’re always telling me that that they saw my latest illustration for such and such a magazine, which is really nice.

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Big hoarder…
I’m more of a hoarder than a collector, so it’s more about what things I should be throwing away, which happens to be a lot! I don’t really hoard specific things, it’s more about thinking, ‘Hey, I might need this plank of wood in five years…’ And when I do and can actually find it, it is so rewarding. I used to collect badges.

Books are very important to me and my collection is growing, slowly. I love old children’s books. The more I use a computer, the more I enjoy the experience of sitting down with a book. And I definitely collect music – a lot of folk and country.

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If the batteries run low…
I go to the library, go for a walk in the forest or near the sea or talk to a friend.
Favourites…
Books always inspire me . And anything, really. I like the Sea Point Promenade, a 5km stretch of bricked promenade along the Atlantic Ocean, which is only 10 minutes away from my flat and has an adjoining garden maze, mini golf park and a train park, in beautiful disrepair. It’s home – my magic mood lifter.
People…
Many of my friends inspire me. Just to see someone excited about what they do or with a strong conviction is enough.

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More inspiring people…
Matisse, Egon Schiele, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Gram Parsons, Jackie Wilson, Jean Luc Godard, David Attenborough, Ronald Searle, Arthur Rackham, Edward Gorey, Hergé, Yuri Norstein, Alexander Alexeieff.
Downtime…
I like swimming, walking, beach bats, playing guitar and beer at sunset at a bad schwarma joint down the road.

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If he could go back in time…
I would cut to the chase.

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The plans and dreams…
Focus, focus, focus. I want to do more of my own projects or get involved in others. And I’m going on road trip up the coast.

I definitely want to do a book soon and one day own a small house in Nova Scotia, maybe – chopping wood, rugged coastlines, wild forests… sounds perfect!

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If things were different…
I might be a folk guitarist or a professional dodgem car driver. I love theme parks! Ooh, the bright lights!

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Wise words…
As an illustrator, I would say, ‘Specialise as soon as you can. Decide at what you’re best at, and go with it.’
Important lesson…
Dreams only take you so far. You have to work at your talents.
Best advice he’s been given…
Go with your gut feeling. And, you won’t know unless you try.
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Monday 20 July 2009

12.0 / Like Coco before Chanel / Cecelia van Rensburg

What: Fashion designer and stylist
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
Website: cecelia van rensburg

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Cecelia in the making…
I was born on the 10th of June 1984, which makes me a Gemini baby. I grew up in Strand, a small town about a 30 minute drive from Cape Town and after school I moved to Stellenbosch where I studied fashion for three years. After those lovely student years, I moved to the big, beautiful city of Cape Town and started working as the Ladieswear Designer and Patternmaker for a Cape Town based label called Darkie Clothing.
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I did about five Fashion Weeks with them over three years. I loved my job but after a few years I realised I had to move on. So, I started pursuing one of my other passions, styling. I’ve done freelance styling for eight months now. I’m absolutely loving it. While styling, I’ve also freelanced as a designer and patternmaker for local designers such as Doreen Southwood, Boma and Undacova.

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Right now…
I’m working as a freelance designer and patternmaker for a local label called Tart, with designer and owner Cari Stephenson. We’re currently working on Spring/Summer 09/10 for Cape Town Fashion Week.

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Oh, and, in my free time I do interviews!
Side projects…
I’m working on a project called Swan Lake, a fashion shoot. I am designing and making the clothing and will be styling the whole shoot. It’s a really conceptual project so I’m very excited about it.

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Learning…
I think you learn the basic stuff through formal education but the stuff you actually use in the industry comes with time and experience. I’ve learnt everything I know the hard way. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Practical experience is the key to success!

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Looking back…
As a child, my sister and I used to have this big suitcase full of old, amazing clothes. We used to play dress up, along with one of our friends (a boy).

Bless my mom, she turned a blind eye and always let me wear whatever I wanted. I think that’s how I really developed my own particular style.
Passions…
I believe that I am a very creative person. I love working with clothes and I love people. I think the two make a brilliant combo. Food is also a great passion of mine. I have the power of the pot, if you know what I mean…
Believing in herself…
I’ve always had people believing in me so I know I can make a success of anything I put my mind to.

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Pros and cons…
As a freelancer I love being creative and having free time to explore ideas but I don’t like the lack of stability.
Nature nurture…
I grew up in Strand, like I said, which is quite a small town. It definitely taught me to be humble and it made me realise that I needed to live in the city. I love Cape Town city!
Average day in her life…
9am: Wake up and have a bath. 10am: Walk to the internet café around the corner from my flat in Seapoint to check if I have any meetings. 10.30am: Drive to the TART studio in Observatory. 11am: Cari, Sandra (the lovely lady who does the sewing) and I have coffee and discuss what we will be doing during the day. Cari will give me my tasks. We’ll make patterns and sometimes jump in behind the sewing machines to make the samples. Throughout the day we’ll try things on and make changes, brainstorm, look for references, cut fabric, make patterns and work really hard, while having fun and enjoying every minute of the day!

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Believing…
I have a lot of confidence in myself and a very supportive network of family, friends and my lovely boyfriend. I have the best support system ever! My dad is my biggest fan and my family and friends are always there for me, pushing me to be the best I can be. I’m really lucky!

My work is part of my life so I have to love it or I wouldn’t be able to do it.
Influential family…
My mom is also a very creative person. She does a lot of handwork like embroidery, crochet, quilting and making teddies. You name it, she does it! My dad is very business orientated and he helps me with that aspect of my job. My brother also helps me a lot with business. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today!

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Lessons…
I’ve learnt that I need to challenge myself everyday to keep life interesting. The more I do, the more I’m capable of doing. I believe that I can always be more creative.
Collections…
I am a stylist/designer so I have a excuse to collect things. I collect handbags, shoes, gloves, sunglasses, swans, hearts, boys, coats, dresses and (my favourite) vintage swimwear!

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Topping up inspiration…
Whenever I feel uninspired, I visit my favourite vintage shops, walk around in town and have a glass of wine (that always helps!) People inspire me – all the crazy, cool kids in Cape Town!

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Favourites…
My favourite place is Transkei. I went there two years ago and it was love at first sight! My favourite music is Fat Freddys Drop (at this moment). My favourite magazine is RUSSH (it's Australian). My favourite websites are The Cool Hunter and Style.com – I love them both for their street style. My favourite people for inspiration are Stella McCartney and the lead singer of Moloko.
Winding down…
I love going to muizenberg for a surf. I just started surfing!
Plans…
Be in love, go on long holidays and be extremely, super happy.
Dream life…
I love to have my own label called Cecelia and own a little deli that sells cupcakes and other pretty things.

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Hoops and hurdles…
I’ve had to please people – work really, really hard into the early hours of the morning and I’ve been really broke! We all have, haven’t we? But even though it’s been difficult, and it still is at times, I wouldn’t change a thing!
Advice…
Always be the best you can be and never give up (it’s cheesy, I know, but it's true). Working in fashion or pursuing your dreams is always hard work, but in the end it is worth every tear!
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