Profile: Soft Constructions

We would like to introduce our new 'profiles blogger', Alira Callaghan. Alira has a strong interest in supporting local artists, designers and creatives and she will be bringing you articles on talented local creatives. The subject of her first profile is Seonaidh Murphy’s Soft Constructions.

What sort of things does Soft Constructions encompass? 
Soft Constructions is a Perth based illustration and design studio focused on creating unique, original and playful designs and products for their customers and clients. I use popular culture as inspiration and then utilise both hand worked and digital techniques (combined with a twist of humour) to create designs that can find themselves on any number of products.  There is a retail side to the business as well as a design side that is more focused on creating custom designs and products for clients such as menus, uniforms, logos etc.

I know you have a background in both art and design, what was it that attracted you to the textile side of design?I had always been involved in working with textiles.  Even at art school I did a lot of experimentation with textiles and sculpture.  I guess there is something about the tactility of it being able to be used to create 2d and 3d shapes.  I enjoy working between the two spheres of art and design because it gives me a creative outlet but I can still be business focused.

Can you briefly explain what is involved in your design process?
I do a bit of trend research and come up with some ideas.  Then I collect imagery and after that I start piecing together my designs.  From there I start incorporating puns and drawing them and painting them as I see fit.  Next I scan the design in and do any digital alterations and edits to it and it gets made into whichever product it needs to be.
 

Images courtesy of Soft Constructions

Does Soft Constructions offer you a creative outlet that is different to when you have done work in the fashion industry?
Definitely.  Soft Constructions allows me to utilize more of my skills and gives me the freedom to cross over into multiple disciplines.  I also get to indulge in my illustration skills, which is great!

A lot of your designs incorporate humour, have you always enjoyed the pun game or did that come through developing your practice?
I’ve always had a bit of a sense of humour.  Some people enjoy it and some people don’t, it wasn’t always very well received when I was in art school.  I feel like I have the ability to switch between serious and funny though and know the circumstances in which to use my comedic devices. 

What is your favourite aspect of your work for Soft Constructions? 
My favourite aspect is constantly growing the business into new and exciting places.  As I grow more opportunities come up and I really enjoy the challenge of being faced with new problems to solve.

Do you try to source your materials and services locally?
I try to source as much locally as I can and if I can’t source it locally I use Australian suppliers.  It can be hard but I seem to be able to make it work at the moment.

Images courtesy of Soft Constructions

How important has it been to the success of Soft Constructions to have support from the community and likeminded people?
It has been really important.  Being able to be inspired by the people around you gives you the strength to grow and flourish as a business.  I love being around people that are as excited as I am to make a difference and create unique and successful businesses.

What project/s are you currently working on?
I have lots of little things in the works.  I have a few custom products with local businesses that I’ll be able to let you in on soon.  I also have plans to grow the business into a very exciting place next year but I can’t say too much.

Where can we find your designs and products?
You can find our products at www.softconstructions.com and in:
Sugar and Nice, Inglewood        The Little Cheese Shop, Bayswater
Common Ground, Fremantle      Kakulas Sister, Fremantle
The Tenth State, Nedlands         Perth Upmarket

And soon to be in: 
Compendium, Fremantle       Addison and Steele, North Perth
Beehive, Fremantle


Alira Callaghan

Fringe World night markets

Fringe World 2015 returns to Perth from Friday 23 January to Sunday 22 February 2015. For the first time, they are looking for creative artisan stallholders to trade in their bustling precinct at the Pleasure Garden, Russell Square in Northbridge for the duration of the Festival.

Fringe World Festival attracts over 370,000+. The Night Markets will form an integral part of the Festival environment and provide a colourful village style atmosphere amongst a range of performances, events and eateries. 

They are looking for stallholders who sell vintage clothing, trinkets, DIY experience and local artisan wares promising an eclectic product mix with emphasis on the innovative, fun and unique.

TRADING DATES AND TIMES

Fringe World Night Markets will operate everyday of the Festival, Monday to Sunday. 

The hours of operation are:

Monday – Thursday: 5pm – 11pm

Friday: 5pm – 1am

Saturday: 3pm – 1am

Sunday: 3pm – 11pm

Applicants can apply to trade in 2-week blocks or the entire 4-week block.

First Block: Friday 23 Jan – Sunday 8 February

Second Block:         Monday 9 February – Sunday 22 February

SITE HIRE INFORMATION AND FEES

Site Fees

$500.00 + GST per week, per trader

Fee includes

1 x 3m x 3m marquee, 1 x trestle table, 2 x chairs, 1 x overhead light, Power, Onsite Secure Container Storage, Site Manager Support

There are limited trader places available. To apply, download the application form here. Applications close Thursday 11th December 2014.

Re-Love Project Part 5

The big day has come! Our rocking chair is going up for auction along with the seven other amazing pieces of remade furniture from the Feast Watson Re-Love Project. Some really great work has come out of this project with lots of inspiration and instructions on how to re-love your own piece of furniture on each of the designers' blogs. The auction will run on eBay until Sunday 3rd August with all proceeds going to the Salvos Stores. Go here to check it out: http://myworld.ebay.com.au/feastwatsonre-loveproject

Artist call-out

Are you an artist of any medium, designer, student of either, or in possession of an awesome sense of style?
The Victoria Park Centre for the Arts is seeking creative minds that would be interested in transforming Albany Highway spaces, both outdoor and indoor, into magical and memorable venues for the Ignite the Park Music and Arts Festival in August and September.
There will be venues to decorate, windows to adorn, spaces for installations, and pop-up galleries. There will also be a market space for handmade goods.
To express interest send your details and a brief message indicating what area of this project interests you by 20th July 2014 to Jennifer Sheps at vicparkarts@westnet.com.au or Rhyll Wilson at directorvicparkarts@westnet.com.au

Common Ground

Common Ground is a retail concept and gallery pop up space that allows young and small local businesses and artists the opportunity to enter the retail and gallery market with two locations in Northbridge and Perth. There are still a few spots available so if you are interested, contact them asap!

Q&A with "A Story Of"

Tell us a bit about your business

Everything you buy has a story.  Whether it has come from a factory or handmade; if it's recycled or completely new; the people who have made it.  All these things make up the story of an item, and that's what A Story Of is about.  I create a little over half of the products on my website myself in WA, using things like vintage plates, recycled leather and local wool.  I also collaborate with some fair trade artisans in Thailand on designs and source yet more that have been designed and made by groups working with women at risk.  I try to make the stories of my products accessible and help people to feel the heart in what they are buying. 

What inspires you?

All sorts of things - a good book, movies, architecture... I get most inspired, though, when I travel and get to know different people, cultures, and the arts that are a part of them. 

What do you love most about selling at markets?

I love meeting new people - sellers and customers - finding out what they're upto and what they love about handmade items.  I also love to see the huge range of work on display.  WA has some amazing creativity to offer!!

What new products are you working on?

I'm just starting work on our first clothing collection, actually!! I want to collaborate with artisans in Thai hill tribes and use their traditional fabrics in modern designs.

Apart from that, I'm always working on new jewellery ideas, playing with different bits and pieces I can recycle. My most recent thing is using leather from belt offcuts, and I'm starting to get into cutting wood from naturally fallen branches.

What is your favourite product and why?

I do love working on my necklaces made from pieces of vintage plates. Finding the plates in op shops or receiving broken ones from friends which I can give new life to. They already have such a history, I can only imagine what their stories are!! I love being able to add my own paintings to make them into something new people can enjoy and feel good wearing. Each one is so unique with different pictures and character.

Business name/your name/website

Candice Tout from A Story Of

www.astoryof.com 

Stallholder Profile: Spotlight on "Christobel"

Christobel was the winner of our "Best Stall Display" at our Winter 2012 market. Here we find out what goes on behind the scenes.

The Christobel stall at Made on the Left market

Christine Lovitt of Christobel was born in Dublin, Ireland and migrated to Perth in 1988 with her husband and three small children. She has worked as a lawyer since arriving in Perth and only when she changed to part-time hours in 2007 did she find the time to pursue more creative activities.

What inspires you to create?

Sometimes an idea will just come to me – other times I will see something when I am out and about which will give me an idea.

What materials do you use? 

Almost everything I use is pre-loved. I make paper sculptures out of old books, sheet music and atlases, journals using old books covers, jewellery using old bakelite buckles and buttons, cushions out of vintage leather and any other treasures that I pick up from time to time which can be put to another use.

What steps do you take to prepare for a market? 

First I clear my workspace, then I think about what time of year my next market is going to be and what seasonal things I can make. Then I look at what new treasures I have collected and work out what to do with them. Because I am always making things, one market kind of rolls into the next fairly seamlessly without having to say up all night making enough stock.

What’s your number one market tip? 

Practice setting up your stall at home beforehand so that you can perfect the overall appearance and not be stressed on the day. How your stall looks can make a big difference to how shoppers perceive your products.

What is your favourite part of the creative process? 

Experimenting with new ideas. For every new thing that appears on my stall there will have been an equal number that didn’t work out and ended up in the bin. I love scouring church fetes, Sunday markets and op-shops for old treasures and then the challenge of making something new with them.

What’s been your most popular item or line to date? 

My paper sculptures and my tiny plants in vintage teacups.

What is the most exciting thing that has come out of selling your designs through markets? 

The most exciting thing was getting an order from overseas for some of my paper sculptures which had appeared in a Sydney Morning Herald article on craft markets.

What advice would you give someone who wants to sell their crafts? 

Think about your brand and where it fits in the marketplace, then just get out there and apply for stalls at markets like Made On The Left. It is the best way to test your ideas and to get feedback.

What goals do you have in store for the future? 
Ultimately I would love to have my own studio space from which I could sell my pieces. My husband loves finding and restoring old furniture and both my daughters are very creative so it could be a family venture!

Thanks Christine!
xx MOTL team

Stallholder Profile: Spotlight on "Little L"

Made on the Left first came across Lauren Mills at the KickstART Youth Markets in April of this year. We were so impressed with her display, we awarded her Best Stall Display with the prize being a free spot at the July Made on the Left market. Here we get the scoop on Lauren, her inspirations, creative processes and market tips!  

Lauren with her prize winning display at the KickstART Youth Markets

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Lauren Mills; I am 23 years old and currently finishing my final year of Interior Design at university. I started up my small business Little L at the beginning of this year and have loved every moment of it since.

What inspires you to create?

The materials I use are my main inspiration. I love repurposing old materials and giving them a new life, for example: my stamp collection from my childhood has now turned into necklace pendants and brooches, old books from the top shelf of a second hand store are now a myriad of ornaments and artwork, paper dress patterns are now mini and large bouquets of flowers.

Turning trash into treasure and just making beautiful things is what inspires me to keep on going.

What materials do you use?

As said above I like to reuse old items and repurpose used materials. Books, dress patterns, postage stamps, sheet music, lace, buttons, dominos and scrabble letters make up to main collection of my materials. I also use all recycled pieces of furniture for my market displays, all found at bulk rubbish collections or at second hand markets.

Little L at the Made on the Left July 2012 market

What steps do you take to prepare for a market?

A lot of preparation goes into the week prior to a market, usually I clear out a space in the house like the living room or garage and layout my whole display with all my furniture and pieces so I can get it just right. I get my whole family involved getting feedback and help with planning so everything runs smoothly on the day.

What’s your number one market tip?

Be prepared! I always pack a toolbox with everything I might need from masking tape to blue tack to safety pins to my pliers. You never know what might happen. For outdoors markets tarps are always a good idea especially in winter, and for indoor markets materials to fix your signage and displays with are a must.

Lauren's workspace

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

The best part of the creative process is that moment in the middle when you can finally see your ideas taking shape and coming to life. That point where whatever you’re working on starts to resemble the finished product you have pictured in your head. That’s such a rewarding moment to know you’ve overcome the difficulties of creating and things are finally turning out right!

What’s been your most popular item or line to date?

My most popular item has definitely been the handmade paper flowers from recycled dress patterns. They have consistently sold out and I can’t seem to make enough of them fast enough!

What is the most exciting thing that has come out of selling your designs through markets?

The interactions with all the other market organisers, stallholders and potential stockholders. The contacts and networking that can come from just one market is so inspirational it really keeps me eager to continue my hard work and keep pursuing this dream.

What advice would you give someone who wants to sell their crafts?

I think the best thing to do from the beginning is to research. Research the market, the product, the people you want to sell to and where you will be selling. The market scene in Perth is booming at the moment so now is definitely a good time to get involved, so have confidence in your products and take the chance. It’s a fantastic experience and the people in the Perth market scene are just lovely J

What goals do you have in store for the future?

Ideally I would like to open my own store selling refurbished furniture, and more of my handmade wares. I love what I am doing and love the creative process, but I also love the thought of the people of Perth wearing my wares and having them in their homes. For now I am just happy to get out there and keep holding stalls and enjoying every moment of it. 

Thanks Lauren!
xx MOTL Team

The Artful Business Conference

Are you a micro business owner, entrepreneur, artist, writer, designer?
Are you incredibly creative and desperate to make a successful business out of your passion, or grow your already booming business?

Spend the 5th & 6th September learning, connecting and sharing experiences to take that next step in your business.

The Artful Business Conference is bringing together six superstar speakers to offer you skills and tools to build your business - Russell Allert (Baked Social Media), Jess Van Den (Epheriell, *bespoke* zine), Lisa Walsh (The Market Mill, Cookie Dough Biscuits), Megan Auman (Designing an MBA), Tara Gentile (Scoutie Girl), Jennifer Lee (coach, author, and artist).

They will cover topics such as social media, branding, pricing, profit and more. They will discuss, in detail, ways to get comfortable with making money from your art, what creative types need to have in their business plan and even how to set up your online shop.

The conference is being held in Brisbane but you can buy a virtual pass and watch it all live online!

See the program, buy tickets or visit the website for more information.

Unwrapped: Perth Fashion Festival Sunday 6 September

Happy Monday morning!

Lotta back with some weekend goodness to brighten your day.

Father's Day (yesterday) saw the Unwrapped Markets in collaboration with Perth Fashion Festival held at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), Northbridge. Though I didn't participate in this market, I offered to help out a fellow crafter, Annie Rawle of Annie Rawle, 17 threads and Osmosis fame mind her stall and keep her company. The weather had been ominous, with cold windy weather for Outskirts the day before but all things considering, it held up with the occasional light shower. Not so good for those with stalls outside but for those inside, a blessed relief.

GetFelt

Jacquie of Empire of Delight

foaldesign

Stuffaduck

Osmosis

With over 50 designer stalls, there was something to suit everyone, from frocks and frippery to awesome baby threads and bling. I kept finding pockets of stalls everywhere - I later found out that Markets @ Perth Cultural Centre were in full swing as were the pop up shops on William Street as part of the Festival. A perfect example of finding inspiration!

During a quiet moment, I took the opportunity to have a chat to some funky and talented designers about their creations. I wanted to take dozens of photos but then I got shy about asking people so I only have a few to share. Profiles to follow!

Faces behind Made on the Left - Part 4 - Odd Girl Out

I've introduced you to Dara, Jacquie, Ali and now, it's my pleasure to introduce you to the talented Sarah Gazia - the face behind Odd Girl Out.




Tell us a bit about yourself & your craft.

• I am a marketer by ‘real’ job and usually have a good way with words...except maybe when it comes to talking about myself.
• I returned to Perth at the beginning of the year after a couple of years living within the shadow of Tower Bridge in London.
• I’m a polymer clay queen at present...but I love to learn how to work in different media.
• In my previous crafting life I did a lot of silk painting...examples of which may still crop up in my etsy store in the future...you just never know.
• My partner and I started our own marketing and design business this year as well as getting Odd Girl Out off the ground – there’s no doing things by halves!

What is Made on the Left?Made on the Left is a celebration of Western Australian ingenuity and craftiness and a central source for information on local creative opportunties.

What made you want to get involved with organising a craft fair?I don’t really think of myself as an organiser (leaving that up to the more naturally organised members of the group!) but I do know a bit about marketing and promotion and thought I could lend a hand. I have a background in arts and tourism promotion so I guess I had a head start on promoting the arty attributes of WA and this plan seemed to fall naturally into place.

What can we expect to see there?A wonderful array of handmade goodies with a particular emphasis on fresh talent – we have a great proportion of stallholders for whom this is their first market, and I think that’s really exciting. It definitely won’t be same old, same old...About two thirds of the sellers are from Etsy, so although they may have had an online presence for a while, this is the first time you’ll see them all in a ‘brick and mortar’ room together.

What are your plans for the future?
Just looking ahead for the next year, I hope to really establish our marketing and design business and get more accustomed to the ins and outs of being a small business owner. With Odd Girl Out, I would like to raise the brand profile, achieve some exposure in fashion media and distribute/sell more widely through wholesaling or direct selling (like more markets!). I’m going to be seeking some advice from people who have a lot more experience than I do in jewellery retailing and setting some realistic goals.

What do you cherish most in your life?My partner Moz, who I am hoping to convince to have his own stall (as an illustrator) at the next market. At the moment his can be seen as my lovely assistant on the Odd Girl Out stalls.

What could you not live without?Gelato. Well, actually many foods. Mmmmmm. And travel.


What was the first thing you ever created?
With an art teacher for a mum, I think my creating dates back to before I could stand and probably involved poster paints and my fingers.

What inspires you?
I love visiting museums of modern art, galleries and funky shops (preferably in far off cities to get the travel angle in too!) and seeing what’s happening out there in the world. When I was travelling through Europe for three months last year I carried a small sketch book with me all the time and I have lots of inspiration to draw from now.




What do you think of Australian design?I think Australian design is definitely well regarded, but these days no one is going to get a gold star just for being Australian – there is a whole world of creative people out there and the bar is continually being raised, so there’s no room for complacency.
Do you think being in Perth affects your craft in a negative way?
I would say being based in Perth has both positives and negatives. Truly, with travel, the internet etc as developed as they are now, the ‘isolation’ issue is really not as significant as it once might have been and there is a strong, although not massive, pool of creative people to take inspiration form. The most frustrating thing is the cost of supplies and not being able to get things quickly

What is the most important thing to you when you create your work?
I’m pretty critical of my work so when I can look at something I made and think – I really like that – I’m pretty happy!

Where do you see yourself in a year’s time?Hopefully more well known, established and regarded in both of my businesses!