Designer Interview

Wagga Wagga based designer & creator of
ELEMENTS INSPIRATIONAL ART
Mel Simpson

When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
I can't remember a time when I wasn't completely immersed in Art

and Design, I grew up watching my mum design greeting cards

and wrapping paper. After finishing school I went on to study my

Bachelor Arts degree.

How would you describe your design style?
Unique, natural and sometimes a little whimsical.

What creative people, things or materials inspire your designs?
I draw my inspiration from my surroundings and experiences,

living in rural New South Wales. My children also
play a significant role in parts of my designs.

How does a typical day of work for you go?
My studio is also my home, juggling everyday life with business has

become the norm. Usually my day begins bright and early,

getting two girls off to school, organising my little man and getting

housework done all before 9am. When the clock strikes 9am,

it’s off to my studio to follow my dreams and create.
Most of my days wind up about 4pm (officially) but quite often

you may find me putting my kiddies to
bed and getting back to my studio for a few hours.

What is your process when creating a new design?
It depends on what I am working on at the time, we have our

jewellery as well as our ever-growing craft and scrapbooking

range. It is not uncommon for me to have many different ideas

and designs floating around my head. I usually spend quite a few

hours on my computer designing before my trusty laser

machine goes to work.

What would you like people to enjoy most about your designs?
I would love people to enjoy the uniqueness of our product, our

craft and scrapbooking range gives our customers

that special something.

What makes your designs unique?
Buttons are quite common, however changing the functionality

of such a simple piece is what we love.

What is your advice to aspiring designers?
Follow your dreams and if you love what you do,

you will never work a day in your life.

What designs will you be selling at the Handmade September Market?
We will have all our wooden & acrylic buttons, wooden &

acrylic embellishments PLUS our new range of flat back buttons.
Also all our jewellery will be on display...

& Christmas decorations too!

Find the multi tasking, multi talented Elements Inspirational Art at the
Handmade Market Saturday the 29th & Sunday the 30th of September
National Convention Centre, Canberra from 10am-4pm