INTERVIEW BY IMO

Al and Imo Handmade x Louise Jones_-3.jpg

Q&A
WITH Louise Jones - Textile Designer
Melbourne . Vic

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I absolutely adore native Australian flora… Al knows all he needs to make my day is pick some flowering gum or wattle on his drive home from the surf in the morning. We are utterly spoilt on the Surf Coast, people set out buckets in front of their homes with posies of seasonal blooms and the trees explode with colour all year around. It’s safe to say that I have totally found my home here in Freshwater Creek.

My love of native flowers lead me Louise Jones, an incredibly talented textile designer from the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne. Louise and I connected over Instagram (of course) and have been following each other’s journey for a while. One DM lead to another and we decided it was time to collaborate and shoot our recycled Australian hardwood bed with her Australian native cushions.

I wanted to share Louise’s story because I’m really inspired by creatives who find their niche and then do it really successfully. I had a feeling that Louise’s story would be an interesting one and I’m so pleased that I can share it with you all. I hope that reading this inspires you to keep trying new things, follow your passion and hone in on your strengths.

Louise, I think you and your art is fabulous and I’m so stoked to have the opportunity to work with you. Here’s to many more beautiful collaborations and to Aussie native flowers!

x IMO

What got you interested in art?

I’ve always loved drawing from a young age, some of my family and friends still have the posters I drew for them. I wouldn’t call them works of art though, mostly they consisted of cartoon characters. After high school, I completed a Bachelor in Communication Design and then landed a junior position at a reputable design studio, where I learnt lots of varied skills such as wayfinding, html coding and project management. Funnily enough though, I wasn’t aware of my love of illustrations and art until I was three years into my graphic design career. Thankfully the senior designers at the studio encouraged my illustration skills by assigning the more creative work to me, such as wall graphics for retail and hospitality spaces. These type of projects uncovered my love for pattern design, which ultimately lead me to where I am today.

Was there a defining point where you became an artist full time - can you describe that decision / move?

After a short stint as a textile designer for a wholesale business, I quickly learnt the fashion industry wasn’t for me. I left this role to start freelancing, where I was creating mostly websites and branding, but I didn’t enjoy this type of work because the skills required didn’t come naturally to me. At the this point, I felt pretty frustrated that I wasn’t able to do the work I wanted to make, so my friend (another textile designer) and I started a Tumblr blog called A Side Project, which we used as an outlet to post our pattern designs. Some of my pattern designs got a lot of interest which resulted in designing some custom patterns for some great clients, like Abercrombie & Fitch and Basil Bangs. I absolutely loved creating these artworks so I made the big decision to focus my full attention on building my own designs. It was a daunting decision, although I felt incredibly excited to be able to build my career on my own terms and just do what I loved.

“It was a daunting decision, although I felt incredibly excited to be able to build my career on my own terms and just do what I loved.” LOUISE

How would you describe your style and where do you get your inspiration?

Botanical and colourful. Most of inspiration comes from observing our natural surroundings and landscapes. My iPhone library is cluttered with foliage and flower pics. These botanical photos usually spark an idea for a new design, and they also form a very useful botanical reference library. I am also very inspired by pattern heroes such as Josef Frank, William Morris, Liberty, and Marimekko.

What does a day typical day look like for you?

Our two daughters are still very young at the moment and I’m very thankful I can be with them during these precious years, so everyday varies when it comes to fitting in work. Currently, my limited studio time involves managing orders for both my online store and my trade-only textile and wallpaper range.

Have you implemented any practises into your business and life to be more sustainable?

Yes but I know I can be doing more. I am hoping to learn more in this area to improve sustainable practises within my business. The ways in which we are practising sustainability include making our textile and wallpaper range all made to order, which cuts down on wastage and costs. Any unused wallpaper and fabric samples are all sold to the public to make sure nothing goes to waste. Also, I’m very inspired by Offcut Studios’ and Klay’s idea to use fabric scraps for cushion inners, so I’ve been saving the tiny bits of fabric to use for cushion inners.

Your top 5 practical tips for running a small business?

Set aside creative days to get outside the studio/office for inspiration
Be curious, continue to grow and develop your skills
If possible, outsource any tasks you don’t enjoy or are beyond your skillset
Invest in good photography
Connect with likeminded businesses, build new relationships and learn new things

“Be curious, continue to grow and develop your skills.” - Louise

Advice for others wanting to pursue their passion?

Be clear about what your vision is and make a plan. Start saying no to things that don’t align with your vision. Also, I think it’s really important to ask for help, whether it’s from family and friends, or from peers in your industry. Sharing information and ideas can only be a good thing to build a healthy community.

“Be clear about what your vision is and make a plan. Start saying no to things that don’t align with your vision.” - Louise

Exciting new projects on the horizon?

I’m planning for a big year ahead, I’m implementing a more strategic approach under the guidance of a business coach, which I’m feeling very excited about. I also have some new designs in the works so I’m very excited to release them next year.

Lastly, How do you slow down?

Lately I’ve been waking early before the kids to stretch/meditate, and it’s made a huge positive difference to the rest of my day. I also really cherish family walks around the local Dandenong ranges, and dinner with friends for my sanity :)

Al and Imo Handmade x Louise Jones_.jpg — LOUISE JONES

Louise Jones is a Melbourne-based designer specialising in original artwork for fabric, interiors and soft furnishings. Her designs are characterised by bursts of colour, botanical motifs and bold shapes.
Louise uses a combination of different mediums in her practice, including watercolour painting and her own photography. Creating original and custom patterns for fabric and wallpaper, her work is predominately featured in interiors.
From an early age, Louise was surrounded by her mother’s flourishing garden and it’s vast collection of ferns, flowers, natives and succulents. Exploring new gardens and parks is a source of inspiration for Louise’s work.
Residing with her young family in the very green and leafy landscape of Mount Dandenong, Victoria, Louise is fortunate to have an abundance of Australian native wildlife as a constant source of inspiration.

CHECK OUT MORE OF Louise’s WORK HERE

We’ve started this journal in hope that through us sharing stories like Louise’s it encourages others to -

Be creative.
To follow your passion project.
Support local artists and makers.

Our hope is that through us showcasing small, local and ethical artists/ makers/ businesses it encourages others to support locally, handmade.

Creating with Textile Designer Louise Jones