One To Watch: Donna Wilson
I am really excited about today’s designer featuring on the ‘One to Watch’ series. I have been a fan of Donna Wilson for quite sometime now, so to have her answer a few questions is mind blowing 🙂 Her quirky knitted designs are just so cosy and so much fun and also her ceramics are really cute too. I really hope you enjoy them as much as I do! This talented designer is just lovely so let’s find out a little bit more about her…
When did you realise you had a passion for design?
I think it was at quite a young age, I was always drawing and making things, and was always most happy with a pencil in my hand. I didn’t know what I wanted to be as a child, but knew it was going to be something to do with art/design.
Where do you inspirations come from?
All over the place, the landscape, music, dreams, magazines, ceramics, Scandinavian design, people. Sometimes I just see a tiny snippit of something which triggers an idea, which is then developed into a product.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There has been so many highlights, working with a great team of people which help me to have the best job! Meeting designers like Rob Ryan and Orla kiely, and making the creatures and props for a music video for Gideon Conn. This year it would also have to be winning the Elle Deco British designer of the year award.
What do you hope to achieve in 5 years time?
I hope to continue developing interesting, happy, exciting, beautiful cosy friendly products for nice people!
What famous artists/designers do you admire or inspires you the most?
I like Alexander Girard, Stig Lindburg, My grandma!(but she wasn’t famous)
What five words would best describe you?
colourful, smiley (most of the time) messy, bendy, Scottish.
What 5 things couldn’t you live with out?
A sketchbook, a stapler, music, colourful paints the sea.
I hope you have enjoyed having a snoop on Donna Wilson’s take on life. I think she is utterly charming and her designs are just so cute which match her personality. Can’t wait to see more loveliness from her.
Image credit Gareth Hacker
Image credit Gareth Hacker
PopArtRockGirlYeah!
24th February 2011 at 8:18 pmWow that is a Scoop! She is one of my utter faves! Greatphotos too! x
Will @ Bright.Bazaar
24th February 2011 at 8:19 pmWhat a brilliant post, Ari! I love Donna's quirky and colourful designs, so it's lovely to see her on your blog! xo
heather jenkinson
25th February 2011 at 11:58 amI like how her personal style ties in to well with her designs – what a lovely way to spend your life making smiley happy things.
Love this: Things I couldn't live without: "…stapler…" I know what she's talkin' about! Very nice series – such a versatile collection of designers, Arianna. xx
Ana Aguilar-Corney
25th February 2011 at 2:36 pmLovely post Arianna, she is such a talented designer. Its inspiring to see young people being so creative.
Carole
25th February 2011 at 10:16 pmWell done Ari. This is a lovely post. Go girl! xx
michelle b @ every little thing
26th February 2011 at 5:54 amlove her (and her yellow dress holding a stuffed ?? with a very long tail!) and love your blog…just became a new follower from BYW!!
Nice to meet you!
xoxo
Arianna
26th February 2011 at 12:33 pmThank you all for the lovely comments, really glad you like her I have always been a fan of her quirky designs.
Heather you are right it is a very versatile series because I really do like all sorts of styles as long as they transmit something and make me happy 🙂
Michelle it is lovely to meet you 🙂
xxx
cupcakejunky
26th February 2011 at 3:25 pmLove your blog and your inspirations. I noticed that you have a link to the John Cullen workshop. I absolutely love the lighting design they do and recently wrote a bit about it in my blog (www.cupcakejunky.wordpress.com). By the way, what do you think of Abigail Ahern's interior design work (another of my recent posts)? I look forward to reading your new posts.
cupcakejunky
26th February 2011 at 10:56 pmThanks for the comment Arianna. Can't wait for your next post.