It’s the first day of 2013’s Clerkenwell Design Week today, so I thought I would return to my series of interviews with the new and independent designers exhibiting at the House of Detention. This week, I’m speaking to Katy Goutefangea…
What’s the most important thing to know about you?
I like making things. Also I can’t function without a morning coffee.
What inspires your designs?
I’m really drawn to things that have been made from a functional perspective – instructions, patterns and diagrams. I like the idea of stripping something down to its bare essentials in order for it to communicate well.
Talk me through your design process from initial idea to final product?
My work is process driven, I like to find a way of working and play with it. I’ll start with a drawing, deconstruct it, flip it on its head and put it back together again. I often spend weeks obsessively doing this until I find a few options I like, then I leave it alone for a while. When I come back to it my eyes are fresh and ready to finish it off. Then I’ll print samples, trying out different colours and material combinations until I’m happy.
How do you overcome creative block?
Try to loosen up. Often that means doing some drawing, or getting out of the studio and taking photographs. I find doing something creative that’s unrelated to a project takes the pressure off and gets my mind going again.
Describe a really good day and a really bad day in the life of Katy Goutefangea?
I love making, starting a project, printing in the studio or playing with an idea.
I don’t like entire days spent in front of the computer, it makes me restless.
What are you most looking forward to about Clerkenwell Design Week?
Meeting people and getting a reaction to my work. I studied Fine Art at university and although I have been exhibiting my prints since then, I have never been part of a design event. I’m really looking forward to it.
What are you most proud of?
So far I’d have to say I’m most proud of setting up my studio. I’ve been in various jobs over the past few years and although this is the hardest I’ve ever worked, it’s also the most I’ve ever enjoyed working!
How do your products make people’s lives better?
I take a lot of time choosing the colours and materials I use and I like to think that shows in my work. I hope that makes the products special to the people who own them.
What advice would you give to an aspiring designer?
Keep going and be patient. I think working for yourself can be tough but it really is worth it.
And finally, what’s your favourite colour?!
If I had to pick only one I’d say orange.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- interview :: barnby & day
- interview :: alex mueller
- interview :: liene jākobsone
- interview :: roddy&ginger
