‘Collaboration: the action of working with someone to produce or create’

There are so many differences in modes of creation and production across the vast array of creative disciplines that now exist, but one aspect of being a contemporary designer, maker or artist tends to remain the same; we all spend vast amounts of time working in isolation.

 Just over a month ago, once again surrounded by a sea of half-made collections, half drunk cups of tea, scrawled lists, collages and quick sketches, and in desperate need of some fresh perspectives we put a call out for young illustrators who would consider working with us.

We were completely taken aback by the number of creatives at similar points in their careers who also wanted to join forces. All that we asked was that they chose selected pieces from our range as their starting point for creating a series of illustrations in their own, indomitable styles.

Once you have become used to working alone, inviting other people to see the way you create, and reflect upon your final outcomes can feel slightly uncomfortable. However, ultimately it is a mutually beneficial process that opens up new and exciting dialogues about the work and in turn pushes fledgling ideas forward.

This exchanging of ideas shouldn’t be anything unusual, but in reality it is often a reflective, critical process that is a much missed (and all the more precious) activity from art school studio days that has become increasingly hard to make time for amidst the everyday juggle between freelance work and part time jobs.

The three incredible illustrators that have so generously and enthusiastically given their time and talents to this project were chosen not only because of their technical skills, but because we felt that they, and their work shared a similarity in spirit.

They have taken our trinkets and treasures and translated them into something more than the objects themselves. It has been wonderful.

We will be sharing their beautiful illustrations made in response to our jewellery and accessories over a number of posts in the coming days. We hope you enjoy exploring their work as much as we have!

Image credits:

1. Harriet Gray 2. Gemma Milly 3. Scarlett Rebecca