One thing I have always struggled with is finding my unique "look" as a designer. I have always wanted a cohesive feel to my line, but it has been a struggle - everything always appears so scattered to me. It's not for lack of ideas, there are just too many disciplines of jewelry making which I enjoy and I can never focus in on just a few. This has been bothering me for some time, so today I had an idea.....
Much the way interior designers create design boards for their clients, I decided to create a design board for my jewelry collection.
I took a picture frame, popped out the glass, and replaced it with a layer or green silk. I then selected my favorite pieces of jewelry, the ones I was most excited about creating and the ones I personally wear over and over again. These are the pieces which make me feel good and inspired.
I then carefully arranged them on the board, pinning them there. Then I hung the board in my living room, somewhere that I would see it and be reminded of what makes my jewelry "mine". When I took a step back, a funny thing happened: all the jewelry actually does have a cohesive feel, and I do have an actual collection. This realization makes me exceedingly happy. I now feel like I can build upon this foundation and continue to design but this time with direction.
After I was happy with what I had created, I asked Brett to come look at it. I then presented my board to him and told him my thought process and why I chose each piece (sounds corny, I know). It was a good exercise for me to verbally explain to someone why my collection is special and why it works. He then gave me some really good feedback and has me thinking in a couple new directions. Thanks Brett!
Ok, enough musings for today......
