designing

Why do we do what we do?
This is the bio I sent to Hemptech: the company who releases beautiful eco textiles in Australasia.

(My Cows and Couches design and the Footprints collection. Below with a Mooodlies cushion.)

"As a designer I work on many different creative projects: interior, furniture, product, and textile design. I work primarily as an interior designer. My passion however is: goats. I'm an absolute animal nut and yes I do talk to them too. On our 64 acre llifestyle block in the south of Otago we run highland cattle, saanen goats, turkeys, chooks and pigs. Inspiration abounds as nature is very much expressing itself on our property. New Zealand scenery is so powerful and beautiful. My heart is always outside running alongside the animals in gumboots, clad in overalls, having my hair in ponytails.


My designs reflect this happy attitude and I do adore the whimsy and playing. My desire to design for eco textiles stems from that inner sense of letting my love of living in New Zealand out. As a Dutch immigrant I am fully aware that this slice of paradise is not (easily) accesible to everyone on our planet. We do live in a wondrous place down under. So what could possibly be lovelier then sharing that magic energy at home with others?"
Why do you do what you do?

 

Photos: copyright: Mirjam Spronk and Hemptech ltd

MOOODLIES...

Yay!! Today I can finally share with you the uplifting groovy news that I have been working with design star Joi Murugavell, of Joidesign in Melbourne, to create a very snazzy and most intriguing batty collection of work. Our collaboration name is MOOODLIES. Joi is a Pop-art artist, illustrator and web designer. Like me she has an art degree and many entrepreneurial years behind her. Her website is: www.oodlies.com

We have developed our first range of art designs. They are a Social Object, a story. They are cushions. The theme of our first collection is "Tea party": the getting-to-know-each-other phase, that works like an initiation ritual. The designs are brimming with whimsy as it is play, a poke for reminding us all not to take life too seriously. (Top picture shows a montage of small parts of our designs - we will show the full designs at a later stage...)

The cushions will have a hook on the back to actually physically hang them on walls. Therein lies the difference, the common place home decor accessory becomes the art work, the art work can also become integrated into daily lives instead of a more "revered" (and usually also hugely expensive) piece. Our designs are printed in a limited edition. We are currently in communications to organize an ideal Art Gallery in Dunedin to hold our first MOOODLIES exhibition. These are exciting times!

Mooodlies is about exchange, about ideas, innovation and... a lot of attitude.

(More on why our collaboration worked so well: read this fascinating theory here, a snippet below:)

"But now, thanks to the Internet, ideas can meet and mate globally and instantaneously like never before. What else is crowdsourcing but working with one another? The cross-fertilization of ideas between, say, Asia and Europe that once took years, decades, or centuries can now happen in minutes while Australia, the Americas, and Africa eavesdrop. The cloud is for everybody, whereas in the old days the sharing of ideas was reserved for the privileged elite. There is, as Stanford economist Paul Romer has argued, not even a theoretical limit to the number of combinations of atoms and electrons we can devise, and the rate at which we devise them is bound to accelerate.

Fasten your seatbelts."

And here is an Oodlie by Joi:

A moo design by me:

social object

Currently my screen printer is working her way through printing a collaboration project. It's an exciting time for me and my fellow designer (who for now shall remain Miss x). I was thinking about the product that we are creating and how it will most certainly become a Social Object in the hands of buyers. (Trust me it looks nothing like the bovines above)


The difference in our approach is that we do not look at our created product as a commercial number, but see it as being both a story as well as an art piece. So even when saying that; why would what we make be ANY different from the gazillion other creations "out there"? Well we'd like our oddball pieces to go viral, to multiply like the Gremlins. As Henrik Werdelin puts it: 

"Virality is all about making your users look awesome in front of their friends". 

So in a nutshell: we make you look good by making you look "different and interesting".

How right Henrik is. We do not see our "work" as just another Art gig, nor as a practical item, it's is actually meant to be a funny focal point in the home, a Social Object. This is where it gets more fascinating.

Hugh Macleod, winemaker and pofessional cartoonist and artist:

"The Social Object, in a nutshell . . . . Human beings are social animals. We like to socialize. But if [we] think about it, there needs to be a reason for it to happen in the first place. That reason, that "node" in the social network, is what we call the Social Object." (via gapingvoid.com)

In essence we have decided to turn what normally would be considered an Art work on its head an integrate it quite literally in the space where the buyer lives. So even-though we didn't create our work to be just practical pieces, not specifically to generate conversation, they most certainly will create a lot of talk, without a doubt.

What we are currently working on is this: (Henrik again:) 

"A good exercise is to spend some proper time making a good story about your business/endeavor and try it on a few people. Then wait a few days and ask them to explain to you what your business is doing--and see if you like what you hear. If the story is good, it should become a social object. From there it can be shared easily with everyone from new customers and investors to your mum. Happy storytelling."

And by golly it's a lot of fun!

Interview

Interview

Shauntelle Hamlett of the wonderful interior blog A Beautiful Abode, has done an interview with me a while ago that has been published last Friday: oh my goodness! I'm sharing it with you here (slight delay on account of visual layout hiccups):

INSPIRED BY LIFE: AN INTERVIEW WITH BONVIVANT DESIGN’S MIRJAM SPRONK

Mirjam and Nico of Bonvivant Design

I have a treat for you today– a new interview!

I actually virtually met interior stylist and designerMirjam Spronk of Bonvivant Desig

almost exactly a year ago via Twitter. Immediately I was drawn to Mirjam’s unique 

style and, most specifically, to the way she draws inspiration from her New Zealand 

surroundings and incorporates it into her design products.

Originally I intended to publish this interview earlier in this year but ya’ll know how life

has a way of derailing your best intentions, right?  I’m glad that I am finally able to 

publish Mirjam’s interview now and I know that you guys will find it just as interesting

as I did!

Although I’m familiar with your background from reading your blog, Mindpopsicles, 

would you share a little bit about yourself with my readers?  Are you originally from 

New Zealand?  How did you go from earning a degree in Mixed Media to becoming an

interior stylist and product designer?

I was born in the Netherlands and lived there most of my life. My husband and I emi-

grated to New Zealand in 2002. We fell completely in love with the vast spaces, 

abundant nature and the great variety in scenery. The people are friendly and helpful, 

still having that trusting trait that the Dutch society seems to have lost due to its 

‘hardening up’ as people live so close together.

After 5 years of study with a BA of mixed media, I had set up my own design studio; 

work consisted mostly of graphic design work with incorporated illustration: I designed

logos, brochures, stationary, leaflets and book covers. I also had a stint at a publisher

firm and a Real Estate agency before heading out to Down Under.

My first job in New Zealand was apple picking. This is a great idea for meeting the 

most interesting (local) people, building stamina and losing weight. I have fond memo-

ries of that time, even though it was very hard work! But being outdoors, in the most 

beautiful scenery that the Otago region has to offer, all that sweating and cursing made

it absolute gold.  It was a very de-urbanizing experience and an eye opener too.

Beautiful New Zealand

copyright photo: Nico Vos

After that we traveled New Zealand extensively and decided to head up to the biggest 

city on the north island, Auckland. I found work as a sales person working for a furniture

 and interior accessory store and after 3 weeks I was asked to become the branch

 manager. I worked my hardest and learned a lot. Not only was the styling in the store

 and advising customers on their interior a learning curve, so was dealing with 3 staff. 

Acquiring managing skills through experience taught me many things about New 

Zealand culture and people in general. It also gave me experience by trial and error on

what works in interiors, and what doesn’t.

When we moved South, I found work as a branch manager for a furniture and interior

design store.  Styling interiors comes naturally to me and I really enjoy it.  My boss used

to say that good interior design comes from breeding it in to you, not from going to 

school.  I certainly think an education helps, but you do learn most from experience, 

training your eyes on shape, form and designing in 3d.

Hemptech "Cows and Couches" Fabric

When I visited your website, Bonvivant Design, I was immediately drawn to the fun

“cows and couches” pillows and was excited to discover that the fabric was your original

design.  I’m always talking to my readers about learning to draw inspiration from any and

everywhere.  You definitely epitomize that idea in the way you use your natural environ-

ment to inspire designs for both your interior products and your jewelry line… Can you 

share with us your process of moving from inspiration to an actual design?  Does this 

process change for you depending on the project (i.e. is it different for creating jewelry 

versus styling rooms versus fabric)? If so, how do you approach these different types of

 projects?

The reason I started (graphic/product) designing again was because it is my passion 

and I was missing it in my daily work. I am a creator, so whether this is 3d (interiors) or

 2d (graphic/product design), they both have their place in my world.  My predicament is 

that I have too many ideas!

From inspiration to actual design– there are two ways of going about this.  If I receive a 

brief then I stick to that. If it’s free range , I can bounce ideas around and try different 

things.

Designing for www.hemptech.co.nz has been fun as Lynne lets me run riot with New 

Zealand based themes. We simply started talking about it one day and the fact they are

an eco/sustainable New Zealand fabric manufacturer gave me the angle for ‘celebrating

 kiwi identity’. It’s a niche and it’s brilliant.

Drawing Inspiration from Nature

I have an affinity with New Zealand nature so that’s what I started off with.  I basically 

sketch on the computer using Adobe Illustrator. I also utilize what I may have brain-

stormed around with before.  For the Hemptech project, I started by drawing a con-

ventional sofa. I was thinking of an ad I’d seen that had a sofa sitting in a field of grass.  

New Zealanders have a great passion for living on their deck in summer.  Looking at 

the sofa on the screen it reminded me of a cow illustration I had done some months 

before. I opened the file, copied the cow into the sofa file and worked from there.

The zebra was a trial and error as I wanted to introduce an exotic element.  Most Kiwis

in their early 20s depart for what they call their big O.E. (Overseas Experience) or they 

will go in their 50s.  Many of my customers tell stories about Italy and France, but also 

about Africa.  Hence the zebra pattern implemented in the ‘Cows and Couches’ design.

My design work has foundation and it has reason, but a lot of it is playing around. One 

idea leads to something else, and I like a dose of humour in my work. Life doesn’t have

to be so serious. Why do we let it become like that? So my design process is a big jump

and skip in my brain. First I have the parameters, then the fluffing and playing, and then

the reality check to see if what I set out to do has been achieved.

Bird of Paradise Pendant - Bonvivant Designs

My jewellery work is again celebrating that New Zealand flavour. I also design 

fun things that I like for myself, for example an eccentric peacock based on a real life

one that friends in the Netherlands still have. The design process usually has me 

looking up wildlife pictures and information online, checking the anatomy, what 

characteristics it has. I aim to hone in on the specific elements that underline New 

Zealand based design. As my life is here, I don’t see the point of incorporating Dutch

elements, although I’m a huge fan of Droog design and Marcel Wanders.  They too 

possess whimsical and surprising elements. I love that. Bold and strong: great 

impact and massive wow factor. I guess I never was one for subtleties.

People are often hesitant to start creating living environments that they really love 

because they’re afraid they will make a mistake.  Have you ever started a project and 

felt it was headed in the wrong way?  How did you handle that challenge?  What 

advice would you give people to overcome this fear?

Yes I have started out on projects in my early days where due to lack of experience I 

had to muddle my way through. Of course I wasn’t very proud of that, but one has to 

work with what one can. Usually I would see later where I could have done better, but 

we always work with what we have available to us. So don’t beat yourself up! I think the 

interesting thing is that whatever you feel comfortable with, or what you like is a great 

starting point. Hold on to what you love. Don’t throw out important story pieces just 

because they clash with the latest trendy sofa. Something may not appeal to for 

example a friend of yours, but it’s confidence that makes it all work.

Seating Area designed by Mirjam Spronk

I suggest what really helps is taking magazines and simply cut out what you like: work

per room, so have a binder that contains tabs and sleeves in which you can insert pictures 

of what you like. From say 6-10 pages you can then deduce what jumps out and what 

describes your taste. You can make a list of what needs to be done in the room: do you 

really need to paint? Is it worth wallpapering? If you got very snazzy furniture or Art it may pay

 to forgo elaborate wallpaper altogether! Generally I would say: the walls are the least of 

your worries unless the existing walls can’t be cleaned or have ugly wallpaper: the key is 

to be aware of what draws the eye and work on that. Do you have a very busy carpet? 

Take it out, there might be a great floor underneath. Otherwise cover it with a plain coloured

 carpet, which is easier on the eyes.

Here in the States, we’ve really been suffering from the recession.  I imagine that this has 

probably touched you and your clients down in New Zealand as well… Would you share 

with us your top three tips for cutting costs while meeting your design goals?

1) Re-upholster. One of the biggest things I have discovered this year has been that 

re-upholstery jobs have shot through the roof!  If you are considering doing a recover, check

 whether your chair or sofa is worth salvaging.  It may be worth buying a quality piece that 

is newly made if it costs only a fraction more than a re-upholstery job.

2) Auctions!  I’m not sure if you have quirky auction places in the US but you sure have a 

few here in Dunedin.  At these auctions you can get lucky and pick up a few pieces (that you

decided on beforehand so you don’t get carried away!) If no auction rooms are available, try 

E-Bay. I would use auctions or E-Bay to find second hand drapes for bedrooms or studies 

for example. That will save you quite a bit. Also lamps are great to find on these sites, or 

even wallpaper for a great hallway.

3) Save before you buy! It makes sense to get a few quality pieces and work with what you
have already. Quality lasts and you will see the difference!  Make a plan to get a piece in say

6-12 months and put away a certain amount a week in a separate bank account that will go 

towards your interior. You’ll be surprised how small amounts per week add up over 6 

months!

Living Room designed by Mirjam Spronk

Final question… and it really relates back to the idea of people being afraid of making

mistakes in their homes.  I think a lot of people settle for “safe” looks in their homes 

because they don’t have confidence or trust in their own design eye.  People will buy 

matched sets from some retail store and live in homes that don’t exactly reflect their 

spirits because they don’t believe they can buy individual pieces that speak to them and 

actually pull a cohesive look together.  What advice would you give a person in regards to 

learning how to develop and trust their own sense of style and design?

I still remember seeing this old lady getting on the bus on my way to high school. She 

was wearing this shiny leather coat that was very trendy, a bright pink scarf and a cooky 

hat. Now, everyone in the bus was staring at her and there were some snorts from the 

young crowd, but everyone followed her later getting off the bus. Why? Because she had 

the guts to go bold.  It’s all about attitude. If you genuinely want to create a wonderful 

unique interior that is yours, then go with your instinct.

I will tell you an interior design secret that I discovered many years ago through hard work:

• if in doubt, whatever you do in a room, if you stick to a 3 colour rule you will 

have to  try very hard to go wrong.

For some reason the magical 3 brings harmony and it’s a great rule of thumb. If the sofa is

brown leather, the drapes are blue and the rug is plum, you can bring in orange vases for 

example. But not green as well.  That makes seating one colour (1), drape or rug as another

since blue and plum are in the same family (2), and accessories another colour (3). I’m 

counting table lamps etc as being part of the accessories. Now, if you have paintings or art 

work it would help that the 3 colours are in there or the largest part in there. Naturally this is 

an over simplified solution, but it is definitely harder to pull of a dazzling interior with more
colours then 4. It takes quite a bit of experience to get it right.

Bedroom styled by Mirjam Spronk

My other rule of thumb is group the ornaments and declutter.

I have seen numerous fireplaces with dotted bits n bobs on the mantel piece. There is 

a place for knick knacks, but I would not suggest having them scattered through out the 

house. Try to group them, either on one shelf or on a hall table in, for example, one 

dominant colour way. This creates peace and stability. Too many distractions on the eye 

creates un-ease. For the same reason de-cluttering is vital. A more zen like approach 

creates peace. Clarity in the home brings clearness in the mind they say and I have to 

agree. You can still have fun in a room and add zing, panache and vavoom, just try and 

keep it organised in some fashion so you can take in the room in one swoop and not 

hurt your eyeballs with too many distractions.

Dutch Design Inspired Animal Lamps

Dutch design: by Moooi design

Finally, have fun! Decorating or styling your home can provide tons of energy and 

satisfaction! Try not to do it all in one week or a month–good things take time and it’s quite

alright spreading your renovation out over a period of time.

*********

You can learn more about Mirjam by visiting her design site, Bonvivant Designs or by 

reading her blogMindpopsicles (which is a great place to find inspiration and positive mojo 

when you’re having a bad day!).  You can also follow Mirjam on Twitter.  I hope you’ll leave a

comment here to help me show our appreciation for Mirjam taking the time to share with us– 

and there’s an extra big THANK YOU to her from me for being so kind and understanding 

when this interview wasn’t published any where near the time I told her it would be!

’til next time, happy budget decorating!

xoxo – Shauntelle

Thanks everyone for making the time to visit Shauntelle's beautiful blog and Shauntelle for her time!

new arrivals!

Finally times a 100: my design tea towels are here! They will be for sale on my website in a while, so they aren't listed there yet as I am makover-ing! Lucky for you you can get them from the Paperroom online store in the next few days, or simply email me! 
(I wholesale too if you have a store yourself.)

Screen printed by hand in Christchurch, New Zealand on non-bleached cotton.

What do you think? I'm so excited I now get to see them as real life printed goodies, instead of just whirling about on my computer!

frolicky frock

My mac at home is so ancient, you could turn the monitor into a fishbowl and turn the computer itself into a side table, considering I doubt very much it will spring to life again. I'm not keen to make an attempt any time soon. Problem is that most of my Dutch design work, brochures, logos are on the croaking thing. Hm... #dilemma


I started thinking about why it would be handy to have an online portfolio. Anyhoo: my focus is textile design, so I came across something on Twitter today that could be fun. (You know really: it's a good real time search tool, you should consider using it, it's not just the earth's water cooler spot for catching up with other global villagers.)


If you have creative endeavors, go check this competition out: "Create a vintage inspired surface pattern for Clothkits to print, and see your creation come to life on the catwalk!" Link here. It sounds very Etsy. In a good way. "Want inspiration?   We do not need to see the end shape of the garment, just the fabric design, but why not think 50s pinched waist dresses, 60s mod shifts or 70s flowing frocks.  We will then take the design, print it, and make it up into a summer dress. "


So get ready set go, start frocking readers and readerettes. If you're ever so inclined of course. Otherwise feel free to do a Google on something else. My point is that it can be fun to try something a bit different today. Don't sell yourself short. I'm not interested to hear the but... but... if we do that we never do anything frolicky or frocky. I reckon the world can do with some more frothy frolicky frock. Uhuh.


image by Clothkids

New Zealand flavor

I'm working on new textile designs for Hemptech and myself, at the moment I'm trying out different combinations with red deer, wine and gumtrees (there are surprisingly many red deer farms here, I guess the taste of Venison goes beautifully with all the local wines...). The design below of the Suffolk sheep I finished recently. It makes sense somehow, the softness and squishy-ness of both sheep and muffins. (I'm not advocating you should eat them both mind you, and certainly not together - I tend to eat more banana cupcakes than roasted lamb personally.)

I get new ideas all the time, and I try to stay with the New Zealand green theme as much as I can. I really enjoy it, and it's hard for me to not draw groovy beasties. What can I say, I'm a softie and everywhere you go in New Zealand, trust me you will,  most definitely, come across sheep. They have fun too those woolly critters, as you can see. Giddy up Fred!