Interview :: Leah Duncan

Leah Duncan's style is right up my street and she also happens to be one of the friendliest people I've encountered in the design world. Isn't it nice when that happens? We're very pleased to be sharing an interview with Leah alongside some photos of her beautiful studio and her four legged studio pal. The Q and A with Leah happily coincides with the addition of her wrapping paper designs to our shop. They're perfect for gift giving, but we like them so much that we've got some designs framed and hung up in our office. You should too!

Where do you work from and how would you describe what you do for a living?
I'm currently living in Brooklyn, NY, and have a studio space in the Clinton Hill Navy Yard. I'm an illustrator slash designer who has a product line that includes textiles, home goods, and stationery. I also license my work to companies who produce things like bedding, journals, wrapping paper, cell phone covers, and other things they fancy.

Do you have a set process with which you approach new projects?
I sometimes think it would be easier if I did but I like to look at all projects as a journey rather than a blueprint. I work well when things get a little messy and the unexpected pops up.

Where do you look for inspiration?
Nature, animals, color, and the small moments in my life.




 
Do you have any formal arty training?
I have zero formal arty training, but I learned a lot working as a graphic artist after college for a screen printer. I think my lack of formal training has given me a unique perspective in that I'm not so concerned with following rules or things I've been taught when it comes to the content, color, and technical aspects of my work.

What's your number one piece of advice?
Be brave. Be kind. Be strong. Give yourself time to listen to your heart and don't let it be drowned out by everyone else's noise. Never be afraid to make mistakes. Work hard. Appreciate what you have. Smile. Wear pink.

That came to more than one piece of advice but they are equally important!

What's your favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
It's normally spent cleaning. But because our new NYC apartment is so small it doesn't take very long! So after the cleaning I sit around in my pyjama pants and look at how sparkly our apartment is. It's also nice to head to the park for an afternoon picnic if the weather is nice.


Thanks for chatting with us, Leah! You can buy Leah Duncan designs from our shop right here, and see more interviews here.

All photos ©Leah Duncan

Back in stock :: White Bison print

 

We've had a lot of enquiries about the beautiful White Bison print and are pleased to say it's now back in stock. Get yours here.

Displaying Artwork // picture ledges

Picture ledges are a great way to display your favourite artwork and books. You can easily change your display without worrying about putting tacs into the wall. I especially like the way Rikke has used touches of black throughout to give some unity to the backdrop and allow the artwork to be the main focus.


You can browse our hand-picked selection of artwork here and see our displaying artwork series for more display ideas.

Photograph styled by Rikke Graff Juel and shot by Frederikke Heiberg via Shipshape Studio on Pinterest // Graphic design: Shipshape Studio

Displaying Artwork // cluster gallery walls

We love the way the artwork clustered above key pieces of furniture create different zones in this big light room. White walls are just crying out to be decorated with artwork, aren't they?


You can browse our hand-picked selection of artwork here and see our displaying artwork series for more display ideas.

Photo of Rikke's home shot by  Frederikke Heiberg via Shipshape Studio on Pinterest // Graphic Design: Shipshape Studio

This week at Shipshape Studio

The first Shipshape Craft Club of April is this Thursday. See you for crafty chit chat in the Studio from 7-9pm.

This Sunday sees the very first Illustration and Design Forum in Hammersmith, hosted by Shipshape Studio. The panel and networking event is perfect for anyone interested in a career in illustration or design, and a limited number of tickets are available to purchase here. See you there!

Event :: Illustration and Design Forum

Have you got your ticket for the Illustration and Design Forum? If not, you can get 15% off with Rachel's special code here. We've been busy preparing for the event this week and have been putting together goodie bags for attendees. See below for lots of info about the Forum. See you there!

 

What is the forum and who's it for?

Hosted by Shipshape Studio, the Illustration and Design Forum is a careers and networking event for anyone interested in a career in the creative world. We know that the next step after university can be confusing. There are lots of different options open to you and it’s difficult to know what’s right for you. 

What will be happening at the event?

All the good things! Our panel of illustrators will talk about their career path and cover important topics such as university, working in-house and with agencies, life as a freelancer, and how to market yourself. There will be a Q&A session where you’ll be able to ask our illustrators and designers any questions you might have.

You’ll be able to buy work from the illustrators and Emma Block will be signing copies of her book. Each attendee will get a free goodie bag and food and drink is available at the bar. Under 18s are welcome to attend the event but will not be available to purchase alcohol. 

Who’s on the panel?

The panel consists of Emma Block, Alice Potter and Rachel Lewis. They have experience in illustration, graphic design and textile design. They work in-house, freelance, and with agencies. Their areas of interest include fashion illustration, commercial illustration, surface pattern design, advertising and branding. 

How can I book tickets?

Buy tickets online at http://illustrationdesign.eventbrite.co.uk or book over the phone on 01923 828987.

Location & transport

The Forum will take place in the Cellar Bar at the Book Green Hotel, Hammersmith, on Sunday 15th April 2012 at 2:30pm-5pm. The Brook Green Hotel is a 5 minute walk from Hammersmith tube station. It’s also easily reached from Goldhawk Road and Shepherd’s Bush stations. The venue is served by the 220, 283, 295 and 72 buses, which stop on Brook Green. There is free on-street parking on Brook Green itself on the day of the event.

Brook Green Hotel, 170 Shepherd’s Bush Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 7PB.

About us & get in touch

We host craft parties and creative events at our Northwood venue and across London. Send us an email at events@shipshapestudio.co.uk or give us a call on 01923 828987 if you have any questions or queries. We’ll be happy to help!

Social Networking

Find us on Twitter @ShipshapeStudio or search for us on Facebook. Join in and tweet about the event using the #illustrationdesign hashtag.

www.shipshapestudio.co.uk

Event :: Illustration and Design Forum

We're very pleased to announce we will be hosting an Illustration and Design Forum on Sunday, 15th April. The event is great for anyone who is interested in a career in the creative industries and there'll be a chance to ask our panel any question you might have. The illustrators and designers on the panel will be talking about their experiences and advice. There'll be a good mix as they work in different ways - with an agent, a collective, freelance, in house - so you'll get to hear about different career paths and opportunities. They'll also cover topics such as social media and marketing yourself. And it'll be fun! Earlybird tickets are available so book now to get your ticket at the reduced price.

For more information and to book visit our event page.