How long ago did you start Pattern Play Studio?
I officially registered the domain name patternplaystudio.com (and .com.au) in June 2014. I had to go back through my records to find that!
I had been dreaming of leaving my stressful position as a Senior Graphic Designer at an engineering company here in Brisbane for 5 years before that. I started Pattern Play Studio to really fulfill my creative needs and I wanted to work on more creative briefs for my own clients. I went to four days a week and on that one remaining week day, and after work at night and on most weekends, I designed prints and patterns and built up a folio of work.
I left my job in mid 2016 and I have been working solely for myself ever since. In both 2018 and 2019 I travelled to New York and exhibited at a small boutique Surface Design and Print tradeshow called BluePrint. It was not only exciting being in one of the most vibrant cities in the whole world, but the confidence it gave me with my art and the direction it gave my business was career defining. Working on my own business Pattern Play Studio is the happiest I’ve ever been and the most creatively fulfilled too.
What inspired the Abstract Garden print?
I was trying to loosen my style up a bit. I can get stuck in the detail sometimes when designing. I think that is the Graphic Designer coming out in me, making sure things align, finding the balance and all that. So I was really just winding down after a long day, sitting on the couch, drawing on my ipad. I was having a real red and pink colour crush at the time too, and I think I may have been looking at some sculptures in a garden from a home magazine or something. I just formed this overgrown, jungle-like and surreal garden in my head. The pops of bright cobalt blue contrasted and complimented beautifully, so I went with it and took it from Procreate on my ipad into Adobe Illustrator to refine and put into a technical repeat.
What is your favourite piece from the collection?
You know that is really hard to choose. I love the pinafore because of the bows on the shoulder and it is really slimming, plus that frill at the bottom is cute. I love the puffed sleeves on the Abstract garden dress and the bit of extra room in the bust area, looks pretty and feels reassuring. And the shirt is an easy like because it looks great with shorts, or skirts. You can dress it up or down.
What are 3 of your favourite things to see/eat/do in Brissy?
Have you been to Christian Jacques French Bakery at Kangaroo Point? Do yourself a favour and try his custard croissant. My partner Simon and I like to ride our bikes down to Kangaroo Point (that’s the exercise part) and sit on a park bench under the Story Bridge, drink coffee and eat the delicious pastries (that’s the reward part).
I also love wandering around Empire Revival, the old theatre turned antique hall up in Paddington. It’s a step back in time and I always feel incredibly inspired after a visit there.
Finally I love walking down Fish Lane in South Brisbane and around the GOMA, State Library, QAG area.
Coriander, yay or nay?
That’s a yay from me. I mean you need it in salsa and Mexican food in general right?
Sum Yung Guys, a restaurant up in Noosaville on the Sunshine Coast make the most delicious cocktail with a coriander infused Gin called ‘Splice of Life’. It’s divine.
