Hope Interviews

BRAND: E.A. BURNS

We visited lovely Lizzie Burns - the designer behind the jewelry brand E.A.Burns.
At home in her studio in east London.
Chatting with Lizzie was so much fun that we didn't want to leave! We managed to talk about all sorts over a cup of tea while the designer showed us around her studio sharing her design creations and brand secrets.
 To start some of the rings and necklaces we adored! Gold and silver - simple and perfect!
 Some golden...
 and silver inspiration!
With lots of textures and shapes!
Could't take our eyes of this bracelet! We want it so badly!
Btw, we absolutely fell in love with their lookbook photos! Therefore, we decided to ask about the way Lizzie promotes her brand. Interestingly, she replied that she does't do anything much. Of course there are social media that are a big help these days but otherwise she thinks that if you are good people will find out about you!

And we could't agree more. We think Lizzie's designs are fantastic!
But back to the last collections: Ancient Rites! The model looks more than lovely and personally we think idea is increadably cool!
Don't you think so?
What is more, we thought that E.A.Burns logo is super cool so we got inspired by the graphic shapes and lines!
 Geometrical is what we love!
A bit of astronomy and a bit of universe!
The beauty of modern architecture and the reflection in glass!
And some interiors! What do you think of a fun wallpaper?
An insight into Lizzie's brand.
A question we couldn't wait to ask was how is E.A.Burns a sustainably manufactured brand. So we lizzie how she can achieve this?

We couldn't have got a better answer, as designer explained when you know that so many recourses are waisted why should't you do something good if you can?

Those are exactly our thoughts!
When lizzie is designing - she requires perfection and only perfection is what the designer is aiming for! Quality is what the brand is definitely associated with and this is shown in the finishing and the beautiful designs!
 Details are important!
 Quick sketches from when the inspiration strikes!
And more from the studio!
 Final pieces!
Ahhh... beautiful!
When we saw the delightful jewellery the question we where willing to ask was what did Lizzie study. Lizzie surprised us when she revealed that it wash't Jewellery Design but Fashion Design. Jewellery design definitely came later, after college when addressing the way design made her feel; but more importantly that it was accessible to a large audience.
It was so refreshing to hear that what you study doesn't always mean that you will find your career feet in!  
Passion is passion and Lizzie has buckets loads for her self taught skills. 
 We feel very graphic these days! Heres more inspiration we associate with Lizzie's designs.
All black to white!

We think this could be perfect gift for Christmas for your favourite fashionable friend.

Thanks a lot to Lizzie for lovely visit! We could't enjoy it more!
Happy new year to you all from Hope Von Joel and team.


BRAND: Rosita Bonita

On a cold November afternoon we visited Rosita Bonita, a lovely jewelry designer and illustrator, at her studio situated in east London, for a sneaky peak into her world.
Rosita does not only make Jewellery in her Aladdin's cave, we were lucky enough to have a peak at her halloween costume she made laden with her designs. 
We knew we had to include it in this article ......AMAZING!!
At home with Rosita.... Halloween tea.
What started this fascination with illustration ~Rosita
As with all good things we started our conversation with a cup of coffee. We couldn't fail to notice how lovely her cups were. Rosita told us that beautiful cups just make her happy and, if we loved these, we should see her apartment. Oh, we bet we would absolutely love it as well! Why not check out her pintrest you get such a lovely insight into her brand here. @rositabonita. 
(below an old picture of Rosita's studio found online)
Rosita studied Illustration at Camberwell College, University Of The Arts London, and graduated in 2005. Rosita speaks with such enthusiasm about her brand and where she has come form artistically. She recalls her school days, where her inspiration and creativity started. One of Rosita's early  passions  was expressing herself artistically, through drawing and cutting collages and this underpins her style today and has become a way of life for her. 
How did she get started ~Rosita
We kicked off our chat with a question about how she developed from illustration she studied at university, to creating jewelry. The link isn’t too hard to spot with, her illustration laid all over her pieces and so beautifully printed on to leather, but we were very interested to find out where it all began.  Rosita explained that it was difficult to get paid for illustration. Its a very competitive field, so printing her ideas on to wearable necklaces seemed an accessible way to share her ideas with a wide audience, and this idea grew into a successful business model and the brand - Rosita Bonita was born.
Worldwide press and retailers ~Rosita
Rosita's necklaces and other pieces have built up a name all for themselves having been seen in magazines and in shops worldwide. Rosita remembers the time when she gave up her job to focus on it full time, "scary it was" but her smile reassured us it was all worth while. Here is a peak at her new collection and inspiration. "Toledo" its got so much spanish charm. -Check for full collection on website.
Viewing collections ~Rosita Bonita
So here is a very exotic sneak peek at one of her collections. What better to surround us than a look back at summer joys, we think these earrings and necklaces are perfect for brightening and warming up this autumn weather. 
Hummingbirds, orchid flowers, fruits and sunshine remind us of summer carnival and we cant help but get inspired!
Fantastic hummingbird illustration necklaces made out of leather.
Birds birds birds....... 
colorful birds straight from paradise!
signature earrings on the right and exotic pattern on the left!
We want them all!
Oh how we loved closing our eyes and imagining warm sunshine
Holidays with exotic fruits in the trees and on the necklace.
Easily Reminding us of that perfectly juicy orange that we tried in Spain!
mmmm....
Industry secrets ~Rosita
As we continued our conversation Rosita kindly shared some more of her experience with us. Rosita emphasized how important it is to know people in the industry and that it really is all about contacts saying that sometimes it is not even how talented you are but more about how good you can work with other people. She suggested for students to intern a lot during their years at university and do it in as many different areas as possible to get wider perspective and meet more people.

What inspires ~Rosita
When we asked about where she finds her inspiration she replied by saying - everywhere. Her wish is to simply create something beautiful and interesting. Sometimes the simplest things sell the best, and although she would love to create only large vibrant pieces you have to respond to what costumers will buy. That's great advise for new designers just starting out. 
Having a chat with Rosita and being welcomed into her studio was something very exciting, particularly hearing her secrets and how her experience have shaped her buisness. Although she is obviously doing very well we are enamored with her honesty and ongoing drive. It’s so nice to see such passion with a product that we could easiely buy for ourselves, our mothers or for anyone! A clever brand with the best style ambassador.
New Collections ~Rosita
Rosita creates a new collection every season, each collection shining with her personality all over it. Here is a selection of another collection that we adored: AMULETS
We loved the lucky charm necklets with all seeing eye!
How could you resist??
and our favorite talisman - HEART! Simple yet very chic.
But lastly some wonderful pieces from SIREN collection!
We absolutely adored those earrings and packaging!
more lovely necklaces and some inspiration!
So what is coming next? Designer let as have a glance on her mood-board but for more simply stay tuned! 
And huge thanks to Rosita for such a welcoming visit! If you want to check her out she will be at the Secret Emporium on the 14th and 15th of December pop along for perfect xmas gifts. :)
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BRAND: Cut Out Girls



On a sunny Thursday afternoon we met up with two lovely girls, Carla and Libby, who are designers and creators behind the London based brand CUT OUT GIRLS. We sat down in a cosy cafe located South East side of London to talk about their bag brand and inspirations. After first sips of perfectly strong black coffee we begun to feel like suddenly being transfered to France. Maybe those were the small outside tables that reminded us of Parisian cafes but maybe those were the bags that made us think of summer trips throughout the country. And we must say - no wonder, as their latest AW13 collection is called LE VOYAGE. A very French inspired VOYAGE.
Inspiration: a cup of coffee or two
Both girls first met whilst studying Fine Art at Newcastle University. In 2011 after some time traveling and working they joined forces to establish the label CUT OUT GIRLS ltd. Inspired by their move to London and a desire to keep creating and collaborating, their first motivations came from using surplus canvas and paintings from university. This concept of reinvention, and manipulating unique left-over materials formed the first functional bag collection.
The bag we loved
When we asked what inspired both girls the list could have gone on and on but to have a little insight here are few: travel, living in London, friends, landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, color, fabrics, music and lets not forget wine.
Inspiration: Traveling
Their bags made us reminiscence the summery days when one could just grab a backpack throw in a few things and be ready to go for a hike. 
 Inspiration: Hat and sunnies to match with the backpack
We also tried it on and went for a walk.
 And look who was hiding in our backpack!
Hello, Merlin!
We adored the little purple bag that you could simply attached to your bike. Feels super practical and looks great!
Inspiration: Lovely girls with bikes!
I guess you have noticed that we are all about the details and these are very cool!
Inspiration: We feel like hitting the road and going for a trip
Thanks girls for meeting with us! It was lovely to see you!

P.S. Here are their stockists:
BERLIN: UVR Connected, 
JAPAN: Managed by: Takashi and Yuko Suwahara, Zeniya Inc
UK: Designers Makers Online store, Hambledon Gallery and soon to be stocked at LOIS in peckham, a new shop which is opening next week :)

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INTERVIEW WITH HATTIE STEWART
by Hope Von Joel 
 Hattie at work <3

Hattie Stewart, is a young super cool and original girl, modest, smiley and with eyes that make you smile. I was allowed into her wonderful world for a brief moment to delve under her skin and pick out some loving facts to share with you. And i was not disappointed. Hattie is an illustrator of the most fantastic mind altering graphics, her vision is that of a jumbled genius, her pictures depict other worldly planets and her use of colours extroidanair makes a 60s psychedelic poster jealous.  Here's what i found out, Hattie, is 23 and based in super cool east london, having worked for mega brands which include, diesel, adidas, house of holland and luella she isn't a novice in this buisness. Hattie's work has been all over the world with exhibitions in Berlin and London and most recently taking part in the 50th anniversary of Sanrio 'small gift' in Miami.  But do not be disappointed if you missed these one as she is also taking part in a large exhibition in Bangkok next year so that could be a visit to the beach and super cool show all in one! So here is the interview enjoy! www.hattiestewart.com 

1) Tell me about yourself and your design back ground?

My name is Hattie and I am an artist/illustrator from East London (with absolutely no relation to those Dalston Superstar people. ugh)


2) How and why did you start ....

I've always drawn from a young age. Standard! I recently looked at a collection of old work from a young babe to now and its weird that you can clearly see the natural progression of my work and how i've ended up where I am stylistically. Its interesting looking back. I like to think "it was meant to be" !!

3)whats your specalism, and what exciting projects have you got coming up?

I guess I specialise in black line, character based work. I'm currently working on a brand new painting for a show with Shhh collective (http://shhhhblog.tumblr.com/) at the fab new gallery 'Beach London' in December, so watch this space! As well as this I'm working on adding to my Megazine project which i'm hoping to turn into a book (or magazine??) one day!

4)How are you finding your feet in the industry? And what is your proudest achievement to date?

As always its a slow climb but I've been extremely fortunate to work with some amazing people. I think my proudest achievement to date is working with House of Holland to create illustrations and prints for his first ever Pre Collection and S/S 2012 collection. He was great fun to work with and more so because he appreciated my style. I'm fortunate to be able to work on a project where I can draw as I naturally do and not change it to fit a different, required aesthetic. Its rare and I'm lucky.


5) Tell me about he images you have supplied for e interview and your inspirations?

I have provided my favourite Megazine covers! I constantly source images from magazines which i'll then manipulate to suit my aesthetic. The photography is always beautiful in these epic magazines but I get so booooored with it, there is so much more that can be done. With this I thought of when people doodle and scrawl over things when they are bored and so Megazines was born. Its as simple as that. I was bored, I doodled and ended up creating something I thought was pretty cool! I've had a great response which I'm pretty chuffed with. I feel most of my best work is created when I'm just drawing for myself. These ideas and pieces ALWAYS end up being the leading pull when creating work for clients. I've also provided pictures from the Porcelain collection I created with 123 Bethnal Green Road. They had a huge amount of old porcelain and asked me to bring it up to date which was great fun! One thing I like to focus on with my work is how it can be used. A lot of people think its one dimensional so I like to be able to show all the possibilities it has to offer. 

6) any exhibitions you have gad how where they??

I have been in and taken part in quite a few. My ultimate favourite though was for the 50th Anniversary of Sanrio which took place in Miami last year during Art Basel I was able to exhibit with some amazing artists and go to Miami! Best. Holiday. Ever. oops, I mean 'business trip'.

7)What inspires you most?
I don't care if its corny but my friends. Without them I would be lost! I love Hayao Miyazaki and Takashi Murakami. Amazing.

8)Who are your main inspiration?

My amazing sister. She is just fabulous and one of my biggest inspirations. Hands down.
9)If you could design for anyone or any company which would it be and why?
I would love to design something for those pop princesses: Gaga, Minaj, Perry, Rhianna etc they are playful with their look. Especially Minaj and Perry, like they've been vomited over by a cartoon character! That would be fun. I'd love to work with Giles. I previously said when asked this "House of Holland" so hopefully I can predict again. Wouldn't that be something! 
Illustrations in the Luella window .............................
10)what are your favourite/signature materials?
Black pens, Posca and my Mac. 
11)Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
On top of the world! Aiming high and all that. Nah, In 5 years time I'll probably be regretting saying 'on top of the world' when I'm back at home living with mama if people decide they don't like my work anymore! I love what I do but most of all its always been for me, which is why I think I'm doing ok. If your not doing it for yourself and because you love to create and draw, regardless of money or popularity, then whats the point? The fact that people engage with and like my work is an unbelievably exhilarating bonus. I can only hope that continues to grow.
What a treat! keep upto date with the lovely hattie on twitterwww.twitter.com/hattiedoodles and www.hattiestewart.com i know i will be xxxxx 
All copyright belongs with Hattie Stewart please do not use with out prior permission to contact Hattie please email her directly many thanks x


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Estelle Morris - illustrator
by Hope Von Joel 

Estelle Morris is an illustrator based in Cambridge, I first came across her work, when she illustrated my belts for an article in Amelia's Magazine which I instantly fell in Love with.  Estelle's work is clean and minimally beautiful, she captures the essence of her subject, with simple line and soft colour.  This way of working creates dynamic and emotional pieces that inspire the mind. This serene and recognisable style is shown in my first example, a portrait of May, Estelle's Niece, this illustration was done exclusively for my loves blog and i think it captures a naughtiness and inquisitiveness of May.
May by Estelle Morris, drawn exclusively for My Loves fashion blog.

I asked Estelle to answer some interview questions and her infectious personality was very much obliging and we are happy to have her as our first interviewee. Estelle's passion is drawings, with a few other things thrown in 'I love to draw, watch trashy TV and bake cakes'. We think this is a winning combination! <3


1) Tell me about yourself and your design back ground?
Hello! I'm Estelle, I live in Cambridge and love to draw, I'd draw all day if I didn't have to also work as a receptionist... I'm hoping to be a full time freelance illustrator as soon as I can. I graduated from University last year with a degree in illustration, having previously studied fashion and art at College. I've always loved drawing people and fashion design pushed me in that direction even more. My favourite things to draw are hands and knees.
Drawing of hands by Estelle Morris

2) How and why did you start ....
The only thing I was ever good at was drawing and I always asked for art stuff at birthdays and Christmas. I guess illustration can be pretty lonely sometimes but that never really bothered me. I honestly can't see myself being happy doing anything else, I do love making things and lots of areas of art, but the process of taking in an idea or piece of writing and coming up with an illustration is what drives me. 

3)whats your specalism, and what exciting projects have you got coming up?
I don't know what I'd say that is to be honest! I suppose I'm most confident in drawing people a lot of the time, but that's constantly changing and I've really gotten into repeating patterns lately. I think once I know I can do something it bores me and I like to try new things and see where it leads to.
The past few weeks have been really busy for me, I'm trying to build up my portfolio so have been doing lots of work for various blogs, websites and magazines - this included! I actually dread doing interviews but it's so overwhelming to think someone wants to hear my words. At the moment I'm working on my biggest illustration yet - a double page spread for Cellardoor Magazine and am just hoping I don't screw it up!

(Estelle's repeating patterns - male pattern, and illustration for Amelia's Magazine showing an Eye Of The World designs belt.)

4)How are you finding your feet in the industry? And what is your proudest achievement to date?
Since leaving University I've found it really difficult to get paid work, so I've decided to not worry about that at the moment and just to build up my portfolio with free work. I'm hoping this leads to a really varied body of illustrations which will help me secure future commissions. I send emails, update my own sites and check websites every single day; if you don't get out there then work doesn't come looking for you. I think choosing a freelance career is either briliant or possibly idiotic...
My proudest achievement in a creative context would probably be the fact that I've been shortlisted for a photography award in March next year. I'm so nervous about it but was thrilled as I would consider myself an illustrator rather than photographer, so to be recognised for that felt wonderful.

5) Tell me about the images you have supplied for e interview and your inspirations?

This is an illustration of my niece, May; I went to visit my sister in Eastbourne at the weekend and took so many photos of her, she's that perfect mix of cute and really naughty! The others are some illustrations I've been working on lately, most of them are fashion based which I've loved getting back into.


Fashion illustrations by Estelle Morris.





6) Have you had any exhibitions, tell us about them??
I've only had my degree show exhibition and New Designers in London which my class participated in. I enjoyed them, but I prefer my work to be seen in an editorial, almost 'throwaway' context; I like to illustrate something and then work on a new project straight after.
I've had photographs in a couple of smaller exhibitions over the past couple of months which was great. Me and my friends have been talking about a collective illustration exhibition for ages, but we just never seem to get around to organising one!


7)What inspires you most? 
Mundane things; I like to just watch a lot of the time and let things sink in. I write down phrases or ideas in my diary as otherwise I forget everything.

(above)Portrait by Estelle Morris.



8)Who are your main inspiration?
I don't really have one person or artist I aspire to be like, but I guess one of my 'idols' is Daniel Clowes. I have all his graphic novels and just adore the way he thinks and draws. 



9)If you could design for anyone or any company which would it be and why?
I'd love to design an album cover for a band like Bon Iver or Warpaint, or work on a campaign for Adidas and create some tshirt or sneaker designs. Regular illustrations for big fashion magazines would also be lovely..




10)what are your favourite/signature materials and why?HB pencil, collaged paper, screenprinting (when I have the opportunity!) I've been using photoshop a lot more recently due to quick jobs, but I prefer to make everything by hand. 





11)Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Ha, well where I would like to be is sitting in my studio in a lovely old house in a big city, working as a full time freelance illustrator or travelling around Europe with a sketchbook.

12)give me a blurb to promote yourself that i can edit for your introduction!
I love to draw, watch trashy TV and bake cakes.
I graduated with a degree in Illustration last year from Cambridge School of Art and have been living here since. My work is based on life and I like to take something ordinary or mundane and filter it through into my illustrations. Everything starts with pencil drawings and evolves from there. I like to work at my messy desk sitting under a shelf of old cameras with some good music on!
I would love to have my own screenpriting studio and spend all day drawing and creating work.


Estelle's Work can be seen here www.estellemorris.com