Monday, March 18, 2013

An Ode to the Hinterland; First Steps in a Process

In the previous post in this series, I bloviated outlined some of the very broad ideas surrounding, and direct inspiration for, my upcoming independently published collection.

Here, I'd like to talk a bit more practically about how ideas go from abstract thoughts to the concrete-on-paper.


Every designer has a different process. I personally like to use a new collection idea as a splendiferous excuse to get myself a new wee notebook to devote to it.

In this case it was one of these guys. The cover gives me the ability to stamp the title on, and is just the right size for a collection of about 20 or less patterns.
I like blank pages instead of lined ones for the ability to sketch clearly (my printing, on the other hand....)

A frontpage and table of contents is created, and then usually some general key ideas, set down as word clouds/webs. And this is just stuff that pops in to my mind when I think of the look and feel of the collection. Where I want to go with it. This one, for example, has keywords including harvest / thick cables / tone-on-tone / hills / natural colours / warmth / September.

I also usually include a page for jotting down more specific ideas and questions, with things such as release dates, number and type of garments, photoshoot locations, and so on.

In the case of the Hinterland collection (working title!), it really was the location that first generated the idea. So, I'm hoping, pretty hardcore, that I can get me and my models out to this ideal location for the shoot.

But that's a ways down the road!

The notebook then has a couple pages devoted to each garment, with room to sketch, jot down notes, and preliminary techniques, yarn ideas, and possibly gauge swatches. Very little math is happening now.

It's this notebook that helps me clarify the collection, keep my ideas and thought process together, and arrange a collection so that all the pieces are complementary and thematically harmonious.

Before I go, a bit of fun: Hinterland Who's-Who.

4 comments:

Hilary said...

I loved this insight into your design process! It's so cool how you've mentally prepared for things, in addition to the actual, physical design work. And I also love how you use a new collection as an excuse to buy a new notebook! New notebooks are the best.

Meredith MC said...

I love notebooks. Yours is way more organized than mine. Instead of a table of contents, I use random sticky notes. not really as attractive.
Also, I love the idea of word cloud to draw inspiration from. I can see how that would really help in designing a collection.
Thanks for the insight, I might have to borrow some of your ideas.

Meredith MC said...

PS Is it at all difficult to be focusing on Fall themes with glorious Spring happening all around you?
I guess that is the life of a designer, thinking at least 2 seasons ahead.

Unknown said...

Hi Meredith,

Thanks so much! It does feel a bit weird to be designing out of season, but you're right: it has to happen like that! I find pinterest really helps get my head in the right space :)