Jessica Hayman is the founder of Rosa & Clara Designs, a designer and creator of cheerful and illustrative homewares and gifts, based in London. Jessica is a former lawyer, but finally decided to pursue her first love, design. She creates everything from pineapple print lampshades to flamingo covered wash bags. More recently, she has been commissioned to design for the V&A Museum of Childhood. Jessica also only uses British manufacturers and printers. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Jessica Hayman.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I create illustrative, British-made homewares and gifts for people who love colour and pattern.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
My designs are always based on artwork created by hand, often a hand-drawn illustration or collage. Then it’s over to my Mac to play with colour and layout.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I’m lucky to have some great designer friends who I can call on for brainstorming sessions. That can really help with both business and creative decisions – it’s great to be able to get out of the studio and talk things through with other owners of creative businesses.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I just head into London. I might see a new exhibition, a lovely townhouse or something entirely random – one of my textile designs was inspired by the pattern made by a group of rakes outside a hardware store!
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
As a former lawyer who returned to her first love, design, my advice would be that you don’t have to follow the same path forever. Also – be prepared to work seriously hard! Designing as well as running your own business is a lot of work, but I love it.
