Tamara Schneider is the founder of Funky Wombat Textiles, a surface pattern and textile design studio creating original, contemporary and striking designs, based in Melbourne. Tamara is passionate about creating illustrative yet sophisticated patterns for interiors. All of her designs are available both on a range of interior fabrics as well as wallpapers, cushions, lampshades and even tea towels. Tamara studied fashion at the Whitehouse Institute, after which she started her own design studio. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Tamara Schneider.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Hand drawn, illustrative, decorative, inspired by historical textile patterns with a contemporary twist.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Before the drawing begins my creative process usually starts with a visualisation of the final design. I have the idea in my mind and work back from there. The design process always begins with a collection of images and then sketching, sketching and more sketching.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Although it was only for a five week internship back in my university days, I would have to say the design studio Timorous Beasties, they are still the greatest inspiration to me and their innovative approach to the creation of their textiles and wallpapers makes them leaders in the design field.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I always go back to my collection of books. Books on design, books on birds, books on fashion, art and historical decorative patterns are always inspiring.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I’ve had a number of different careers before starting my design business full time. In 2008 I went back back to Uni to study textile design, found my design style and then made a start. My confidence grew as I went along and my skill set developed. The textile design industry is a very competitive business so as long as you research the pitfalls early, stay flexible in your approach, nurture your contacts and have some capital behind you, then you will have a good chance of success.
