Vicki Ormerod is part of Minerva Crafts, a family run craft business based in Lancashire, UK. The company is appropriately named after the Roman Goddess of handicrafts and arts. Carrying one of the largest ranges of craft products in the UK they supply patterns, haberdashery, knitting, crochet, embroidery, beading and so much more. Helping their community of bloggers to create unique craft projects, we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Vicki Ormerod.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Experimental! I always try to push the boundaries with products and techniques, searching to find something new. I love playing with colour and texture whether it be for clothing, furnishings, or other creative projects.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
The key thing for me is not to be too precious with materials. Being too careful I find often inhibits creativity. I love to be free to make mistakes and learn from them. I always start with the materials and see where it leads. It can often be somewhere very different from what was initially envisaged.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I am inspired by so many people. In my job I am lucky enough to work with some exceptionally creative and talented bloggers from all across the world. I am constantly in awe of the work produced for the Minerva Crafts Blogger Network, its a fantastic resource of inspiration for everyone. Also, in my job I work with fabrics and creative materials all day and this is where I find most of my inspiration starts. There is nothing quite like seeing a new range of fabrics or threads or yarns for sparking an idea, or train of thought that leads to a new project. I am extremely lucky in the work I do and find it an endless source of inspiration.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I like to 'collect' ideas all the time. When I see something I love I tend to take a photograph or a sample and keep it for future reference. I have a collection of these images, objects, books and materials that I keep at home. Over the years it has become a fantastic resource that I can keep referring back too.
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 am extremely lucky in that I have grown up working for Minerva Crafts, I really do have the best job in the world! It is a family business where I work alongside my mum and dad (pictured) and other members of the family too. I have been involved in the company since I was eight years old...it really was inevitable that I would end up working in the textile and craft industry. When I was younger I was lucky enough to study at Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in embroidery and then a MA in design. These 4 years in education reaffirmed that what I wanted most was to continue to working in the creative industries. It was a wonderful chance to explore techniques and ideas. My best advice to anyone looking for a creative career is to allow yourself time to figure out what it is you want to do and in which direction you want to go. There are so many career options in this industry, so find out what it is you love and go for it!