Amanda
Can you introduce yourself and describe what you do?
Hi, my name is Amanda Williams and I am a part-time craft maker/sewer.
Have you always been a maker?
I have always loved arts and crafts since I was in primary school. My Nan taught me how to sew and paint at a young age and my dad was a very gifted maker, so I think I inherited my love of making from them. I studied fashion design at university as I wanted to be able to perfect my sewing craft.
What draws you towards your craft?
I think any type of craft is so rewarding as you have created something. You’ve had an idea, then you go through the process of making it and I can’t explain it, but that is an incredible feeling to have made something and to be like “I made that”
Where does your inspiration come from?
Aw gosh, anything really. I use Pinterest a lot for inspiration and Instagram. Nature and art are the biggest inspirations to me.
Who are your design heroes?
Growing up I loved all the out-there designers Iris Van-Herpen and Martin Maison Margiela, but in terms of craft I love a lot of local and small designers from illustrators to
How long does it take to make a piece and what’s involved?
It can all depend on what it is that I am making that day. Most prints I make take approximately half an hour, and depending on what I sew can take a while. Two users could be a whole working day, where a mask could be about an hour.
Can you describe your workspace? Where is it and what is in it?
I work from home and take over our kitchen much to the dismay of my partner and dog. I use the dining table as it is the biggest space and is easier for cutting fabric and sewing. I have a desk in our home office for other print work.
Is there anything in your workspace that you couldn’t live without?
I couldn’t live without my sewing machine and overlocker. I also couldn’t live without adobe photoshop and illustrator.
What’s the best thing about living a creative life?
I personally love being able to work from home. But I would say the best thing is just being able to have made something yourself. That end result that you have created is just something that you should be proud of.
What would you say to someone thinking about selling their work?
Do it!! What are you waiting for?? But no really, do it! Try selling on Etsy or a similar platform. If you know how to create a website using a template site that can also be a great way, but if that scares you too much Etsy is great start. And then just advertise your work on your social media pages. There are lots of great free courses in how to market your products out there. You got this guys!!
