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Q1 How did you get the idea for the brand name, Mulberry muse? Is there any story behind it?
When I decided to begin my own business, I really wanted to find a perfect name I would be happy with for a long time. I spent many hours working with different combinations. I have a beautiful English cookery book called "Falling Cloudberries" which started me thinking about berries. I love Mulberry's and the gorgeous rich colour of Mulberry. |
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I needed a word to complement the chosen Mulberry and discovered the word Muse in relation to design whilst browsing the Sydney Power House museum website. They were hosting a designer clothing exhibition - The designer's muse. Mulberry Muse was born.
Q2 What do you think is the most important element in your design?
I want my designs to look enchanting and unique, to look elegant and yet something quite different from the average greeting card. The use of vintage style elements has really inspired my creativity. I take great delight in finding new treasures to use in my collages. The simple find of a French vintage button card can inspire a whole new collection.
Q3 Could you tell us the work you enjoyed the most so far?
I am really enjoying working on collages, using vintage elements, especially French vintage.
I then use the collages I have created and turn them into beautiful and unique cards. |
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Q7 Is there a designer (or an artist) who inspires you the most?
I do love the old master painters. When I worked in London I frequented the amazing art galleries and spent hours trying to master their techniques. I have many favourite children's book illustrators that inspire me. Some are Arthur Rackham, Beatrix Potter, May Gibbs and Ida Rentoul Outhwaite. I love the textile designs of Florence Broadhurst and William Morris. There are so many designers and illustrators that inspire me. I see so much beautiful work. With the internet I am able to enjoy the amazing creativity of other artists and designers.
Q8 Could you tell us about a project that you are working on right now?
At the moment I am working on a French Collection with a theme. I plan to write a little story to go with it. I am also working on my website which I hope to have operating very soon.
It is also the time I need to find inspiration and start planning new designs for the Christmas holiday season. |
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Q9 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
I am very flattered that I have been given the opportunity to do this interview.
Japanese culture has so much inspiring beauty in its creativity. |
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Mulberry Muse designer, Wendy Paula Patterson says "I was born in England, and immigrated to Australia with my family when I was 14 years old. I studied Graphic Art and Design in Adelaide and was apprenticed to one of South Australia's leading packaging designers, Wytt Morro & Son. Beautiful packaging has always been a passion of mine although initially my ambition was to be a children's book illustrator. I am an avid collector of beautiful packaging. I sometimes buy a product simply for the package it is in! I have worked as a Packaging Designer and Illustrator in Adelaide, Holland, London and Sydney. Some years ago I began freelance illustration for a Sydney based Greeting Card Company and I now work full time as a freelance Illustrator & Designer specialising in the greeting card industry." |
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Q4 Please tell us the process that your products was born.
My technique is to use a combination of pencil, original water colour, or gouache illustrations and combine them with vintage images. Some of the lettering is hand done to make it more unique. The illustrations are scanned to my computer and then combined with other elements. I finish the designs using creative digital techniques with Adobe Photoshop CS2. The designs are then printed in high resolution, using durable pigment based inks onto high quality art paper. The finished product is cut out by hand, embellished, and packaged in cellophane. The finishing work is very exacting and time consuming. I am a perfectionist and try to make sure every card is perfect and a delight for my customers.
Q5 What is your business motto mantra?
Quality and excellence. |
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Q6 Who is your average customer and what are they like?
My average customers are usually female, with a passion for beautiful paper products. My most popular range is the French Collection. I have quite a number of customers who love France and cards with French vintage themes. |
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