MONDAY MAKER – HELLO SUNSHINE

On this grey and wet day we are getting to know the ray of sunshine that is Jo want from Hello Sunshine. I cannot help but smile when I think of Jo and her work, how can you not be happy with a Hedgehog Shuffle brooch, so cute! So here is what Jo had to say about work and design process.

How would you describe your style?

Simple yet fun (a bit like myself :P)

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I often work in my spare room at home (Sunshine Towers) but I tend to travel quite a bit at weekends so often doodle when I’m out and about too! I take inspiration from wherever I go really and I am always shuffling things around in the house so it never looks the same. New places, people and experiences inspire me so it’s important that I shake up my environment regularly, whether its just sitting in the garden with my sketch book, reorganising my ‘studio space’ or taking work on a trip with me.

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

Um… I’ve always been a doodler but when I finished uni and got back from a bit of traveling I decided to try and sell some of my artwork off (going to art college and uni you collect a LOT of stuff!). I was amazed and delighted that people wanted to buy what I had made so from then I made it my mission to design and make things for lovely people.

Can you give us an idea of some of your creative processes?

It all starts with a sketch pad, whether is becomes a piece of laser cut jewellery or a commissioned sunshine caricature it starts with a scribble. Then my doodles usually end up being jigged about in photoshop and illustrator before they either become a print for a customer or go off to the laser cutters to be cut from wood or acrylic and start their journey on my jewellery production line.

What is inspiring you or work just now?

If I’m honest it has to be these two… Pegs and Toby

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

Not at the moment bit there’s a HUGE clue in the above picture that may give you an idea of what my next jewellery collection is based on!

What is your favourite thing about Nottingham?

The fact that my family and most of my friends are super close by and even those who may live far away are just a train or bus ride away thanks to the pretty good public transport services here. Oh and Annies Burger Shack – I love a good burger and she does damn good ones!

The best piece of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

“Do what you love and you’ll never work another day in your life”

You can view Hello Sunshine over on the website here and in our online shop