An interview with Shape of Home
Simone of Shape of Home
Business Owner
•
www.shapeofhome.co.uk
@shapeofhome
Tell us about your business. Please describe your craft/products. What does your business do? Do you target a purpose or specific person?
Shape of Home is a design-led, ethically conscious brand focusing on paper & textile products. We’re currently approaching our 1st birthday and are preparing to launch a few new products and slightly change the direction of the brand going forward - exciting!
What inspires you when you are working or creating new work?
I started up Shape of Home whilst on maternity leave after years of being inspired by other independents and wanting to give it a go. My other job is an Art Lecturer and so I’m really keen to combine and promote my passion(s) for Art & Design, Inclusion & Sustainability. I’m a lover of abstract, contemporary art and most of my inspiration comes from galleries I’ve visited around the world but also very elementary marks and simple shapes.
What are the core values in your business? (eg. sustainability)
Art is for everybody and my new products focus on this as the key ethos. I want to create products that are accessible and inspiring without being detrimental to the planet. I hope that both established and aspiring creatives will use and enjoy our products.
I recently launched our series of ‘Sketchbook Sessions’ blog posts to share & promote other artists and creatives with similar values. I hope these will inspire people to be creative & show that it’s possible to have a thriving career within the arts.
What is your biggest dream/goal for your business or have you already achieved it/them?
My goal for the business was to have products stocked in Art Gallery shops and promote arts & creativity for all. So far, I have exhibited at the V&A Dundee, The Hepworth Wakefield, and was selected to be part of The Manchester Art Gallery 20/22 Curated Craft & Design store (April-July 22) which was a huge privilege. I still have lots of hard work to do in growing the business and many more goals to tick off the list!
What is your favourite product you make and why?
I’m so excited about the ‘Art School At Home’ boxes that will be launching very soon (later this month). I’ve worked really hard to combine my day job and producing a product that makes producing artwork accessible to all. The first in the range will focus on Mono & Relief printmaking and I can’t wait to see what you think of it!
What would you tell your younger self?
I finished school, college, even university and didn’t really know what I wanted to do. It took me a while to figure it out and now I couldn’t be happier. Without sounding too much like a cliche, I’d probably say, don’t worry too much about it, it will all work out in the end & you work hard so you’ll get there… eventually!
What two things in your life can't you live without? (one life related and one business related)
Support from friends & family is a given - in fact, Shape of Home wouldn’t exist without my husband who puts up with my nonsense & is responsible for all of our product photography. I also have some of the most amazing, inspiring & wonderful friends that keep me motivated.
Please come up with one question that we can ask in our next interview. This could be as random or quirky as you want it to be.
Can you offer a Podcast Recommendation?
Question from a previous interview:
If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
I have a Cocker Spaniel named Rasmus, he is absolutely nuts & has a pretty great life. He has no worries in the world & actually smiles running around at the beach. Maybe we should all be more Rasmus?!
Quick fire questions:
Sweet or savoury? Savoury
Morning or night? Morning
Radio1, Radio4 or 6music? I’m obsessed with listening to podcasts at the moment & always on the look out for recommendations.
Holiday in the UK or abroad? Abroad ideally, but will settle for UK.
Bright colours or neutral colours? Both - but I am partial to brights.
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