FK chats to Penny of wonderfully fun and quirky jewellery label, Min Pin! Discover the wonder of Min Pin yourself at our upcoming Melbourne Markets
Tell us a bit about Min Pin and what we can expect to discover?
Min Pin is like a weird and fun disco ghost that crashes his 1979 school prom. But seriously folks, Min Pin is a Melbourne based jewellery and homewares design label that specialises in compassionate design, quality workmanship and affordability.
At our stall you can expect to find bigfoot, a few yetis, a couple of UFOs and lots of strange little monster dudes(!), as well as super cool necklaces, earrings, pins, stickers, cushions, toys and prints etc.
What is your creative background and how did it lead you to where you are today?
I came from a very creative household, my Dad was a musician and my Mum and her Mum were both jewellers and designers. I went on to study Design at Curtin University in Perth, majoring in illustration. After moving to Melbourne I undertook a very exciting internship at an alternative design school in Coburg that specialised in designing from the heart. This awesome experience gave me the inspiration to really get Min Pin off the ground.
What inspires your work and what keeps you motivated creatively?
I am always inspired by unique, original and awesome illustrations and designs. At the moment I seem to be really drawn to naiveté in design and really enjoy the freedom and absurdity it can capture. I think that Tumblr is really great for finding unusual designs by un-hyped, no-name bedroom artists from all over the world. There is always such a variety of constant inspiration there!
What is your creative workspace like, and what inspires you about your surroundings?
I work from my home studio, which is okay. I moved house recently so my desk area is a bit of a shambles not particularly inspiring. I have also developed this bad habit of watching online TV while I work, which means I have watched EVERY EPISODE OF EVERYTHING. I could definitely say that watching back-to-back X Files for weeks on end has definitely trickled into my work!
What challenges have you faced starting your own label, and what are some things you love about it?
The insecurity of not having steady income is always fun, but I feel that it’s also that stress that seems to drive me to create new, unique and exciting designs and packaging. As insecure as it can be, there is nothing I would rather be doing.
What new projects are you working on and where would you like to see Min Pin in the future?
At the moment I am working on a brooch series called Good Friends, which involves me making lots of different wearable mini cushion friends! I’m also looking into getting my designs made in stainless steel, which I’m really looking forward to.
In the future I’d like see Min Pin continue to create new and awesome designs and packaging while being a super successful small business
www.minpindesign.com
www.etsy.com/shop/minpinshop
