Featured Designer: Pom by Pomegranate

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FK chats to Jacinta of beautiful and tactile, textiles & accessories label Pom by Pomegranate based in Sydney! (Top image credit by photographer Martina Gemmola)

Tell us a bit about Pom by Pomegranate and what we can expect to discover?
Pom by Pomegranate was born from a love of making things by hand. Our products range from hand dyed and printed textiles right through to cute little bamboo earrings. You can expect to see individuality and a lot of variety. Our print runs are small and limited, meaning that we’re able to continually change and evolve our products. No two pieces are quite the same, which is really exciting for our buyers.

What is your creative background and how did it lead you to where you are today?
I’ve always liked to make things, using my hands and creating has been a big part of my life so far. I was taught all kinds of craft at a young age by my grandmother and always thought it would be something I would pursue. Once I finished high school I studied Visual Communication. After graduating from my honours degree in 2009, I landed a job in a small graphic design studio and began working full time. While working in the studio, I Started Pom by Pomegranate to fulfill my niggling desire to create things by hand. Eventually my need to take Pom to the next level meant it was time to move on to the next phase in my career. Since making the jump at the end of 2011 I have steadily built up Pom by Pomegranate whilst also juggling freelance design jobs. They’ve been some of the most enjoyable and challenging times in my career so far.

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How has your creative style developed over time? and what inspires your work?
My creative style is ever developing and changing. I love to experiment with different and varied techniques to create colour and pattern on fabric. I started out screen printing, and have since expanded my skills to include block printing, Japanese resist dyeing and painting with reactive dyes. At the moment I am completely in awe of the work of some ancient Japanese Shibori masters. I am using their technique, while bringing it forward into our time by adding splashes of colour to the indigo and using modern technology to enhance the traditional methods of binding the fabric.

What is your creative workspace like, and what inspires you about your surroundings?
I have recently made the move from Melbourne to Sydney. My new studio is in the bustling suburb of Marrickville in Sydney’s inner west. I’m surrounded by so much culture here. Some parts of the area remind me of my travels around Asia and then there are the new cafes popping up, filled with young and creative people. It’s great being surrounded by such a varied mix of cultures that somehow seem to form a community spirit. It’s really inspiring.

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What challenges have you faced starting your own label, and what are some things you love about it?
Starting any business is sure to be challenging. When I started Pom it was a side project, one to keep the creative juices flowing and one that was fun. That’s the roots of the label; it’s how I like to work. I don’t plan too much, I just kind of roll with it. I make what I feel at the time and so far it’s working out. I love the freedom that I get from running my own label. At times I miss the opportunity for daily collaboration and working with other creatives. But that’s why markets are great, they open doors to meeting fellow designers and expanding my creative network.

What new projects are you working on and where would you like to see Pom by Pomegranate in the future?
As well as developing my own products, I’m currently collaborating with a Melbourne fashion designer to create an amazing clothing line, which will be launched later this year. It’s such an exciting project to be involved in and I can’t wait to share it. As for the future of Pom by Pomegranate, I plan to maintain the freedom of enjoyment and exploration in my work. I will also continue to embrace any opportunities that arise, ensuring that Pom will continue to evolve and grow as a label.

www.pomegranatedesign.com.au

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