Once a week I post interviews with interesting people about their insights on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve noticed that every one of these individuals makes their living in a slightly different manner bringing their own unique presence to the knitting world.
You can find Brian here on Ravelry.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cascade-scarf-no-4 |
Where
do you
find inspiration?
All
sorts of places. The colour scheme for one of my earlier shawl
patterns came from watching TV. The logo came up for a TV
station and I
thought: ‘those colours would make a great looking shawl!’
What
is your
favourite knitting technique?
Whatever
I’m working on at the time. I found Brioche recently. I
love learning a new technique!
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cascade-scarf-6 |
How
did you
determine your size range?
Because
most of my designs are either scarves or shawls, they tend
to be one size. Although I did design a jacket a while back,
this required some
sizing options. I find the math challenging.
Do
you look
at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be
influenced by their
designs?
I
do look at other designers work and I buy every monthly knitting
magazine out there! It’s good to know what others are creating
and to see
what’s trending at the moment.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cascade-shawl-9 |
How
do you
feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down”
patterns for knitters?
This
is a tricky one. I’ve been told I have too much information
in a pattern, and also that there’s not enough! Past experience
tells me that
you can’t please everyone but you have to at least please
yourself.
How
many
sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do
it all yourself?
I
do it all myself. For me, everything has to be perfect!
Do
you have a
mentor?
YouTube!
When I first started knitting it was a great help and
source of information. Also, “Cascade yarns” for their yarn
support.
Do
you use a
tech editor?
Me!
I’m it!
How
do you deal
with criticism?
Constructive
criticism is always welcome.
How
long did
it take for you to be able to support yourself?
Designing
is my hobby. It’s cost neutral and that is enough for
me.
What
advice
would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in
knitting?
Learn
as much as you can about the industry from books, the
Internet and other designers before you put yourself out there.
If you’re
selling your designs don’t try to create a masterpiece. Keep it
simple. Colour,
together with a good quality yarn will keep it interesting for
the knitter.
It
is a competitive industry. It’s my hobby; I haven’t tried to
make a career out of it. As with any creative business I should
imagine one
requires talent, business sense, professional support and a lot
of luck!
What’s
next
for you?
I want to see if i can put
a brioche stitch into a mitred
square for a shawl pattern. |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cascade-shawl-no6 |
I just came across one of your poncho patterns and just briefly read the instructions and found them to be VERY well written. They are logically ordered and clearly written. Thank you. I look forward to seeing more patterns to add to my library!
ReplyDeleteI found this interview from a Ravelry link. I think Brian is my new design hero. Thanks for publishing this!
ReplyDeleteI love Brian's designs an have almost all of them. Loved the interview.
ReplyDelete