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.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ordo-2 |
You can find Holly here and here on Ravelry.
Anywhere
& everywhere - I generally find that the more diverse the places I
take inspiration from, the more interesting the pieces I create are.
What is your favorite knitting technique?
Lace - hands down. But I also love playing with colorwork.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anwar |
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, I think it's critical to be aware of what's going on in your field. That
said, I try not to let what other designers are doing heavily influence
what I design or publish - I think one of the keys to being a designer
is believing in your own voice.
How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?
I'm
not sure I think patterns are being "dumbed down." I think there's just
been a broadening in the availability of pattern writing voices - some
of which are very explanatory, aimed at beginners, and some of which
aren't.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eirwen |
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I do all my own sample knitting.
Did you do a formal business plan? / Do you have a mentor?
Nope, though things would probably have moved more efficiently if I had.
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
While,
I don't have a business model that I could point to and say, "I want to
emulate that.” there are a couple business models I can point to and
say, "I want something like that, with much more X, a lot less Y, and a
pinch of Z."
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rosmerta |
How are you using social media to grow your business?
I
wouldn't have a business without Ravelry, or blogging, so I guess you
could broadly say social media is at the heart of my business (though
not in a "post on Facebook a dozen times a day” sort of way).
Do you use a tech editor?
Absolutely.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tumbling-deco |
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
I'm
don't think I do have balance, and I'm not sure I want to - I like
thinking of it more as a life/work melding. There are times when I work,
and times when I take time to relax, and rejuvenate. But the “time off”
isn’t “not working” recharging is an essential part of being a creative
person in a creative field.
How do you deal with criticism?
Lightly.
Criticism about art or design is often a matter of personal preference,
so when someone doesn’t like something, that’s cool, and when I feel
confident in a design, it's easier to believe that. I
figure there are plenty of things I don't like & other people love,
and there are plenty of things I love & other people don't like,
and that’s awesome. Of
course, some days a comment hits right where it hurts, in a way that
throws me straight into my "stuff" (doubt, anxiety, etc.). For me, those
are best dealt with by administering space, time, & cat videos.
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I
don't support myself through knitwear design alone. I’m a freelance
artist, so I support myself through a variety of projects.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lapidarius |
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Listen
to your own voice, and get really clear on why you want to do this -
both of those'll help get you through the times things get sucky.
What’s next for you?
Next
up I'm finishing up a project where I only wear clothes I’ve made for a
year - that’s done at the end of July - and after that I’m not exactly
sure what’s next, but I have a hunch that it’ll be a writing project of
some sort.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/yuki-2 |
