Today’s post is the first in a new feature on my blog where I’ll introduce you to some of my favorite creative makers and designers out there!
MAIZIE CLARKE
I first met Maizie Clarke years ago when she was living in DC and we were in a blogger book club together. Now she’s based out of Louisville, KY, working for a design firm, and following her creative pursuits on the side. She just launched a line of Far-East inspired textiles with Guildery—think accent pillows, wrapping paper, fabric, wallpaper, and table linens—and also does gorgeous watercolor illustrations including wedding maps and house portraits. Learn a bit more about Maizie below!
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW DID YOU DISCOVER THE WORLD OF TEXTILE DESIGN?
“I have my Bachelors in Interior Design and my Masters in Exhibition Design, but I’ve been designing as long as I can remember; my bedroom growing up had several different ‘designs’! I have worked for some wonderful places, including Kathryn M. Ireland, a textile designer and interior designer out of Santa Monica, CA. This was my first formal introduction to the world of textile design (and West Coast living!) I am now living in Louisville, Kentucky working for a design firm and freelancing on the side.”
DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW THAT YOU WOULD PURSUE A CREATIVE PATH?
“I’ve always tried to have some sort of creative aspect in my life; after college I took a marketing job and write a DIY blog on the side (that’s how Heather and I met!), after working for several years, I decided to go back to graduate school full-time to pursue my passion for exhibition design, but I kept painting and illustrating on the side, eventually leading me to textile design. I’d always had an interest in applying my illustrations to textiles and after thinking about it for a year or two, I set aside some time and taught myself how to create a repeat in Illustrator.”
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS TO FABRIC?
“Textile design is the perfect way of transforming my two-dimensional illustrations into a three-dimensional application.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO MAKE THIS CREATIVE DREAM A REALITY? HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR FULL-TIME CAREER WITH YOUR SIDE HUSTLE?
“I have a full-time job in the creative field and it was surprising to find that I have the energy and the time to do both. A couple of things that I’d very much recommend to others: find your tribe: having a like-minded group of people around you is priceless; get organized: find the time whether it’s before work, during your lunch break, to work your side hustle. Also, have fun!”
THERE’S EASTERN INFLUENCE RUNNING THROUGH ALL THE PATTERNS IN YOUR COLLECTION. WHAT LED YOU TO EXPLORE THESE MOTIFS?
“I’ve always loved pagoda architecture and I thought that it would serve as a wonderful inspiration for my first fabric collection.”
MAIZIE’S DESIGNS
Below check out a few of my favorite items from Maizie’s textile line with Guildery. I love the neutral colors and muted palette of her designs. They are so timeless and would look perfect in any room, whether it’s a sophisticated living room, a chic child’s room, or a relaxing bedroom. And can’t you see a powder room wallpapered in the elephant pagoda print?
And that’s a wrap for my first look in to Creatives at Work! I would love to make this a monthly feature, and if you know of a talented designer, artist, or maker that we should all know about, definitely let me know!
