Monday, March 15, 2010

Behind the Design - Hello Tenfold

Hello everyone. I hope you all had a nice weekend.

This week's Behind the Design features Ellie, the talented designer behind the lovely stationary shop, Hello Tenfold, and author of Mint Design Blog.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I read a lot of blogs, so I'm constantly inspired by all the colors, designs, and patterns I see there.  I'm also inspired by vintage ephemera and nature.


Do you have a spot you like to go that helps you feel creative?
I love looking through all kinds of books and magazines for inspiration, so sometimes a trip to a local bookstore or library is helpful.


Where do you do most of your work?
I have an office at home, but I do move around the house and like to work in coffee shops too.

How did you come up with the name for your business?
Well...My sister in law came up with the name "Mint" during a car ride, adn I liked it enough to use. At the time, I didn't know where the blog would go, and we didn't put much thought into the name, to be honest! For my stationary company, Hello Tenfold, I liked the sound of the word "tenfold" but of course there are other companies called Tenfold and I wanted to make it more unique. I like that the direct meaning is "hello times ten" which made sense because my initial idea was to have more everyday staationary in the shop. Maybe someday I will :)


Your favorite thing to make?
I love printmaking. So stamping, using my gocco, wood block carving...Sewing practical things like curtains or pillows is also really satisfying, but I'm not very good at it!


What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?
Oh that's a hard one! I recently saw a Gorky exhibit in Philadelphia and was inspired by the colors and forms in his more simple work. But, I don't know that I have an all time favorite!


You couldn't run your business without ______?
My husband! He's so supportive when I'm feeling frustrated or anxious, and is always the first to give me a big hug when things are going well.


What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
Just take one day at a time and be patient. I have to remind myself of that all the time.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?
My favorite magazine is Inside Out.

If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?
Someone who does what I do but on a bigger scale, probably. Or maybe an illustrator or letterpress printer. I'm also fascinated by radio journalists!

Do you have any hobbies or creative outlets other than your work?
I like taking art classes in things like ceramics, which I don't have much experience with or aptitude for. It's nice to do something creative without any pressure! I also love thrift shopping, being outside, reading, and traveling.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go and why?
I've always wanted to see Machu Pichu. It looks beautiful and has so much history, and I've never been to South America.

If you had to spend a year on a deserted island, what 5 things would you take with you?
A box of pens, a sketchbook, a deck of cards, and my husband and dog if live things are allowed!

Thank you Ellie for participating in this week's Behind the Design.

Photos courtesy of Hello Tenfold

Ellie can be found at:
Etsy shop
Blog
Flickr
Twitter
Facebook
Tumblr
Bella Figura
Vintage shop

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