Where does your inspiration come from?
It varies, from either the graphic design side of my brain which has a tendency to produce stylized classic shapes, my fascination with antiquities or just simply from experimenting. The latter is very important for self development I think in all areas of the arts.
Where do you do most of your work?
Firstly on the jewelry bench without a doubt! Uploading, writing descriptions, answering questions on the laptop comes second.
How did you come up with the name for your business?
All I remember was that I hadn't put a lot of time into it as I was still juggling a full-time position and freelancing all at once. But wanted to play with the first syllable of my name 'Cyn...' so. 'As for 'Mini..' I don't remember.
Your favorite thing to make?
I love making everything that I've produced. Especially unique pieces(one-of-a-kind) when I find time in between my bread and butter.
What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?
Circa 1994, definitely my simple square shaped collection from when I first started making jewelry back 14yrs ago that combined both silver and 24krt gold leaf. At present it'll have to be my Victorian floral collection; It's just a lot more beautiful than I can do justice to from my photography. The history that lies beneath it, reviving the engraving for a new life for all to appreciate gives me a lot of satisfaction.
What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
The downside to selling online; how unreliable the post can be at times and dealing with the aftermath for both seller and buyer! I feel helpless.
Coffee or tea?
I love both, but coffee a must in the morning!! Tea in between breaks in the afternoon whilst working, and of course whilst dining with my family as it's very much embedded in part of my culture.
Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?
Oh where do I start!!! I have tons of fave mags seriously but since I started my business I've stopped collecting them sadly. They often range from Graphic design inspired, home deco, low brow art, typography etc. Plus it's not easy to sourcing English mags here not the ones I like anyway. There's nothing like having a tactile experience thus I'll always favor mags over Blogs. No fave Blogs, just some I frequent now and then when I get the time.
If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?
There's too many to mention but for fashion's sake I'll say Vivienne Westwood.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go?
Bora Bora just because I'd never spend that much money from my own pocket for such pure decadence. In reality, I spend most of my earnings to visit my family spread throughout the world.
If you had to spend a year on a deserted island, what 5 things would you bring with you?
1. my whole family(nieces and nephews included)
2. my partner
3. water
4. knives
5. a year's supply of potatoes(goes well with fish and coconut sourced from the island;)
Thank you Cynthia for participating in this week's Behind the Design.
Photos courtesy of Cynthia, Mini Cyn.
Cynthia can be found at:
Etsy shop
Blog
Flickr
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