Indie Designer Interviews: Valerie Tyler Designs

by Mallory Whitfield (Subscribe to Mallory Whitfield's posts)
Posted Mar 3rd 2008 at 8:28AM

The following is part of an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews. Today's interview is with jewelry designer Valerie Tyler, of aptly named Valerie Tyler Designs. Her jewelry collections include modern twists on simple geometric designs as well as intricate wire-wrapped scrolls. Valerie loves combining the feminine with more industrial elements, and aims for her work to have a sleek, urban look.

How did you get started as a designer? My entry into jewelry design was due to a variety of factors. I took a jewelry design class in college for a fun elective and absolutely loved it. Turns out I was pretty good at sawing metal! I also then accompanied my mom to several of her craft shows where she sold her photography and would put out some of my jewelry to make a few extra bucks. When I discovered people loved what I had displayed I realized I could really do something with my skills.

What inspires your work? I've studied all sorts of jewelry designers to encourage myself to be creative about shape and form. I'm also an avid reader. I've used things such as old iron-work design books, or weaving patterns, as well as architectural details on buildings to get ideas. In addition, I take inspiration from geometry and nature. I love simple shapes, and I'm obsessed with scrolls. I love to combine such designs in new ways.

Who are your favorite designers? As far as indie designers, I love the work of Iza Malczyk. She really pushes the boundaries of wire wrapping. Her ideas are so creative, I always love to see what she comes up with next. Not to mention, I love it when I absolutely cannot figure out how a jeweler made something. Locally, I also love the ladies of Cleveland Handmade, a group of designers I belong to. It's always wonderful to share ideas, jokes and stories with them. They keep me motivated and inspired.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I have a thing for shoes, and have far too many of them. I also cannot live without Origins Comforting Solution, a tube of lip gloss, and mascara. Other than that the beauty regimen is pretty simple.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Be prepared to put in a lot of time and work. There's a lot more to it than just making your product and that takes a lot of time in and of itself! I've put in hours creating a web-site, designing banner ads, logos, business cards and marketing. In addition, be prepared to spend time finding venues to sell your wares, time to photograph items, and time doing inventory and taking care of the financial side of things. You really have to love what you do and realize it's definitely not a 9 to 5 job.

Where can people find your work? My work can be found at my own web-site http://www.valerietylerdesigns.com and on Etsy at http://www.valerietyler.etsy.com. In addition, I do a variety of shows throughout the greater Cleveland area during the year, and my schedule for those is posted on my web-site.

Anything else? As well as all my jewelry work, I'm a full-time teacher as well as a supporter of the arts. I write a blog called Art Addict (http://www.artaddict.wordpress.com) in which I like to market and support fellow Indie Artists, publicize Cleveland area art events, and occasionally do spots on green living and music as they are my other passions.

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