We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.

If you long for the days of the mixed tape and prefer a well-loved boombox to the ubiquitous iPod, then today's featured indie designer is right up your alley. Meet Debbie Kelly of Custom Ink, an Edinburgh, Scotland based line of cassette tape belt buckles, kitschy accessories and original artwork perfect for the 80s child in you.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I have a degree in Film but I am mostly focusing my attention towards my crafting business for now. Recently I have been getting stuck in with craft fairs and finding new ways to promote my Etsy shop. I started last November selling cassette canvases and moved into belt buckles and other accessories more recently. I love audio equipment and all the bulky designs the 80s had to offer so it felt natural to let that shine through my design.

How did you get started as a designer? I traveled around Alaska and Canada with my girlfriend; she is a graphic designer and over a few Yukon brews I realized creating things and designing new products was where I wanted to be. I love making stuff and coming up with ideas and she has helped me a lot along the way.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Get an Etsy shop! Then get the word out there. Chances are you have some real good stuff but it will never make it unless you let people know. Just get stuck in and see where it takes you.

What inspires your work? The 80s by and large, but I also draw inspiration from artists who take something which no longer has an use and bring it back to life. Sunny days and strawberries help. :)

Who are your favorite designers? I love a lot of stuff right now. To be honest no big designers stand out, a lot of small time artists online are where it's at. I love the variety of up and coming designers.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? It's all in the accessories, a good hat and an interesting belt stand out for me.

Where can people find your work? In my Etsy shop (www.customink.etsy.com) and at various craft fairs around Scotland.

Anything else? I'd rather be making a mix tape.