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.Today's featured indie designer is Jessi Clark-White of Distinction Jewelry. Jessi creates bold yet sophisticated gemstone, silver and lampwork jewelry perfect for the modern woman.
Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I design jewelry with a modern, upscale aesthetic that has just a bit of an "edge" to it. I've always been a big fan of clean and striking design, and I try to reflect that in my work as much as possible.
I also believe that the best jewelry is that which is designed to have inherent meaning to the wearer. The popularity of birthstones, anniversary stones, and symbols such as crosses in jewelry is a reflection of our desire for meaning in the jewelry we wear, and I like to build on that.
My Galaxy series is made up of sterling silver planets and universes set with gemstone stars and moons, and was born out of fascination with space and science fiction. My Point of Light collection is a series of brilliantly reflective pieces that symbolize the wearer's desire to be a point of light in the world. These are just a couple examples of how I incorporate meaning into my jewelry.
How did you get started as a designer? I started making simple jewelry as a hobby, and honestly never planned to take it much further than that. The internet had other plans for me, however. When I offered my jewelry for sale on an online forum, I was flooded with orders and soon had to set up my own website. Thanks to the wonderful encouragement of customers and friends, I have continued to sell my designs across the world and have expanded into metalsmithing and stone setting.What inspires your work? A great many things! I am most affected by the things I love and want to hold close or symbolize through jewelry. A beloved pet, a favorite fictional character, an inspiring quote or concept, a reminder of a place or time... the list stretches on to infinity. In specific, I have drawn great inspiration from a television show called Firefly, from my love of space, aircraft, and severe weather, not to mention Southwestern themes. If I love it, or some aspect of it, chances are I will want to design a piece of jewelry around it.
Who are your favorite designers? In the mainstream, I tend to be a big fan of Jones New York, and Baby Phat in the realm of clothing, and I have to give the nod to Tiffany in the jewelry department for their rich history and timeless sense of style.
On the indie scene, check out Julie Picarello of www.yhdesigns.com for some fabulous jewelry. A little bit Southwest, a little bit steampunk, and a lot of cool. More of her work can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/julie_picarello/
Robyn of www.raygunrobyn.com designs the most original, and dare I say the coolest, t-shirts I've come across. Utterly modern, stylish, and comfy too!
For trendy geek jewelry, ComponentGirl on etsy rocks my world. Check out this Cleopatra necklace made from electrolytic capacitors: http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7981742
SewLoutionsByAmo creates fantastic handmade wallets, bags, and wrist cuffs that I simply adore – check out her men's wallets made with wool suit fabric!
What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? Baby Phat jeans, sugar scrubs and fragrances from SuperBad, the sexiest eye shadows in the world from MoiMinerals, and Urban Decay's Cocoa flavored body powder.
Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Do what you enjoy, and create what you like. There is a lot of peer pressure in the field to "be different!" "expand into other mediums!" and my least favorite, the unspoken encouragement of difficulty of creation over pleasing design. How, however, is one supposed to "be different" if everyone is struggling to do just that? In that case, are you not, by trying to be different, copying everyone else? What is new and different one year will be the overused trend the next. So stop trying desperately to be different, and be yourself....and that act alone will set you apart.
Follow what you like and enjoy, and your own unique style will develop gracefully, and your skills will surely advance along the paths that you are drawn to.
Where can people find your work? Primarily on my website, www.distinctionjewelry.com . Come by and have a look around! Most of my designs are one of a kind or very limited editions, so it could be worth your while to check in now and then before your next favorite gets snatched up!