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.We love the bold yet simple designs of today's featured indie artist, Kristin Freeman of Freeforged Jewelry. Her sterling silver pieces are the perfect everyday accessory.
Tell us a little about yourself and your work. The best place to start is that my name is Kristin and most would say I am a metalsmith. After graduating from the University of North Texas with a bachelors degree in metalsmithing and jewelry I started a small business named Freeforged Jewelry. Everything in my life influences what I create, from the books I read to the crazy antics of my cats, and I try to bring this through in my work. I take particular pride in making things from scratch, whether it be cooking, creating jewelry, or in other crafts.
How did you get started as a designer? I had created beaded jewelry in high school, and the interest stuck with me through college. I took a metalsmithing and jewelry class as an elective and ended up changing my major to the field within 3 weeks of starting the class. Previously I had been a fashion design major, and I just didn't have the passion to stick with it. When I started creating in metal I knew instantly that this was what I wanted to do. When working with metal, every action you take leaves its mark upon the surface of the silver. By looking closely at a piece, you can see its history in the hammer blows.Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? If you find a craft you enjoy, stick with it and learn all you can because the more you know the more ideas you'll have. For the online business, learn to take really good pictures and be patient. I often see designers that are frustrated with the lack of action in their shops, but you have to teach yourself to reach out to people instead of waiting for them to find you by chance.
What inspires your work? I try to absorb the details of everything around me and incorporate it into my jewelry.There are so many little complexities to find in the world if you only look closely enough. Nature is a strong theme in my work, both through the building blocks of life in my Molecular Series, and the everyday world in my Storm Series. However, often the idea for a new piece or a new line will come to me through something as simple as trying to figure out how to connect two things together.
Who are your favorite designers?Current favorites include:
SeaUrchin for beautiful ceramic vessels and pendants - you'd be surprised at how durable ceramic jewelry is!
Kolos Designs for amazing resin jewelry with exotic beetles inside.
Jennifer Maestre for colorful sculpture and jewelry made from colored pencils that have been sewn or laminated together.
What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? As a person who works with her hands, one of the necessities is a good moisturizer. I'm currently using Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, which works wonders for my skin. I like to keep things simple, so the only other product I use very often is a blush pencil by Make Up Forever.
Where can people find your work? To view my artwork you can visit my personal website at http://freeforged.net
I also have shops at Etsy: http://www.freeforged.etsy.com and at Smashing Darling: http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/freeforged-jewelry