Interview + give away: Tanya Collier of Tickle the Imagination magazine
If you're coming along to our speaker event in Melbourne this weekend, you'll go home with a copy of Tickle the Imagination magazine! Tickle the Imagination is full of inspiration and ideas to spark creativity. It showcases talented artists, crafters and designers, discovers emerging talent and shares real-life stories and DIY projects. They publish regular issues online and in print.
This week I spoke to Tanya Collier, editor and publisher of tickle, to find out the story behind this beautiful publication.
Tell us about the mission behind Tickle the Imagination. Who do you hope to reach and inspire?
Tickle the imagination is a lifestyle and craft magazine. My hope is that it inspires creativity - by showcasing Australian designers and makers, sharing real-life stories and offering crafty projects.
What has been the evolution of Tickle the Imagination - from first idea to the print format we see it in now?
I had always dreamed of creating a magazine, but was never sure how. After many years as a freelance graphic and web designer (along with lots of little handmade businesses) I guess the idea for tickle really evolved in May 2011. I was studying interior design at the time and one of my assignments was to create a spread for a design magazine - style it, shoot it and design the layout... I was hooked! About the same time I discovered Adore Home magazine... and, in turn, digital publishing which offered an affordable entry into the world of magazine publishing.
tickle combines all my passions and love of design and handmade... I imagined a magazine filled with inspiring stories about creative people, beautiful images and gorgeous craft projects... and that is what I set out to create. I was also aware of just how difficult is is to market a handmade business and I hoped tickle would create a new platform for people to share/market their creative businesses.
I shared the idea for tickle on my facebook page at the time and got a great response. Two of the first people to get in touch were Leanne from Possum & Banjo and author, Tania McCartney - these two were my biggest cheerleaders and really helped spread the word and introduce tickle to lots of new people.
The next step was developing a website and facebook page for tickle to help spread the word. Then I worked on developing an underlying theme and inspiration board for the first issue - 'the road less travelled', and invited submissions from our small group of followers. I am forever grateful to that group of contributors who showed such faith that I would create something beautiful with their hard work!
And, after many hours of work and lots of late nights, the very first digital issue was released in September of 2011. I was so nervous pressing the upload button...after all this was a magazine of everything I loved, in layouts that I had put together... what if no one else liked it? ...it really felt like I was baring my soul to the world!
Thankfully the response was overwhelmingly positive. Almost immediately people started asking if/when it would be available in print...
How did you fund the transition from an online magazine to a printed magazine?
It was our lovely readers and advertisers who funded the first two print issues of tickle through crowdfunding campaigns with Pozible.
While I was super keen to see tickle in print I didn't have the capital myself and really wasn't in a financial position to risk taking a business loan. And so, I continued publishing digital issues - a second in Nov, and another in Feb - all the while our Facebook following and mailing list were growing.
Then, in April of 2012 I was introduced to the idea of crowd funding when a friend of mine supported Littlesweet Baking's campaign. What a fantastic concept! How had I never heard of it before? After researching printing costs I discovered I would need $15,000 to take tickle to print. I submitted my idea to Pozible, and it was accepted! I had ninety days to spread word of the campaign and ask people to pledge their support for a print issue in return for rewards. I Facebooked constantly, emailed everyone who had ever been part of the magazine and we did it!! With just over a week to go our target of $15,000 was achieved.
The first print issue of tickle, Annual 01, is a compilation of our favourite stories from digital issue 01 -issue 07. A second print issue (also funded with crowdfunding!) was released in May, it is a special celebrations issue.
What is your favourite part about curating a magazine?
There are so many amazing creative people out there, I think my favourite part is introducing them and their creations to our readers. Having the opportunity to meet and chat with some of my favourite designers and makers is rather special. And when someone emails to say tickle has inspired them to start their own creative journey... that's pretty awesome :)
What are your hopes for tickle in the future?
My hope is that tickle continues to support and inspire the designer/maker community of Australia. I would love to see quarterly print issues :)
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To receive a copy of Tickle, come along to our event this Saturday. And Tanya has a special offer for friends & members of Creative Women's Circle: Bonus digital issues when you purchase the Celebrations print issue. Visit this page for more info!
Join in July and win some great stuff!
It's July. We're reeeeally in the depths of Winter now. Would a community of warm-hearted people around you, or an inspiring book to curl up with, or a great night out with Clare Bowditch cure your winter woes? I think yes!
Become a CWC Full Member during July for a chance to win...
If what you need is a little boost in confidence in your life and work to pursue a dream or achieve a goal, try any of the 17 little ways Michelle Landy suggests in her new book. Michelle will show you the way forward like a beacon of light on a frosty night.
Plus there are all the other great reasons to join CWC as a Full Member!
... and more!
*By joining CWC in July 2013 you will be automatically entered into the draw to win one of the above prizes. Winners will be drawn randomly on August 1st and you will be immediately notified via email if you have won a prize.*
Member discounts: Check it out!
If you're on our mailing list, you might have seen an email from me recently calling out for businesses within our little community to offer a discount on their products or services to CWC Members. The response was overwhelming!
How lovely to know that many of you are willing to give a little something to a fellow CWC Member and support eachother in your creative business endeavours.
So it is with great pleasure that I launch the CWC Member Discounts page. With products and services covering design, printing, footwear, coaching, fabrics, artwork, photography and marketing services and much, much more - there has never been a better time to join CWC!
Below is a quick run down of what you can receive if you are a Full Member. Log in if you're already a member and click here to redeem your discounts.
PRODUCTS
Shelley Panton Studio 10% off any purchase instore (excluding photography and artwork)
Habbot Shoes $40.00 gift voucher for use instore or online
Zigo Zago - Artisan wool and fabrics 10% off instore or online
Koko Vanilla - cardmaking supplies 20% off your first purchase
Sarah Coombes - custom-made shoes 20% off any custom-made shoe order
Note Couture - custom stationery and cards 10% off any order
Marie Larkin - artwork 30% off all original artworks, prints and merchandise
SERVICES
Marketing & Photography
Martina Gemmola Phot0graphy 20% off a headshot/portrait session
One-hour 'Mini Marketing Meetup' with Nicky Tillyer For the cost of a coffee and cake Nicky will meet with you in a cafe of your choice and help you get some marketing strategies and plans in place. You will walk away with some concrete next steps to lift your marketing and the profile of your work. Nicky has a masters in marketing, over 15 years industry experience and a passion for creativity and fun.
Design & Printing
Siobahn Donoghue Design Studio Discount on hourly rate for interior design services
House and Universe - styling, props and design services 20% off all services until Spring 2013
Frankie & Swiss - Digital textile printing One free metre of custom-printed fabric for every 10 metres ordered
WOWOWA Architecture 20% off concept design fees for New Homes / Renovations / Extensions over $200k
Business promotion
Clever Mamma 10% off 6-month and 12-month listings
Wellbeing
Crafting Health - Naturopathy and massage 20% off initial consultation
Coaching & E-courses
Total Balance - life and business coaching 10% off single coaching sessions $250 off the Creative Startup Coaching Program
Artful Genius - creative motivation courses 50% off VITAL eVolution e-course: Five-minute exercises to get your brain into creative gear and help you play for play's sake
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More businesses will be added over time to our discount list (though I think this is a pretty great group already!).
Thanks to all the generous businesses who put their hand up to be involved in this initiative for CWC Members.
Log in and click here to start redeeming your discounts, or join us!
Meet the Makers at Shelley Panton Studio
CWC Full Member Shelley Panton has a stack of fantastic guests planned for her Meet the Maker guest speaker evenings this year.
Shelley started the series in 2012. As a small studio-based maker and retailer of many other local artisans she was often asked the story behind her work and the many other makers she stocks. This prompted Shelley to host a regular event after-hours at her shop, featuring various special guest speakers and serving local wine and food. If you are interested in a creative or small business career change, or simply enjoy engaging with creative folk, it's a great night out.
Coming up on Wednesday 20 March is artist Rowena Martinich.
You'd likely know of Rowena's work - she uses a combination of commercial fluorescent paint and transparent film which is then inserted into buildings or sites notable for their generous use of glass. She is now also delving into homewares products.
Join Shelley for an intimate and artful Q & A evening with Rowena to hear her more about her art practice. Tickets are available here, and as a bonus you'll not only enjoy the surrounds of Shelley's gorgeous shop at night, but sample some of her divine cooking and fine taste in vino! :)
Shelley has generously offered a free ticket (valued at $28) to any Meet the Maker event this year to the first two people who sign up for CWC Full Membership before Wednesday 20 March 2013. Sign up here and we will be in contact about the prize if you are one of the lucky two!
And if you can't make it along in March, future Meet the Maker guests include Sarah Murphy, Sarah and Chris Appleford, and Toni Lawler. Mark your diaries!
Interview: Marnie Goding of Elk Accessories
Elk Accessories has to be one of Australia's number one independent design success stories. From humble beginnings (and no formal training in jewellery or fashion design), Marnie Goding and partner Adam have built the business to release two collections each year covering clothing, footwear, accessories and a men's range in their unmistakably sophisticated style. I spoke to Marnie Goding, creative director and the driving force behind the Elk look...
Marnie Goding in Elk's Preston, Victoria store
What were some of the highlights for Elk in 2012? 2012 was a great year for Elk in general. The highlight was our launch into the US market in August which was received with an incredible response. We confirmed representation with a well regarded agency and opened a show room in LA. We have been preparing for this launch for a few years now so to finally have it behind us and to have garnered such great results we are thrilled. It does mean that 2013 is going to be even busier!
How big is your team at Elk and what is your main role? The team is 28 - made up mostly of full time. We have a reliable crew of casuals to call on in peak times which sees the numbers swell to 35. I am the Creative Director so am responsible for all brand and design direction covering creative, PR, marketing and advertising.
You started and continue to direct Elk with your husband Adam. What are some of the pros and cons of running a business with your partner? We are lucky to be able to work so well together and to really love doing so…we are quite blessed. Being so busy we often don’t get to see each other much. I travel often too so sometimes it feels like we actually don’t work together! We do make sure that we don’t allow conversations at home to stray into work territory - there needs to be an off switch where work is left at the office and we actually enjoy time together as a family.
The challenge now as the business is bigger and busier to find time to reconnect or to remember how we used to work together when we first started. We are both pulled in so many directions and that problem of not seeing each other much can cause additional stresses. We have agreed that in 2013 we must make some time away from the office together to make sure we are "steering the Elk ship" in the same direction. Overall though neither of us could ever imagine not working together.
The Elk range started with jewellery and accessories but now has a clothing and footwear range as well. How do you know when the time is right to expand into a new area of design? We have always tried to be proactive with our business but often it is a reactive process where customers requests will lead us in a new direction. We really feel our way too - meeting new suppliers and travelling to source raw materials often exposes us to new product lines.
There is always a temptation to do more, more, more however we always try to keep ranges tight and want them to "make sense". We design as a collection where every part fits like a jigsaw. It is easier to sell when you have a complete picture rather than a random selection of bits and pieces.
Which other Australian designers and labels do you love to wear? We are so lucky in Australia - and especially in Melbourne to have so many great labels to admire. Life With Bird, Gorman, Alpha 60, Zimmerman and Nique for casual basics are on the top of my list.
We love it when businesses are affiliated with not-for-profits. Can you tell us a bit about your involvement with UNICEF as a Champion for Children and what it means to you personally to support them? We have always personally and professionally had charities which we support. Travelling opens your eyes to different situations and opens your heart to experiences - many outside of your comfort zone. All of our suppliers are small family owned manufacturers and provide their workers with excellent working conditions. While their efforts make a great difference outside of their business' we see so many people in need. Children especially not only need the opportunity for education but even simpler needs for shelter, food, clean water and health care. We are so fortunate in Australia to live peacefully, freely and cleanly.
When we decided to align Elk with a charitable organisation it was a tough decision. Unicef is active in the main regions we work - India and the Philippines. Unfortunately corruption is rife in these countries and our suppliers give us first hand accounts of how much needs to be done to improve living standards. There are so many small charitable foundations in these areas but its so hard to administer where your money goes and how its used so we decided that it was best to work with a larger organisation such as Unicef.
To date we have donated around $26,000 dollars. Contributions from Elk customers are consistent and we are looking at new ways in 2013 to improve the campaign.
Any exciting plans for the label or new products that we can look forward to seeing this year? 2013 for us will be a year to "put our heads down". The US market is already growing at a fast rate and our presence in Scandinavia is also gaining momentum. We have always maintained a preference to do everything as best we can. So to ensure we look after our domestic market whilst growing the International will mean we need to keep operations moving at a manageable pace.
The collections will feature some new materials and digital printed leather which is lovely. I have also found some time to sketch some prints too which will feature for Winter 2013 - its been nice to get back to basics and actually draw again!
All products shown here are available online at Elk Accessories.
We're running a Membership Drive at the moment, and Elk have generously donated a $200 gift voucher for one lucky new member to spend in their Preston or online store! Find out more here.
What's she up to now? Tess Lloyd & Maja Rose of Polli
You might remember we interviewed Tess Lloyd and Maja Rose in Conversations with Creative Women. In the book, they detailed how they met, why they began Polli, and how they built the company to be a family-friendly business with an international reputation for Australian-made, eco-friendly jewellery and accessories. Since 2011 a few things have changed around the Polli office, but their creative output continues to be colourful and on-trend. I spoke to Tess and Maja to find out what they've been up to...
Tess Lloyd (left) and Maja Rose of Polli
What was Polli's biggest achievement in 2012? {Tess} 2012 was a really difficult year, I think our biggest achievement is staying positive, pushing ourselves to try new things and still keeping that love of what we do.
Maja, you have been living in the United States for the last few months. How has your business adapted to this change? Any tips for sustaining creative partnerships across oceans? {Maja} Everyone tells you long distant relationships are hard, and it’s true! The first months of setting up life here were really challenging, especially with a demanding 18-month old. We’re now in a good routine where Jasper goes to ‘school’ and I have dedicated Polli time. The time zone from Sydney to Pittsburgh PA is the exact opposite. There are no crossover work hours. When I’m awake Tess is sleeping and vice versa. This means we have to be good communicators through email and I’ll regularly work after Jasper is in bed to get some hours online with Tess.
These days it’s much easier to stay connected, we use screen-sharing technology to see what each other is working on, this was great with the catalogue so Tess could see on her screen the images as they were being placed in the catalogue. We also have online documents which we can both access and modify, such as a calendar with all our important dates. 'Facetime' is our favourite meeting medium, as often we get to see each other’s kids which is a bonus.
The best tips would be to keep the lines of communication wide open, be planned and use technology to help as much as possible.
Maja, given that Polli's products are largely influenced by flora, fauna and architecture, how has the change in environment from Sydney to Pittsburgh affected your creative output? {Maja} Living in Pittsburgh has different sources of inspiration to Sydney, the one that has caught me by surprise is the seasons. We arrived at the beginning of Spring where the trees were in full bloom. I’d never seen trees lining the streets in bloom like that before (closest thing in Sydney would be the Jacaranda trees in November). Then Summer was so hot, the only respite was the shade of our local park which is basically woods with paths through it. Then Autumn came - 'Wow' is the one word that comes to mind! There were reds, oranges, yellows, and greens making the hills look like they were on fire. We had squirrels in our garden collecting acorns for the winter and mountains of leaves. Now we are in winter with a blanket of white snow covering the ground. I’ve never lived with snow before and it’s truly magical, making grey cold miserable days feel wondrous and light.
In saying all this, being away has also giving me a greater appreciation of Australian flora and fauna. I loved working on some of the new Australiana designs coming out in our next release. You can take the girl out of Australia but you can’t take Australia out of the girl!
You shared some pics on Instagram recently and alluded to a 'colour-bombing' project in collaboration with designer Beattie Lanser. They looked intriguing! Can you let us in on what it's all about? {Tess} Inspired by Holi, the Indian colour festival, we set to work to recreate the colourful clouds in a photography studio in Sydney’s Inner West. After lots of testing (and mess) in local lanes we perfected the process using powdered water colour paints and trampoline style propulsions were used to create the clouds which we hoped to use in our upcoming catalogue.
Our friendship with the fashion designer Beattie Lanser has grown through Instagram and after sneak peeks of our project she agreed to make a custom white jump suit and lend a hand for the shoot. The project was a lot of fun.
Tess, you attended our first CWC in Sydney last October. What did you think of the event? Do you see the CWC 'fitting in' to the creative landscape in Sydney? {Tess} It was such a great afternoon. The event had a very communal feel and Julie Paterson, the speaker, was so honest it was really refreshing. The accessibility of the event through its casual nature, affordability, central location and openness made it unlike any other creative session I’ve attended. Definitely keen for more events in Sydney with the CWC.
Polli introduced some bold geometric accessories to the range in 2012 - which are your favourites and why? {Tess}The Flag series are such a great collection of abstract geometric segmentation; offsetting natural timber against pops of bold neon or metallic colours. We love colour and it’s great to play with different finishes and combinations after 10 years of working almost solely in stainless steel.
{Maja} I love the rainbow hexagon beads, they are my staple piece at the moment and they go with everything.
These sweet flower presses are a new addition to the Polli range this year. What was the inspiration behind them? {Tess} The sweet Polli flower presses was a project we were both passionate about. Having young children of our own we were keen to expand our sweet Polli range for the young / young at heart. We wanted the flower press to be unique, sustainable and Australian. The circular design features original sketches of Australian natives and water colours. Naturally it’s made in Australia from plantation grown hoop pine ply and all paper and card is recycled.
What are you both looking forward to this year, personally and for the business?
{Tess} I’m excited to see the end of 2012, a fresh start sounds filled with possibilities and positivity. On a personal note we’re excited to be visiting Maja in Pittsburgh in June. {Maja} I’m looking forward to working on new products in new mediums for Polli. We’re very excited that Tess + family are coming to see us in Pittsburgh.
All products shown here are available online at Polli.
We're running a Membership Drive at the moment, and the ladies of Polli have generously donated a $150 gift voucher for one lucky new member to spend in their online store! Find out more here.
Join the CWC and win!
To kick off 2013, we're having a Membership Drive! Become a Full Member of the CWC (or renew/extend your current membership) and you'll go in the draw to WIN a $150 gift voucher from Polli or a $200 gift voucher from Elk Accessories, to spend on whatever you want!*
So why are we having a Membership Drive? Well, Full Members mean the CWC can continue to provide inspiring regular speaker/networking events in Melbourne and Sydney, blog original and helpful articles, bring you The Circle Database, and grow to include new initiatives, books and ways for you to learn and connect with the local creative community.
As a CWC Full Member you receive:
- Your own page on The Circle Database, complete with an image gallery of your work, biography and your contact details, which will be found when other people search for you under your chosen categories and a link to your page emailed regularly to our 1800+ email subscriber list
- Access to podcast interviews with inspiring creative women and recordings of past CWC events
- Discounted event tickets
- The ability to purchase tickets to events before Subscribers & Non-members
- Opportunities to be profiled/interviewed/promoted through our blog
- A membership card & stickers, sent to you in the post (snail mail, yay!)
- A warm glowy feeling knowing that you are entrenched in a supportive creative community!
So, join before 10pm on Friday 15 February to go in the Elk/Polli giveaway draw, and you could soon be adorned in some of the lovely products below...
From the latest Elk Accessories collection
From the latest Polli collection
Anyone, anywhere can join as a CWC Full Member and go in the running to win these prizes, but please read our terms and conditions for CWC Full Membership first, and the competition fine print below.
Next week, we'll interview the founders/directors of Polli, Tess Lloyd and Maja Rose, and follow that up with an interview with Elk Accessories founder Marnie Goding. I can't wait to read about the creative processes of these two successful local design businesses and learn about how they started.
*Fine print: To be entered into the Membership Drive giveaway you must join as a Full Member between 31/12/12 and 15/2/13 or renew/extend your membership before 15/2/13. Two winners will be drawn after 16/2/13 and notified by email. If you are a winner you will receive details about how to redeem the gift voucher/s from Polli/Elk but be aware you may need to pay shipping costs if purchasing from these retailers online, especially if you are from overseas. Obviously you can't redeem these vouchers for cash, but with so many nice products who would want to, right?