****Caution**** The below post contains a few choice words. If you're easily offended by stuff like this, then please don't read any further.
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So, I'm reading InStyle Magazine the other day - the April issue with the funny and ever-so-gorgeous Sofia Vergara on the cover. I land on page 177 and start reading
'Designer One-on-One' featuring
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| Les Arts Decoratifs |
There's this picture of Marc in the upper right hand corner of the article with a quote from him that stopped me dead in my tracks.
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| Marc Jacobs - via Pinterest - Lane Brooks/Packaging Men |
It goes like this: "Be open! If you dress to suit you mood - as you should - you don't need a signature look."
~ Marc Jacobs, InStyle Magazine, April 2012 ~
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| Marc Jacobs |
Finally I saw in writing something I had felt in my heart for-EVER!
Only, here's what I heard in my head and my heart when I read his quote:
"If you design jewelry to fit your mood - as you SHOULD - you don't need a signature style!"
Most of the experts will tell you that you have to pick a "Style" and focus on that. You know, design with a certain set of materials and create a "cohesive look and feel" to your designs so that when people see your 'stuff' they know - with out a doubt - that it's yours.
Make sure people can recognize YOU in your designs.
Make sure people can recognize YOU in your designs.
Shit, I don't recognize me in my designs - how can everyone else?
It's excellent advice I know, and maybe I put too much thought into it, but when people ask me to describe my style I sit there with a blank stare on my face.
That's like the hardest question on the planet for me.
That's like the hardest question on the planet for me.
And you know why?
Because most jewelry designers I know DO have a specific style. They've got their vintage, steampunk, rocker, eclectic, romantic, boho-chic, organic, spunky style down to a perfect "T".
And me,...well I kinda feel like my ass is just
flappin' in the wind.
Because most jewelry designers I know DO have a specific style. They've got their vintage, steampunk, rocker, eclectic, romantic, boho-chic, organic, spunky style down to a perfect "T".
And me,...well I kinda feel like my ass is just
flappin' in the wind.
Seriously.
Until I read that quote by Marc Jacobs and my muse, God, the Universe, my soul - whatever it was - spoke to me, I felt like I was just 'hanging-out' with out a clue in the world and that I had to fit into some nice, neat, itty-bitty, little category that was already defined for me.
I kept thinking,..."Well, I must be doing this all wrong if I don't have a specific style or certain design category that I fit into. I better decide on one and start going in that direction."
And then I'd sit there. Unable to design. Unable to create. Unable to be motivated or inspired. Unable to be me.
If I choose something for the sake of choosing, or for marketing purposes or because other folks think it's something I'd be good at,
it will be forced and fake.
If I choose something for the sake of choosing, or for marketing purposes or because other folks think it's something I'd be good at,
it will be forced and fake.
I cannot pigeon-hole myself into a design category or style.
I don't want to.
I don't want to.
I want to create whatever it is I'm drawn too.
I want to create for whatever mood I feel today.
I want to create for whatever mood I feel today.
I love vintage things,...don't really make 'em that often,...but I love looking at them and drooling over them. I love steampunk stuff, and rocker things. I love eclectic, organic, rustic and boho-chic things to the MAX. I have a bit of a romantic side,...every now and then,...and I can be sort of spunky when I feel like it, too.
I have bits and pieces of all those things inside of me. I have lots of different sides, lots of different moods and lots of different styles that I love to create and let come out.
I love a ton of different music and I like to dance to all of it!
My inner child likes to play 'dress-up".
My inner child likes to play 'dress-up".
I dress pretty casual and have a rather simple wardrobe and so jewelry is how I express my moods and the various styles that I like - all of them!
No, my designs do not all look alike.
They don't all have the same colors (well, sometimes they do!), they don't all use the same materials and they certainly don't all have the same style - not in the least!
They are quality - that's one common thread.
They don't all have the same colors (well, sometimes they do!), they don't all use the same materials and they certainly don't all have the same style - not in the least!
They are quality - that's one common thread.
At least that's what my clients tell me.
Pot-Pouri? Is that a style? How about Eclectic,..sort of organic-rustic-boho-chic-bit of glam-elegant-rocker-classic-casual-ness-ish? Yeah,...I like that!
It does cover lots of moods and after all,...I am a woman.
I'm entitled to ALL my moods! (And styles!)
It does cover lots of moods and after all,...I am a woman.
I'm entitled to ALL my moods! (And styles!)
How about you? How do you celebrate all your moods? Do you have a certain design style that you are drawn to and like to create or do you like to mix things up all the time?
Do you follow your heart and let your inner child play?
She might just surprise you!
She might just surprise you!
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| My Muse! |
Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Playing with Style!
Cheers,
~Shel~
All jewelry designs created and photographed by Michelle Buettner
