Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality in Design

As designers, we often find ourselves walking a tightrope, striving to create products that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. While the aesthetic allure of a design can capture attention, its functionality ensures usability and satisfaction. As a designer its important to explore the delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality, and delve into important topics like longevity and client education.

Design is inherently dual in nature, encompassing both aesthetics and functionality. While aesthetics draw people in with beauty and style, functionality makes the design practical and user-friendly. Striking the perfect balance between these two elements is crucial for creating successful products. Design is where art meets science and jewellery is the perfect format.

Longevity: The Key to Sustainable Design

Longevity is a vital aspect of balancing aesthetics with functionality. A well-designed product should not only look good but also stand the test of time. An item of jewellery is personal and worn on the body, worn often and an item that carries meaning so its ability to stand the test of time is important. The word heirloom is often part of the conversation as items that carry family history need to last. Here are some ways to achieve longevity in design:

1. Timeless Aesthetics: opt for classic design elements that remain stylish over the years. Avoid overly trendy features that may quickly become outdated.

2. Durable Materials: Choose high-quality materials that ensure the product's durability and resilience. This not only enhances the product's lifespan but also contributes to its overall functionality.

3. Versatile Functionality: Design with versatility in mind. A product that serves multiple purposes or adapts to different contexts will remain valuable to users over time.

4. Ease of Maintenance: Ensure that the product is easy to clean, repair, and maintain. This encourages users to keep and care for the product, extending its usability.

Its all about Client Education: Bridging the Gap

Educating clients about the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality is essential. Clients often prioritise visual appeal, but it's our responsibility as designers to highlight the value of functionality. Here's how you can effectively educate clients:

1. Clear Communication: Explain how functionality impacts the user experience. Use relatable examples to demonstrate how a beautiful but impractical design can lead to frustration.

2. Showcase Case Studies: Share examples of successful designs that achieve the perfect balance. Highlight how these designs have benefited users and stood the test of time.

3. Collaborative Process: Involve clients in the design process. Encourage them to share their needs and preferences, and work together to find solutions that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

4. Highlight Benefits: Emphasise the long-term benefits of a balanced design, such as increased user satisfaction, reduced maintenance costs, and a longer product lifespan.

Practical Strategies for Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality

1. User-Centered Design: Prioritize the needs and preferences of the end user. Conduct user research and gather feedback to ensure that the design meets their expectations.

2. Prototyping and Testing: Create prototypes and test them rigorously. This allows you to identify any functional issues and make necessary adjustments without compromising aesthetics.

3. Iterative Design Process: Embrace an iterative design approach. Continuously refine and improve the design based on user feedback and testing results.

4. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Their expertise can help you navigate technical constraints while maintaining the desired aesthetic.

As a designer I always choose to highlight longevity and function over fancy design details. While a balance can always be found jewellery design clients can often have design aspirations that come from mass manufactured methods made by companies that value quantity of quality. Providing my clients with alternative options that are considered, include clever design details and in turn supporting craftmanship and quality is always my aim.

Balancing aesthetics with functionality is a complex yet rewarding challenge. By focusing on longevity and client education, I can create products that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional and enduring. The true beauty of design lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate form and function, providing users with an exceptional experience.

A jewellery designer does more than just draw a pretty picture.

This role transcends mere aesthetics—it's about transforming visions into reality, ensuring functionality, and maintaining craftsmanship that endures for generations. If you've ever been curious about the day-to-day responsibilities of a jewellery designer My day coudl include one of 20 tasks depending on teh project I’m working on.

Lets look at a few of the common tasks on my weekly to do list:

Concept Development and Sketching

Every stunning piece begins with an idea. Jewellery designers typically start with hand-drawn sketches or digital renderings, experimenting with various shapes, styles, and materials. Inspiration can stem from nature, history, art, or cultural traditions, resulting in designs that feel personal and distinctive.

Material Selection and Sourcing

The choice of gemstones, metals, and other materials significantly influences the beauty, durability, and value of the final piece. A deep understanding of how different metals enhance specific stones and sourcing ethical or rare materials is pivotal in this role. This task relies of relations hips with suppliers and can often take year to develop and have a good understanding of best suppliers and supply lines. each design will require different things so these relationships are always evolving and expanding.

Production Drawings by Hand

Even with the rise of digital tools, traditional hand-drawn production drawings remain an essential skill in jewellery design. These detailed technical sketches provide a blueprint for jewellers and manufacturers, outlining dimensions, stone placements, engraving details, and structural elements. Precise hand-drawn drawings ensure the jewellery’s aesthetic vision translates into a functional, wearable piece.

CAD Design and 3D Modeling

Technology has transformed jewellery design. Many designers utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create intricate digital models, allowing for precise calculations and adjustments before production. This technology also aids in visualizing the final piece in exceptional detail.

Collaboration with Jewellers and Craftspeople

Jewellery design is a collaborative effort. While some designers create pieces independently, many work alongside skilled artisans who specialize in metalworking, stone setting, and engraving. Clear communication is vital to ensure the piece aligns with the original concept while maintaining structural integrity.

Prototyping and Testing

Before a design is presented to customers, it typically undergoes prototyping—producing an initial version using less expensive materials. This process enables designers to evaluate durability, wearability, and identify potential design flaws before finalising the piece.

Customisation and Client Consultations

Numerous jewellery designers participate in custom projects, creating engagement rings, heirloom pieces, or unique designs tailored to individual client desires. Meeting with clients to understand their vision and expectations is a vital part of the role.

Project Management and Scheduling

Jewellery design involves more than just creativity; effective project management is essential for delivering pieces on time and within budget. This includes establishing realistic timelines, coordinating with suppliers and manufacturers, and managing multiple projects concurrently. Whether catering to individual clients or fulfilling large orders, organization and communication are critical.

Quoting and Pricing Strategy

Calculating the cost of a jewellery piece includes several factors—material expenses, craftsmanship, production time, and market trends. Designers must provide accurate quotes for clients while also considering profit margins and competitor pricing. Finding a balance between affordability and exclusivity is crucial for a jewellery business's success.

Trend Research and Market Analysis

Jewellery design goes beyond personal creativity; it involves understanding market demands. Designers keep up with fashion trends, the popularity of gemstones, and new materials to create pieces that appeal to buyers while still retaining timelessness.

Quality Control and Final Adjustments

The concluding steps in the design process include polishing, refining, and ensuring that the piece adheres to industry standards. A skilled designer pays attention to every detail—from checking gemstone settings to confirming the durability of clasps—ensuring the final jewellery is impeccable.

Branding and Marketing

Independent designers and small businesses also take on marketing responsibilities, whether by showcasing their work on social media, maintaining an online shop, or networking at fashion events. Effectively promoting their designs is crucial for building a loyal customer base.

Jewellery design is a combination of creativity, technical expertise, project management, and business acumen. Whether employing handcrafted techniques or modern technologies, each designer plays a role in influencing how jewellery is perceived and worn. It is an artistic trade that demands vision, patience, and a keen eye for elegance. this job takes years to develop and collect the knowledge to deliver results your clients love.

The Power of a Comprehensive Jewellery Design File

In the fast-paced world of jewellery design, time and accuracy are of the essence. One innovative solution that has streamlined my process, reduced stress and removed any opportunity for me to procrastinate (because the internet can be a dangerous rabbit hole of wasted hours) is the use of a comprehensive design file that is always easily accessible. This versatile tool not only saves me valuable time but also keeps me on track and ensures consistency and clarity throughout the entire design process.

What I reccomend your include in your jewellery Design File?

These things are the things that work for me (so feel free to change according to the type of work you do) My design file is a curated document that serves as a central hub for all the essential information, resources, and guidelines needed during the design process. I struggle with math sometime and remembering processes can be tricky when you are feeling overwhelmed with a massive to do list.

So, my design file typically includes:

• Reference Charts: International fingers sizing charts, diamond sizing charts, diamond weight charts and a diamond or gemstone shape charts. Diamond grading charts

• Mathematical Formulas: Pre-calculated formulas for specific gravity, fancy cut stone weights (length and width formula to calculate weights) dimensions, scaling, and proportions, ensuring precise and accurate designs.

• Images: A collection of high-quality images or gemstone and diamond shapes and colours, setting types, band details etc.

• Additional : Colour wheel to show the client so I can show different design options and variations that guide clients in making informed decisions.

Benefits of Using a Design File

Time Saving

By having all the necessary resources in one place, I can significantly reduce the time spent searching for information or recreating elements from scratch. Reference charts and pre-calculated formulas eliminate the need for repetitive calculations, allowing me to focus on creativity and innovation.

Consistency

Consistency is key to creating cohesive and professional design details. A design file ensures that all design element references are in one place and I’m referring to the same standards and guidelines throughout all of my designs.

Client Collaboration/education

A comprehensive design file acts as a valuable communication tool between designers and clients. By providing clients with clear options and visual references, I can provide them with education and can guide them through the decision-making process with ease. This collaborative approach allows me to set clear expectations and allow the client to feel empowered and to help them fully understand the decisions they are making.

Accessibility

Design files make it easy for both designers and clients to access crucial information at any time. always keeping it at arms length mean whether it's during a brainstorming session, a client meeting/presentation, or a design review, having a centralized document I can access quickly ensures that everyone is on the same page and can make informed decisions without waisting time.

How to Create an Effective Design File

Creating an effective design file requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to get started:

• Organise by Sections: Divide the design file into clear sections, such as diamond info, color palettes, images, and formulas, for easy navigation.

• Use Visual Aids: Incorporate charts, diagrams, and visual examples to make the information more accessible and engaging.

• Keep It Updated: Regularly update the design file to reflect any changes or new additions to the the jewellery industry

Incorporating a comprehensive design file into your workflow can revolutionize the way you approach design process. By streamlining processes, ensuring consistency, accessing information with ease and enhancing client collaboration with visual aides, a design file becomes a very helpful tool for myself and any designer.

The Importance of Colour Theory in Jewellery Design

Colour theory is both an art and a science that delves into how we perceive colours, how they interact with each other, and what messages they convey. As a jewellery designer, understanding colour theory can help you tell your client's story, support their style, and develop your brand.

In colour theory, colours are categorised into three groups: primary, secondary, and tertiary colours. The first colour wheel was designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666 and is still used by artists and designers today to develop colour harmonies and palettes.

Colour langage when speaking to clients during a design consultation can help to outline direction, make custom pieces meaningful and create a harmonious and considered design options. Understanding colour can help with confident material selection and providing a design that communicates individual details that resonate with clients.

Terms you need to know/ can leverage in a design appointment:

Tints, Tones, and Shades

Tints, tones, and shades are variations of hues, or colours, on the color wheel. A tint is a hue to which white has been added, while a shade is a hue to which black has been added. A tone is a colour to which grey have been added, resulting in a darker hue that appears more subtle and less intense. This language may help when choosing coloured gems or choosing a the best metal to support a gemstone.

Complementary Colours

Complementary colours are opposites on the colour wheel, such as red and green. Because of the sharp contrast between these two colours, they can make imagery pop and create a striking visual effect.

Analogous Colours

Analogous colours are colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, such as red, orange, and yellow. When creating an analogous colour scheme, one colour will dominate, one will support, and another will accent.

Triadic Colours

Triadic colours are evenly spaced around the colour wheel and tend to be very bright and dynamic. Using a triadic colour scheme in your marketing creates visual contrast and harmony simultaneously, making each item stand out while making the overall image pop.

When is comes to designing a collection or a one-off custom piece understanding colours helps me to make confident decisions around gemstone colour choices and metal combinations.

By understanding colour theory, you can design jewellery that delivers maximum impact and emphasises the emotions that colours evoke in consumers.

Jewellery Design requires an understanding of manufacturing.

A common FAQ - I can draw, can I be a jewellery designer?

Nope! That’s a hard No from me!

Don’t get me wrong, Drawing is helpful tool in the design process but you need to understand so many more things to be able to design jewellery properly.

I’ve seen many so-called designers send drawings to a jeweller or manufacture from a drawing with absolutely no understanding of how the object will be made or function and this causes big problems. Jewellery design is a very technical and considered form of design (a perfect balance of engineering and artistic creation) where the structure and material choice needs to be considered. The item is personal and every piece made needs to tell a story, function (be wearable) and last so every decision is important.

Let me explain a bit more.

Understanding manufacturing is vital when designing jewellery. Here's why:

• Technical Feasibility: Designers need to understand manufacturing techniques to ensure successful realisation of their designs. Knowledge of materials behavior during production is essential. If a draw looks great on paper but cant physically be made using the tools or techniques available then there will be a problem. And it is not considered a design, its just a drawing. Over promising or misleading clients with drawings that are not considered leads to multiple and long lasting issues.

• Material Selection: Different materials have unique properties, aiding in wise choices. For example, gold alloys vary in hardness, color, and durability/ Gemstones have a different refraction of light and hardness in relation to wearability. An understanding of materials communicated in drawings is really important. A considered design will include materials that are suitable for the client needs and lifestyle.

• Cost Efficiency: Considering manufacturing constraints reduces waste, reduces labor, and optimizes production, impacting cost-effectiveness. Often a client will outline a budget and that budget can be spent many different ways with a variety of different outcomes. Understanding your client’s priority in relation to budget and understanding how to effectively quote manufacturing choices and spend the budget is really important for a successful design.

• Client communication: Smooth transition from design to reality is supported by understanding and correctly communicating technical details like tolerances and finishing techniques. Outlining expectations to a client is often done through a considered and correct drawing. This ensures the clients understands what will be made and how their choices all work together.

• Quality Assurance: Anticipating design wearability and longevity to avoid flaws through understanding manufacturing processes is key. This is a big one! the last thing you want is an unhappy client because they were promised something that is not actually structurally sound or something that won’t last being worn.

So, to round this out:

Design and manufacturing go hand in hand. Well-informed designers create not just beautiful but also durable pieces. Drawing a picture is not designing if manufacturing and all of the other factors have not being considered. A drawing without an understand of the factors mentioned above can affect client relationships, business reputations and will affect the jewellery industry as a whole. Whether it's a pendant, ring, earrings, brooch, bangle or anything else wearable the manufacturing capabilities/ possibilities turn visions into reality.

Create a Mood

Finding inspiration in moodboards

What is a Mood Board?

A mood board is a collage or collection of images, colors, textures, words, or materials that represent the mood, theme, or style of your project. A mood board can help you define your design direction, communicate your vision, and inspire your creativity.

Tips for creating a failproof mood board:

• Choose a tool or platform or format. You can create a mood board using a physical or digital tool or platform like Pinterest to create a digital mood board.

• Collect your sources of inspiration. You can collect your sources of inspiration from various places, such as books, magazines, websites, blogs, social media, etc. You can also use your own photos, sketches, or samples. Look for images, colors, textures, words, or materials that relate to you or your project and evoke the desired mood or emotion.

• Arrange and edit your elements. You can arrange and edit your elements on your chosen tool or platform. I like to layer, rotate and organize my elements. If you are using a digital format you can also crop, resize or adjust/apply a filter your elements to make them fit your mood board. Try to create a balance and harmony among your elements and avoid over cluttering.

• Refine your mood board. You can also use your mood board as a reference and guide for your project and update it as needed.

I love creating mini mood boards. The process of collecting a few things in a set time frame is often the little push I need without getting lost or wasting time. If I’m looking for inspiration or having trouble getting started a beautiful, little collection of things is the perfect place to start.

Drawing is not design!

A very unpopular opinion - Being able to draw does NOT make you a designer.

Great design doesn’t always require a high level of drawing but great design does require an understanding of realistic possibilities.

Designing is problem solving and in order to solve the problem you need to understand both the problem and possible solutions. This understanding comes from manufacturing exposure and experience. Ideal solutions come from understanding the entire design and production process. Starting with understanding the client, sourcing, pricing, materials, timeframes, material behavior, wearability and the list goes on.

Understanding manufacturing is vital when designing jewellery. Here's why:

• Technical Feasibility: Designers need to understand manufacturing techniques to ensure successful realisation of their designs. Knowledge of materials behavior during production is essential.

• Material Selection: Different materials have unique properties, aiding in wise choices. For example, gold alloys vary in hardness, color, and durability/ Gemstones have a different refraction of light and hardness in relation to wearability.

• Design Adaptation: Adjusting designs to meet manufacturing feasibility is crucial. Modifications like dimension changes or setting adjustments balance aesthetics and functionality.

• Cost Efficiency: Considering manufacturing constraints reduces waste, reduces labor, and optimizes production, impacting cost-effectiveness.

• Communication: Smooth transition from design to reality is ensured by understanding and correctly communicating technical details like tolerances and finishing techniques.

• Quality Assurance: Anticipating design wearability and longevity to avoid flaws through understanding manufacturing processes is key.

While drawing is a great tool to help communicate possible solutions it is not the only tool, its not even the most important tool. Design and manufacturing go hand in hand. Well-informed designers create not just beautiful but also durable pieces. Whether it's a pendant, earrings or a ring, the manufacturing journey turns vision into reality.

Thinking of a career in Jewellery design?

The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Career in Jewellery Design

As a jewellery designer, you take on the task of conceptualizing designs and ideas to provide suitable solutions to clients or for manufacturing. You can either offer your services to clients and work with a manufacturing jeweler to create the pieces or design and manufacture the jewellery yourself.

Here are my top tips to get you started in a career as a jewellery designer:

• Gain Bench/ Production Experience or training: To create feasible solutions, it is essential to understand what is involved in producing jewellery properly. Understanding tools, techniques, materials, sourcing, pricing, and overall capabilities is a non-negotiable for a jewellery designer.

• Learn Creative thinking/ problem solving: The ability to generate ideas and provide solutions to meet client needs or solve client problems is an important part of a jewellery designers role. Understanding how to ideate and create multiple possible solutions to explore and develop is important for designing original and client relevant solutions.

• Learn how to communicate both verbally and visually: Verbal communication is key when working with clients. Good communication skills are essential for understanding client needs and confirming them through questioning. Visual communicate is important so you can communicate your ideas and solutions. Solutions can be communicated through drawing or illustrations but this isn't necessarily the only communication method. CAD or model making techniques (in paper, clay, or wax) can also be used to communicate ideas.

A few extras that have helped me:

• Build a Portfolio: Building a portfolio of work is one of the best ways to showcase your style and attract suitable clients. Clients won't pay you to do it unless they can see what you can deliver.

• Keep Learning: Continuously learning new skills and being aware of the ever-changing market/trends is critical. Being aware of what's happening and new developments or techniques is always an asset.

Please note that while I did mention visual communication (drawing) I think it is important to clarify a jewellery designer and a jewellery illustrator are different roles. I understand the confusion around these terms in the jewellery industry but being a jewellery designer requires a few more skills than drawing.

I hope these tips help you understand the role of a jewellery designer and guide you if you are thinking of starting a career in jewellery design.

Invisible inspiration

Finding inspiration in nothing.

As a jewellery designer, it can be challenging to constantly find sources of inspiration. However, I've learned that sometimes the best inspiration can come from things that are invisible or intangible. It's all about learning how to communicate feelings and atmospheres through details in your designs.

By expanding my thinking to include invisible things, I've discovered new avenues for creating unique jewellery designs. It's amazing what you can discover when you start looking for moments that you can't see. Moments like the feeling of panic, a wish, or a connection can spark an unexpected avenue of design. I created a series of mini mixed media drawings to capture these feelings and to use as visual elements for inspiration. I used water colour and acrylic paints to get my feelings or my interpretation of feelings on paper. I then analyzed these mini artworks, searching for any Design Elements or Principles that I could explore or develop to communicate those elusive invisible moments and use them as inspirations in my designs.

Invisible moments/feelings that make the perfect inspiration:

• Brave

• Hope

• Time

• Panic

• Mystery

• Gravity

• Chaos

• A dream

If you're interested in using invisible things as inspiration for your own designs, my tips are simple:

• Don't overthink it,

• Limit your time on the exercise,

• And use color theory to help you communicate those invisible moments.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to interpreting these intangible ideas.

So go ahead and explore - you never know what amazing designs you might come up with!

Sneak peek into my library

Exploring the world of jewellery in paper form.

Jewellery is where art, history, culture, and science meet. There are many books that uncover the world of jewellery. From ancient times to modern trends, pages filled with incredible techniques, designs and craftmanship.

Here are just a few of my favourite books that have found a home in my library:

Jewels by JAR, Adrian Sassoon. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Beautiful Creatures, Jewelry Inspired by the animal kingdom. Marion Fasel.

Women Jewellery Designers, Juliet Weir de La Rochefoucauld.

Coveted , Melanie Grant

Fine Jewelery Couture, Contemporary Heirlooms. Olivier Dupon.

Gems by Van Cleef Arpels

Unearthed, surprising stories behind the jewels. Jeffrey Edward Post.

Jewels that made history. Stellene Volandes.

What’s in your library?

Design Prompt - Image bank

My fail proof prompt providing endless inspiration.

I shared a little bit about my tools in a recent workshop at this year’s Jewellery Industry Fair. A tip I shared was about building a design tool box that includes prompts. As a designer who works for both industry and private clients, I needed to develop tools to take the stress out of finding inspiration. I have created a collection of design prompts that allow me to take action without having for inspiration to “strike” An image bank if one of my favourites and one of the most useful tools I have created.

Images can spark inspiration in many ways. Images can evoke emotions and memories. Images can trigger different feelings and associations in the viewer, such as joy, sadness, nostalgia, curiosity, etc. The idea of an image bank is to inspire the viewer/ you to create something that expands or challenges their imagination and curiosity. A place to launch from.

Creating an image bank didnt take me very long and I slowly add to it over time. When making my image bank I collected a variety of images. Any image that resonates with me will be able to provide me with an inspiration prompt.

Tips on creating an image bank:

Physical images - While an image bank can be physical or digital I recommend a physical collection. A small collection of images you can hold or flick through creates boundaries and lessens the risk of distraction that comes with a digital collection (pinterest or instagram) as it easy to get lost down a rabbit hole of images and ideas.

Avoid jewellery images- Architecture, interiors, gardening/ nature images or travel magazines provide a safe starting place and helps confirm an original design thought process.

Look for texture and colour - Collect images with interesting aspects and contrast, think about colour and textures that you find interesting.

Set boundaries - Limit your time or parameters when creating and using this tool so you don’t waste time or get caught up in the very first step of the design process.

My image bank is the ultimate visual prompt to start the design process.

Inspiration is everywhere and anything can be used as inspiration but in this case images are my “go to”

Telling a story with small details that matter

The major advantage of the custom made process is the ability to personalise designs. Personal details can make or break a design. They really set the tone for your design. They can represent the wearers personality or project the wearers aspirations. They can capture an important memory, convey a significant feeling or act as a marker for change in some ones life. The details make it personal, relevant and possible to tell a story through the finished piece.

"The details are not the details. they make the design" Charles Eames.

Here are some techniques/ manufacturing elements that I explore to help communicate personal details through the design and deliver something unique for my clients.

Using metal or a gemstone that has origin or traceability relevant to the wearer is a great way to personalise a design. Using specific materials to tell a story connects the client to the design process. It can also satisfy any ethical or environmental concerns by providing some transparency of the material supply chains within the jewellery industry, which may also further deepen the connection to the design.

Engraving is a versatile technique that provides a variety of options to cement the special meaning of a custom piece. Engraving of a special date, a name, a place or even a fingerprint of someone special. A beautifully engraved pattern on the band of a ring representing a cultural family origin, or a family crest engraved into a signet ring that will be used to leave an impression in wax.

A hidden stone that only the client knows about. A small stone inside or on the side of the band may not affect the overall tone of a design but adds the perfect personal detail.

Using a gemstone with significant meaning. A design including a birthstone for example, or a coloured gemstone communicating or representing meaning through the choice or use of colour.

A symbolic motif featured or repeated in the design. a detail like this could be featured in the gallery/basket that lifts or holds the precious gemstone or used as a focal design detail in place of a gemstone.

Using these details to create something completely personal makes an item of jewellery timeless, relevant and prized. The details give joy that the wearer can relive every time they wear the item.

Setting limitations can mean creative freedom in Jewellery design

A total contradiction, I know! but hear me out...Sometimes having too many options can be overwhelming and it can create confusion when it comes to deciding where to focus your attention. Too much choice can be paralyzing.

Setting limitations, or as I like to say setting "creative challenges" in jewellery design creates focus and provides you with a direction, an area to explore and look for inspiration. Working within those parameters encourages you to think about or work on topics you normally wouldn't think about. Refining parameters or setting creative limitations forces you to rethink your approach/ process and creates a connection of new and different inspiration sources.

As a designer I find that the client sometimes sets the "creative limitation" by having particular requirements but in other cases I use the limitations listed below to outline a focal point and work from there.

Creative challenges I like to set for my self include:

Style limitations -this might include setting parameters within a particular jewellery style (either mood based or visual)

Colour limitations - this may include a metal colour/ mixed metals or gemstones colours

Material/ media limitations - explore uncommon or new materials. Prohibit yourself from working in the medium your most comfortable using

Time limitations - setting a reasonable but challenging timeframe

Technique limitations - focusing on one technique or a group of techniques like setting type/ production method/ type of articulation etc.

Its a very counterintuitive approach to achieve creative results but it works, trust me. It's creating a problem to solve and solving that problem in the most creative way possible. Use the challenges as an opportunity to improve your problem solving process, gain a better understanding of your tools and techniques and to open your mind to find new creative processes.

"We need to first be limited in order to be limitless" Phil Hansen

After being in the jewellery industry for a while I found myself feeling very uninspired and a little lost. Totally stuck in a rut. I committed to a fairly large, 100 day drawing challenge to help me find my passion again. My limitations were set around learning to use my alcohol markers (markers that I had purchased years earlier for a university project and hated with a passion). I had seen artist using markers and getting incredible results. I thought they would be perfect for communicating the beautiful colours of natural gems so my creative challenge was set around exploring and learning to use a new medium.

Creative limitations help me everyday. From working through small one-off designs or large collection designs. Setting limitations helped me to totally transform my style and my offering. I have changed my process and willingness to trying something new and this freedom wouldn't have happened unless I set some limitations first.

Finding design inspiration

Where you least expect it.

You don't always need a perfect sunny afternoon in an amazing location to find inspiration. With a bit of practice you can train your brain to find inspiration anywhere. And I mean absolutely anywhere!! Finding inspiration in mundane every day objects or events can be a major key to creative freedom. You don't have to wait for inspiration to strike, you can spark the inspiration yourself.

Here's a few helpful places to look for inspiration:

• walking the dog

• read a book

• explore a particular form or function

• chat with a 3 year old

• visit a museum

• watch a movie or play some music

• play a game

• look into a historical event or object

• flick through some magazines

• pinterest

• the human body

• basic objects or tools in your workspace

• a trip to the hardware store

Things to look for and explore when thinking about your inspiration topic (interesting design elements and principals):

• texture

• colours

• patterns and repetition

• scale and size

• balance

• line and movement

• function

• contrast

If you need a little more help check out and download my 21 concept design prompts sheet here. Or if you would like to see my favourite design elements and principals click here

What makes a good jewellery designer?

Its not just one thing or one course or one techinique .... its lots of little things. While the first thing that might come to mind when you think of a good jewellery designer is "drawing skills", This is wrong. A good designer solves problems and communicates those solutions in a creative manner. How they communicate is up to them.

So with no set expectations in regards to drawing I believe a good jewellery designer .....

• Has willingness to listen to what the client actually wants and needs - read between the lines and ask questions. get to know your client so you can provide suitable solutions

• Can think creatively to solve problems - flexibility sometimes leads to better solutions. Always be open to inspiration and ideas and always have a back up plan that you can pivot to if your first idea doesn't work.

• Understanding concept design - an openness to see the beautiful details in absolutely everything around you and to find inspiration in those details. (Check out my concept design prompt sheet here if you are looking for some inspiration)

• Having an understanding of the design principals and how to use them to your advantage. (Find a copy of my favourite design elements and principals here)

• Presentation and story telling - in any format but find a format that suits your style.

• Has the courage to communicate their ideas - getting your ideas out is always the first step but understanding that they may come with criticism

• Has an understanding of manufacturing and materials - knowing how something is made and how it will behave is a massive requirement when it comes to providing the best solution. Understanding the steps before and after you are important to creating a lasting design.

• A willingness to have fun and not take themselves to seriously.

Its not always about drawing a picture, drawing is just one tool of a good designer.