PIGMENT PROFILES: DAISY BRAID
I am constantly in awe of all the creative endeavours that are happening around me, and the work of Daisy Braid is no exception. Daisy and I connected virtually via Instagram a few years back, but it wasn’t until the end of last year, on my trip to Japan that I had the opportunity to meet and spend the day with this lovely lady.
Photography by Ella Fitzgerald
What/who inspires you and your work? I’m inspired by fabric, colours and makers like @burieddiamond @ciscosews @thelondonloom and @natalie_ebaugh.
How do you most prefer to work? Are you someone who meticulously plans your creations or do you like to experiment and see where the process takes you? Most of my initial planning is done in my head and then I’ll sketch something in my notes app. A lot of my creations are self drafted so there is always an element of experimentation, however since I’ve started sharing tutorials, my mind has started to think about each step throughout the making process. It makes it much easier when I sit down to write the instructions clearly.
Was sewing and creating something you were taught or did you seek these skills out for yourself? I think I was always going to be a maker. My mum was a chef and my dad was a builder. I remember as a kid, saying that I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was older. When I was a teenager, I taught myself how to sew on my grandmothers old machine and made up all sorts of DIY outfits using offcuts from my fashion designer auntie and up-cycling things I found at the op shop. I had no idea what a sewing pattern was! It wasn't until I was introduced to the online sewing community in 2016 that I realised I COULD be a fashion designer and sew my own wardrobe.
Who are some people whose work/processes interest you? Sha’an of Furry Little Peach is an incredibly talented illustrator whose work and use of colour I love. She documents her process and shares it on youtube in the most beautiful and vibrant videos.
How do you move past a creative block? In sewing we call a creative block, “losing our sewjo”. When this happens to me, I like to do things that make me happy. For example, I will take a walk with a friend, cook some nourishing food, and have a good scroll through Pinterest. I only come back to sewing when I'm feeling fired up, inspired and ready, because otherwise I will make mistakes.
Who would be a dream of yours to create an outfit for? My dream has always been to make clothes my family and friends actually want to wear. I know that's probably not dreaming very big but their support and validation means so much more to me than a stranger. This year both of my sisters asked me to make them pieces and that made me so happy.
What struggles have you faced pursuing a creative career? What advice would you give to others looking to explore their creative outlets? Finding balance has been my biggest struggle. Make sure you invest time into your relationships and self care just as much as you do your creative practice. Feeling healthy, happy and connecting with others is what makes me produce my best work.
What are your plans moving forward in the next few years? Will you return to Japan when it’s safe to travel? I'd love to return to Japan in the future and visit some of the places I wasn't able to but before that, I would love to explore and experience more of Australia and New Zealand. In the meantime, I've been working on turning some of my DIY tutorials into workshops so that I can teach others to sew and create their own unique clothes.
Currently listening to (podcasts, music, audiobooks):
Dance With Somebody - The Midnight, Another Lover - Little Dragon, Don’t Wanna - Haim, I Revolve (Around You) - Neck Deep, Upside Down - The Story So Far
Current goals (personal/professional):
Be positive. Teach a sewing workshop.
Top 5 (products, places, food, activities etc.):
Linen from The Fabric Store, Maison Louis Marie EDP No.0, My Yellow Hydroflask, 3CE Blush in Rose Beige and Rich Chocolate Power Plant Protein.
Favourite piece of advice:
'If you don't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?' - Ru Paul
Find Daisy on Instagram @diydaisy
and at DIY Daisy