Studio Cockatoo is a very well known brand around SE QLD, and I'm sure you have seen at least one of their very recognisable prints popping up in a gorgeous boutique somewhere.
Kate Bordessa is the name behind the brand and she was very happy to share some tips with us.
Hi Kate it's so lovely of you to make the time to share your thoughts on creativity with us all today
Can you tell us please, were you creative as a child?
Yes I was a creative child, I pretty much lived in a dream world. I loved beads and crochet, also collecting bits and bobs, pebbles, sea glass, scraps of fabric.
How would you describe your work?
Modern, geometric and fresh!
And do you think your work has evolved since you started?
Yes definitely. I have very much let the creation of new designs be guided by customer input and requests.
Recently I've noticed I'm working with less bright colours and more pastel tones.
How did you start selling online?
I built my own website through shopify, its very easy to use and edit.
Who or what inspires you?
My friends inspire me, they are a creative bunch of gorgeous and unique women :)
Are you able to reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process Kate?
We try to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We do all our own printing and packing in house and use recycled materials wherever we can. We print with water based inks we do not use cartridges.
Can you describe your studio for us?
Organised chaos!
We are lucky enough to work from our home studio in Pomona (sunshine coast hinterland).
Our dog Doug likes to supervise operations from under my desk, also serving as the ultimate foot warmer :)
Do you have a favourite thing to make?
I love doing custom portraits for people, I always feel so humbled when asked to create a piece as a way to remember a four legged friend that has passed away.
Aww, so cute.
And how did your shop name come about?
Our studio backs onto parkland and we have lots of trees that attract the native birds. Especially the cockatoos, who are very noisy and lovable.
Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months Kate?
It's really hard to say, you never know what opportunities will present themselves, I like to keep my options open.
Do you have a top tip to share with others wanting to break into the handmade market?
Firstly figure out if there a demand for your craft.
Have you found a niche?
Focus on your point of difference, be unique and create your own style.
Be confident and passionate about your craft :)
Such good advice, thank you Kate. Can you describe your typical creative day?
First up is coffee then the school run, then more coffee.
Being self employed I have found self management to be vital. I find it very challenging most days to find balance with work, family and me.
I'm most creative when I get all the necessary functional parts of running the business out of the way, paperwork, ordering materials etc.
Although I find inspiration often tends to occurs at unusual times, like 3am... hence the coffee addiction.
And you're not the only creative person I know who gains inspiration at crazy hours of the night. It seems to be a common theme amongst creative geniuses.
Do you have a Favourite quote?
Do what you love, love what you do
Do you listen to music or podcasts while creating?
Normally I work in silence.
What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
I can't possibly choose!!!
Where can we find you online?
How long have you been a member of brisstyle?
Must be 3 or 4 years now :)
And how did you find out about brisstyle?
Through Friends.
Why did you become a member?
I love the network to creatives, although I don't post on the forum regularly, I have found other peoples post to be really helpful and interesting.
It's also a great way to keep uptodate with what's going on in creative circles around Brissy.
Why do you craft?
Crafting = happiness
Thank you so much Kate. X
