Tiel Seivl-Keevers from Tsk Tsk
September 2008: Graduating in 1993 Designer and Illustrator Tiel Seivl-Keevers went on to work as a graphic Designer then Lecturer before finally starting her own business Tsk Tsk in 2002. Tiel creates original textile designs, cards, paintings as well as illustrations.
What have you been up to lately?
Where do I start? This year the newest areas I’ve been working on have been in textile design. I’ve been designing some graphics. Some of it here in Australia for Sproutdesign and quite a bit for Paper and Cloth in the UK. When I’m not working as a graphic designer I try to create small works of art on paper or canvas to sell.
How would you describe your own work?
It is a quite a mixed style of work depending on my target audience. I love illustrating and painting for all age groups. I enjoy themes of nature and culture.
How did you first get into designing and printmaking?
I studied printmaking at university. It was my major. There I was also introduced to computers and graphics and although it was early days in this area, I knew I loved combing the hands on and digital processes together. I just ended up working in the design field, but my arty side always draws me back to illustrating and painting. One day I really want to return to some hands on printing.
How do you work, do you have any habits or rituals when creating new work?
Well, firstly I have to wait until the kids are at kindy or school, or I can ship them away to their grandparents. I work from my studio at home. Apart from good music and tea, I don’t really have any habits. Apart from that, I work when I can. Mostly at night.
Where do you find inspiration?
Because of the irregular hours I work I found the internet the best place. Etsy, Flickr, people’s blogs. Also I found just my own city an amazing place and really try to notice nature a little more.
How has your work been influenced since starting a family?
Ah yes. It has changed what I do. I guess I started creating works for children because I just didn’t like what was available in the shops for kids. There are plenty of great things out there, but none of these were obvious when I first became a mum. I often wonder if it will change as they grow older, based on their interests and if it will stop when they are older. I foresee that my work will end up being directed more to an older eye. Mostly because I will find more time in my day to concentrate on something that is a little less whimsical. Well hopefully. But that said, I’m constantly feeling the tug bewteen my kids and my art and they don’t always go hand in hand.
What advice would you have to younger designers entering the industry?
Explore different media. Know your design and art history. What others have done before is really important to why we do things the way we do. Be willing to appreciate other design styles. Don’t do too much for free. It’s Ok to establish yourself, but don’t let people abuse your creativity.
Links:
Website – www.tsktsk.com.au
Blog – tsktsk.typepad.com
Etsy Shop – www.tsktsk.etsy.com
Flickr stream – www.flickr.com/photos/tsktsk
Fabric design for Sprout Design – www.sproutdesign.net.au
