Meet illustrator and graphic designer, Amrita Nambiar; she is the owner & creative head of Olie; a home furnishings design studio based in Bangalore.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer by profession, I always dreamed of making art that would change people’s lives, and that is when the idea for Olie was born. I started to design and craft lamps with our unique illustrations on them.
When you switched on a lamp, it transforms the mood of a space, rich in story and soul. We wanted to reach as many homes as possible, and we are so excited to see our dream being fulfilled slowly.
How would you describe what you do; and how long have you been making and creating?
What we do, is create magic through a labour of love. From the fabrics we choose carefully, to our inspiration filled illustrations that then get hand-printed onto these soft cottons and silks and then get crafted entirely by hand into cushion covers, storage and lighting – We ensure that every Olie accessory is full of soul and beautiful detail.I have never before been so deeply in love with what I do. Olie is truly special.
I have been illustrating since I was 16, so over 14 years now ! But we started with planning, designing and making samples for Olie about 4 years ago.
Tell us about your proposed showcase at the By Hand, From The Heart.
We will be bringing a very special curated collection of our newest lamps with us to the By Hand from the Heart show, and we will also be taking custom orders during the two days. Something that we otherwise only do at our store in Bangalore. Custom making a lamp allows you to take home a completely unique lamp/ lamps that is perfectly suited to your space.
Can you describe your creative process and what is the most rewarding part of the creative process for you?
I find inspiration in sudden bursts. A wondrous moment that I want to capture, a poem that stirs me, a song that makes me dream – all lead to a sketch, an illustration. The most rewarding part is when the final product reaches a home, and we have a client writing in, sending pictures and making it their own. That’s what makes Olie real for me, and worth all the effort we put in.
What’s the best thing about being a crafter / designer?
I think the best thing about being able to design and craft is the deep feeling of satisfaction you are left with at the end of the day. I love working with my artisans, I love how creatively excited we all are when we get together and being able to contribute to the world of Indian design every day. Even the low’s are oddly satisfying in the challenge they present.
What would you say to someone thinking about selling their work?
I would say, stick to your guns, stay different and price yourself right. Reach a wide audience, don’t shy away from social media – it is a gift to small businesses. Most of all, these things take time – be patient and don’t change your story.
Meet the Maker @
By Hand From The Heart Makers Market 23rd Edition
Friday – Saturday
16th & 17th February, 2018
10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m
Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, (old Adyar Gate Hotel)
132, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018, India.
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