Megan Hunt – Designer Interview

1. When and how did you start making jewellery?
I only began making jewellery earlier this year, just before the summer when I finished my first year of University. I couldn’t seem to get a part time job, and was looking for a new hobby, and found jewellery making!

2. Where do you go for inspiration?
As a lot of my jewellery is fashion-based I tend to look at the trends and get inspiration from them. For example vintage and retro style items are so popular right now, so I have made a few pieces, like birdcage necklaces, that have that edge to them.

3. Who is your favourite designer?
If we’re talking jewellery designers on a complete other level, I’d have to say Harry Winston. If I could pick any piece of jewellery to own, it would be a Harry Winston ring. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, after all.

4. What can’t you live without when making jewellery?
Swarovski Crystal Bicone Beads, they just add that perfect sparkle that’s needed to make a design extra special.

5. What advice would you give to someone getting into jewellery making?

Make sure what you design and make would be something you’d personally like to buy and wear. Jewellery has to be practical, and I think you have to truly believe in your design for it to be right. Also, be patient and don’t give up if you don’t get something right the first, second or third time!

6. What makes you smile the most when making jewellery?
I smile when I have finished a piece of jewellery and it looks exactly like the design in my head. I also love it when you’re wearing your designs and someone comes up to you to ask where you got them from, it’s a great feeling!

7. What advice would you give to someone thinking of setting up a business to sell their jewellery designs?
Start selling online, places like Artfire, Etsy, Folksy and MISI are all great handmade specialist sites. Pricing is important, and is something I, and most other people, still have problems with. Ask for advice from friends on how to price your jewellery, or even seek out the forums on the sites mentioned above and ask other artisans for their opinions. What’s great about handmade sites is there is a real sense of community and everyone wanting each other to do well.

8. Finally, what’s your favourite piece of jewellery to make?
Oh that’s a difficult one, but I think I’m going to have to say earrings, because although they’re relatively simple to make, there’s always so much more you can do to make every design a little more complex and different!

9. Anything else you would like to add?
I hope people will feel inspired to begin jewellery making, it’s a great hobby to have! I never thought I was a creative or artistic person, and now here I am trying to encourage other people to join me. Have a go, you may surprise yourself too!

Mega’s Links: