The newest local visual and graphic designer pursuing her dreams through H Grace Designs.
Hi Henrietta, congrats on starting your business, what made you decide to make the leap?
Thank you! I guess I have wanted to start up a little art business on the side for a while now. I studied visual communication and design in school, and I loved the design component and creating my own products which really pushed me toward the idea. I’ve sold a few artworks in frames to friends and family in the past and had a little stall at the Point Lonsdale Engine Shed Market earlier this year.
Have you found that you’ve always been creative, or is it something you’ve just discovered recently?
I’ve always been a little creative. My Grandmother is a huge inspiration. She is quite the artist herself and has been creating art since I can remember. I think I was about 15 years old when I really discovered how creative I could be when I took part in an art elective at school called ‘Paint’. From there, my talent and passion has grown.
It seems like the age of entrepreneurs in the region, do you think now is a better time than any to start your own business?
I think now is a good time to start your own business, especially for the type of designs I do and what I aim to achieve with my business. A lot of people my age love the style of art and design. A lot of retail stores have products with printed detailed designs so it is kind of the theme at the moment.
And what kind of design services will you be offering?
I will be creating hand-crafted designs on paper which can be framed. Designs including water colour, detailed mandala drawings and really just anything that inspires me. I am also looking into printing my designs onto fabric to make merchandise, such as little tote bags. I will also accept requests so I am more than happy to design on whatever materials people want. As my business grows, my design services will broaden as well.
Your personal designs feature a lot of pattern work. Do they just come from your mind or do you seek inspiration for the patterns from somewhere?
I definitely see a lot of similar detailed artwork around which really inspires me. I’ve been drawing and designing in such detailed pattern work for quite a while now, it just comes from my mind. It’s all about creating shapes and being able to fit them into spaces.
And why are you drawn to that type of art?
I am not really sure. I guess I just love the patterns and the colours that can be used. The detail and line work looks beautiful, especially in the larger artworks where the lines are finer and there is a lot more going on. Even though this type of art is quite common at this time, I feel that it is quite different to a lot of the modern art you see. It really takes a lot of time and concentration to create these pieces, so you have to really love the art and have a passion for it to be able to create it. I love the watercolour pieces I am starting to get into as well. The mix of colours are really pretty and you can create such amazing works with it.
Lastly, what’s the goal for your business and where do you see it heading?
My goal is to let it grow slowly. I am applying for a Visual Arts course and a Visual Communication and Design course at Deakin University for next year. I feel the course will help me build on my business and help me with its success. I thought why not start a small business now, get a degree behind me and see where it takes me.
Find Henrietta’s work at Instagram @hgrace_design or contact her on [email protected]
