Making Part 1

As an artist, I am always interested in the process of creativity. Selling and upcycling vintage on etsy gives me an opportunity to meet both collectors and makers. Previous blog posts have focused on collectors, and now, here is an interview with my first 'maker', Lorena. Lorena is a fashion designer and illustrator based in Nundah in Brisbane, Queensland in Australia and she has two stores on etsy - BaleaRaitzART and BaleaRaitzORIGINAL plus very glamorous blog on fashion. Lorena offers free shipping for any blog readers who visit her stores.

Tell me about your background

My name is Lorena Balea- Raitz and I am a fashion designer and illustrator based in Nundah Brisbane, QLD. I come from Europe and I enjoy every minute in Australia. It'a a wonderful country. 

My family still lives in Germany. My mum influenced me very much and she is one of the reasons why I started a career in this field. I have a background in Fashion and I studied Fashion Design in Los Angeles, and Fashion Design and Fine Art in Timisoara, Romania and I have a Master's in Fashion Design. My interests include Art, History, Fashion, Cooking and Classic movies.

What do you make?

I create fashion accessories and illustrations I specialize in Romanian Point Lace designs and fashionable art such as fashion portraits, fashion illustration, custom fashion illustration, fashionable stationary, etc...

                        

What attracted you to this particular medium? How did you get started?

I was always interested in fashion and art. After finishing my degree in Fashion Designs and Fine Art, I was working as a designer for a few years. Now I work for myself and try to provide original fashion accessories and illustrations for everybody out there! I have always been asked to create something original for my friends to spice up an outift so I came up with the idea to create lace jewelry. 

Fashion illustration was always part of my work and so it was natural that I bring it to another level. Professionally it all started as I was illustrating custom fashion accessories like bags,purses, shoes and custom fashionable party invitations, wedding invitations, etc... all with a fashion twist. 


How long have you been making?

I have been making almost 3 years. 

How does your practice fit in with your everyday life? Do you have your own studio space and when do you work and where?


I can call a room in our flat my studio. I am based in Nundah, Brisbane and I am excited about the vibrant creative area. 



What are the best and worst aspects about working with this medium? 

The best is that I can always create something new and original and the worst is that time is always running out. 

Who or what inspires you?

My inspiration can change daily from music, to culture, art, fashion etc... 
When it comes to fashion accessories I am inspired by ancient lace like the Romanian Point Lace.  When I illustrate I am inspired by my wonderful clients, or by fashion week. 


Do you get creative blocks? If so, how do you deal with it?

Yes, I do! It was never really a panic moment. I learned to relax and let it all come to me. Music helps a lot, fashion documentaries and art history helps a lot to get creative! 

What other mediums would you love to explore? 

I am very interested in creating illustration for blogs and this is a new medium that I started to explore and I offer this to my clients as well. It's all about originality. 

What do you hope to do next with your practice?

I hope that I can bring my practice to the next level and reach more people who are interested in one of a kind fashion accessories and illustrations. 

                                                  

Thank you Lorena! Are you a maker or an artist? - I would love to feature you - its painless and gives your work exposure - it is so inspirational to hear about other creatives, as everyone's story is interesting. Contact me today!