Pleased to meet you. Interview #7 Gillian Chapman

1. Please tell us your name, business name & where are you based?

Gillian Chapman is the name I've traded under for the past 35 years, in recent times as a feltmaker, but in the past as an illustrator, writer & children's book designer. I live & work from my home at Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight.

2. What do you create and how would you describe your style?

I make felt and teach the skills in my practical workshops. Using both wet felted fibres & knitted felt I like to think my designs are equally functional and pleasing.

3. How did you get into making and do you make a living out of your creations?
I've always made a living out of what I create. I went to Harrow Art School and trained as an illustrator - this gave me a fantastic grounding. I freelanced up until very recent times when the down-turn in children's publishing affected my work. I had more time for my felt making and this has become my full-time occupation, but I still consider myself an illustrator.

4. What is your favourite piece of work or a favourite project you’ve worked on?

It's always what I'm working on at this moment - although I loved working on Trixy Felts my blog mascot and I'm designing some friends for her for this summer's Open Studios. More about her at :  http://www.gillianchapmanfelts.info/2011/10/introducing-trixy-felts.html

5. If you could achieve any business goal with your work no matter how fantastical what would you most like to do?

It would be very nice to have one of my children's dual-language picture books published…!

6. Do you have any tips for others who want to set up a creative crafty business? Listen to advice, it's always well meaning but in the end just be true to yourself.  You can make a creative living out of hard work and persistence, but you also need some luck! Most important - there needs to be quality and a spark of originality in everything you do….. "Things worth while are never quick & easy…" 

Quick fire round. These questions a just for fun to help us get an idea of the kind of things you like. Pick 1 answer from each of the following. If you don’t fancy either just choose the 1 you most prefer:

1. Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash 

Dylan

2. Harry Potter or Chronicles of Narnia 

Narnia

3. For meat eaters - Lasagne or Moussaka

Lasagne

4. Knit or sew 
Knit

5. Pen or pencilPencils

6. Cut or paste
Paste

7. Mug or Cup
Mug

8. Half full or half empty
Half full

9. Mac or PC 

PC

10. Amy Butler or Cath Kidston
Neither I'm afraid!

Gillian's stunningly vibrant felt work can be seen on her blog 'Felting Matters' and her pieces are available for purchase on Folksy. Wow just look at those gorgeous colours!

Thanks Gillian for sharing your gorgeous work with us :)