Interview with Britta Schwalm

Britta Schwalm ("BS") interviewed on Thursday, 24 August.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

BS : After school I learned the skills of a goldsmith. After apprenticeship I decided to study Design. Getting my certificate, I thought I had to decide betwen my professions. But I got jobs as a Designer and as a Goldsmith and did both with lots of energy and fun. Now my goldsmith workshop has grown and I decided to concentrate on being a goldsmith. We are a team of 3 and I train apprentices.

How did you become a designer?

BS : Being a Goldsmith makes me feel like being paid twice: first time with money and second time with the sparkling in the eyes of my customer. Instead of making jewellry and looking for a custumer I make exact the jewellry my customer wants to have. This is very satisfing for me (and for my customer as well).

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

BS : To learn my customers wishes I listen to their stories and ideas. I have a close look at the clothes the wear and ghe kind of presenting themself. This way I get a good ferling for the kind of jewellery they‘ll like to have to feel and be well with it.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

BS : I become calm and satisfied.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

BS : To study Design was a perfect rounding off being a Goldsmith. To see and learn design is influenced by time and you can detect these inflences in all kind of designed stuff. From architecture to furniture or fashion - there is the same form-language.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

BS : At ghe moment I'm perfectly happy with my work. I'm speciallisied for custum destinctions and love to build do many different kind of jewellery. Being present at internet makes more customers notice that they can tell me what they want to have and I make that for them.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

BS : You need luck. Don't give up trying. But if you are not successful at once, it doesn't mean you're not good.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

BS : I don't have a tip, sorry.

What is your day to day look like?

BS : I'm working hard to get a routine :-) Different custumers with different ideas - so many new things to learn and to try out.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

BS : I know there are important trends. Sustainibility is one important to me. But more important to me are the micro-trends my costomers tell me.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

BS : Good design makes me feel good. Good design makes the wearer of my jewellry feel good.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

BS : Hard question. Sometimes I can feel it, sometimes I just ask the person that wants to wear the jewels and with and for which I create the jewels for. Some projects are under constant review.

What is your biggest design work?

BS : Evas Wepon, a collier I made with 110 Diamonds in 750 rosegold. You can see at A‘ Design Award.

Who is your favourite designer?

BS : Picasso and Leonardo. Both were genius.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

BS : I think in Germany emotions have to have a reason :-) So bringing emotions, wishes and ideas in shape and form by making individual jewellry is a good way to make customers happy. They can see, feel and wear their emotions as jewellery.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

BS : I try to step back and listen to the visions and ideas my customer has. He or she is no goldsmith, so I have to translate the things I hear and perceive to jewelry. This is my form of creativity.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

BS : Humanitarian projects are highly important. I regulary give money to various organisations that care about kids (especially girls), mankind, nature or wildlife.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

BS : A‘Design Award made me to fomulate all the thoughts about my designs. This was very helpful. And of course winning a A‘Design Award creates attention. Last, but not least it's a chance to proof that you're good in your disciplin.

Britta Schwalm Profile