MAKERS DOZEN QUESTIONS – Amanda Clegg | CYNICS

1)     Tell us a little bit about your label Cynics and what you do?

I am Amanda Clegg the designer for Cynics, an edgy androgynous accessories label which aims to defy the conventional. The design direction is quirky and unusual show stopping wears. The result is limited edition, cheeky accessories for everyone. Inspired by cynicism, evolved concepts and creative impulses, unique concepts turn internally inspired ideas into wearable adornments.

2)     What inspires your work?

‘Everyday Objects Made Beautiful’

My vision for Cynics is to innovate the concept of jewellery by offering products which are strong statement pieces with subtle underlying messages. Cynics collections focus upon the quirky cool zip-it jewellery range. The Zip-IT signature collection is a fun assortment of bracelets and necklaces in various metals, colours and lengths. The evolved metal collections turn concepts and everyday objects such as nuts and bolts, nails, clocks, koggs into beautiful timeless adornment.

3)     What jobs have you done other than being a designer?

Stemming from a tv and film styling background then later multi-media design and technology. A burning desire to create physical product rather than virtual form took over, hence Cynics accessories was born.

4)     What memorable responses have you had to your work?

People say “so clever, so different” over and over, all the time!

5)     One thing you can’t live without?

My morning ritual of green superfood smoothies, I am well into my third year running!

6)     What gets you up in the morning?

Sitting in the garden on a bright sun shiny day with the above in my hand.

7)     How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?

1. Insightful
2. Inspiring
3. Edgy

8)     What is the next skill you want to learn?

I would like to learn how to structure a book and develop writing skills, with the view of writing a book in the short-term future.

9)     What is your dream project?

Design at the house Maison Martin Margiela for a year in Paris and I have just unleased a repressed desire to pump out a tune in a sound engineering studio from my days of living in London.

10)   Favourite or most inspirational place in Sydney?

Very cliché but I love the spectacular view at Bondi icebergs staring out into vastness of the ocean and feeling the expansiveness of life.

11)   What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

The first advice is the most memorable advice I was ever given, “if in doubt, just say no!” If I could give my younger self wisdom from my current self it would be, be here and now today and rather than living for future days. In fact my latest collection ‘Platonia’ is about playing with the concept of time as an eternal series of nows.

12)   What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers?

You have to BELIEVE in yourself and your big creative dreams, if you don’t then who will?

13)   And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?

I remember belting out ‘Victoria’ by the Exponents at the top of my voice at a very young age. Honestly I really don’t recall what I karaoke songs I sang, can’t think why!

Where can we find you?

http://www.wearecynics.com

http://instagram.com/wearecynics

https://www.facebook.com/WEARECYNICS

http://www.pinterest.com/wearecynics/