1) Tell us a little bit about your label (art) and what you do?
Based in the young and trendy neighbourhood of Newtown in Sydney, Australia, my business Wild Card offers a range of unique, retro products, designed to embody innovation and fun.
2) What inspires your work?
I am a lover of anything retro especially from the 60s, 70s and 80s, and when designing I take a lot of inspiration from products of the past. Linking the old with the new creates a great sense of nostalgia.
3) What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
For four years I worked as a product designer and prototyper for a product design consultancy based in the south of England. My favourite part of the job was helping individuals take their ideas from just concepts to fully functioning products.
4) What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I was surprised by the overwhelming interest that one of my university products, Orbital, received; I had several magazines contact me for articles and it has featured in numerous design blogs and websites. Someone actually tried to plagiarise this design once and sell it to an American company. Fortunately they were stopped and I guess I just took it as a compliment.
5) One thing you can’t live without?
Music – listening to music brings out my creativity.
6) What gets you up in the morning?
The very idea of a cup of amazing Australian coffee – its the best in the world!
7) How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
Fun, spontaneous and a little bit weird – but only in a good way!
8) What is the next skill you want to learn?
I would love to learn how to sew, to sew properly, because I haven’t had the chance yet to explore fashion design.
9) What is your dream project?
I have always been a lover of the theatre and I have always said I would like to design and make fun and interesting props for a play. I think it would be really challenging with the space you have to create dramatic stage presence.
10) Favourite or most inspirational place in Sydney?
I love the Botanical Gardens – you’re in the heart of the city, but it’s so peaceful. I spend time here to give my mind a chance to unwind and to take inspiration from nature, all the while knowing I am less than two minutes away from the exciting hustle and bustle of city.
11) What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
To quit my job – to see the world and pursue what I really want to do. So far so good!
12) What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers?
Never give up on your dream; if you’re passionate about something pursue it until it’s reality.
13) And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?
Tough question, there are so many good songs! I guess it would have to be one from my favourite band, Fleetwood Mac – something like Everywhere or Little Lies.
Want more WILD CARD?
F: www.facebook.com/thewildcardshop
I: @thewildcardshop
W: http://www.tiffanyroddis.com/