Interview with Creative Women’s Business
Interview by Jess Ibbett
Photography by Katie Kaars
Published on Creative Women’s Business, 2 June 2021
Vanessa Low is a self-described all-round creative, who not only manages to hold down a full-time job, but also divides her spare time between her own graphic design practice, a candle-making business and an online vintage homewares store. This lovely lady is a force to be reckoned with as she moves seamlessly from one project to the next, all with her signature style, eye for colour and thoughtful execution. Are we fangirling? Just a bit. Vanessa is definitely worth a follow - her Instagram feed will simultaneously inspire you and educate you, all in the most VanLow way possible.
What do you do?
I work as a communications coordinator by day and run Studio Van Low at all other times (nights and weekends included!). My personal practice consists of graphic design, writing on art and culture, and running my online store of vintage homewares and candles. I’m an all-round creative and enjoy the variety although - I’ll admit - I sometimes spread myself too thin.
What drives your creativity? Who or what inspires you?
Following my creative impulses has always been a part of my life and I get inspiration from things big and small. I studied art theory and find great inspiration from reading about the lives of passionate artists however I’m equally likely to be inspired by things in seemingly mundane places. I get particularly excited in Asian grocery stores; they’re such a fertile ground for exploring colour schemes, fonts, illustrations, and shapes. There’s this dish sponge, for example, at Tokyo Super that I’m drawn to every time; it’s got this bright magenta fuzz flecked with gold - I’m obsessed! Or I might pass an object beautifully illuminated by afternoon light; it doesn’t matter if it’s a rubbish bin or a leaf, it could still be stunning. If you’re open to it, inspiration is everywhere.
If you’re in a creative rut, what is your favourite way to feel re-energised?
I often get in a creative rut when I’ve pigeonholed an idea or drifted away from parts that genuinely make me excited. If you’re pursuing a creative practice, it’s essential that you stay connected with your personal purpose and motivation, not the validation of others (easier said than done, though).
If I need to feel re-energised quickly, I’ll go over my past projects and remind myself of my capabilities (you can do this!). I’ll also let myself daydream and envision the kinds of projects I’d love to work on in the future.
If I’ve got the luxury of time, I’ll revisit books and places that I know give me the creative jitters - photos of North Korean interior design with its candy colours and superficial decadence, a visit to an op shop to hunt down bygone gems, or a trip to one of my favourite galleries like White Rabbit. I’ll also look up tutorials on things I’ve always wanted to learn, like 3D animation, and imagine the possibilities.
How did your career begin? Have you taken the path you thought you would?
If I had to pin down the real beginning of my career, it would be in 2009 when I started my blog The Monday Issue (RIP). It was a cold, rainy Saturday night; I was only sixteen and had no idea what I was doing.
I’d read about blogs such as The Sartorialist in a Girlfriend magazine at my local library (how times have changed!) and loved the idea of documenting people. With my blog, I interviewed friends, acquaintances and interesting strangers I met on the street, carrying my camera everywhere just in case. Blogging was quite uninhibited with few rules or career influencers back then. Eventually, I evolved to interviewing artists and writing longer articles; I started photographing fashion weeks and collaborating with brands. I didn’t have a strategy or goal but pursuing my creative instinct unabashedly is what shaped the career I have now: one that is guided by constant brainstorming, genuine curiosity into the world around, constant learning and hard work. I definitely haven’t followed the path I thought I would. I always imagined I’d be the person curating the work of others, not the one making things of my own. I hope to always be doing both, though. I love learning from others and I hope others enjoy my work, too.
What are you looking forward to?
Finetuning my practice and growing more confident in my voice. I constantly have ideas and know I won’t be satisfied until I give them all a go, which means that I’m still finding my feet. I hope that as time goes on, I can finetune a niche that fully embodies my creative imaginings.
Until then, I’m looking forward to the second release of my candles and creating more things to share with the world!
What role does social media play in your work?
Social media has played a huge role in my work, from my old blog to my Instagram now. Without it, I wouldn't get to share my journey or creations with such a wide audience and get their instantaneous feedback. It’s also connected me to so many wonderful creatives, like CWB!
What is one app you can’t live without?
The Bureau of Meteorology. The weather has a huge affect on my mood and outlook, without the forecast and being able to prepare, my life would be total chaos. My creative energy is tenfold on a sunny day and it helps me plan what days could be ideal for tasks such as photoshoots. ●