Interview with Olga Prinku: the Creativity that Enchanted Instagram

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How and when did it you start to be interested in design? 

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I did my degree in graphic design and I especially enjoy projects like logo design, typography and magazine layout. But it’s nice also to be able to “be your own client” and come up with your own creative briefs! I learned to knit and crochet when I was pregnant with my son, and I’ve always enjoyed photography and flower arranging. So what I’m doing now on Instagram is a combination of lots of different interests from over the years!

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Where do you find the most your inspiration?
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I know it’s a cliché, but mostly in nature. A lot of my ideas come from going for walks in the countryside near where I live, or things I grow in the garden.

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A product that you loved creating and one that you would love to make or you are working on.
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I love knitting blankets. With big, chunky wool they feel so soft and fluffy, and I find it really satisfying to start from nothing and gradually see these luxurious folds cascading down from my big knitting needles! What I’m working on at the moment is how to make my floral embroidery hoops robust enough to transport. It would be nice to be able to offer them for sale as so many have been interested in buying them. Some flowers seem to be more robust than others and I’m discovering that by trial and error.

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We absolutely adore your Instagram Account! Where or how do you find the inspiration to make every photo and piece such unique? And how important are social media for what you do?
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Thank you! Actually I never thought my Instagram feed would get so many followers. Initially I was thinking it could just be a small way to help promote the knitted goods I started selling online. But then I started to get some encouraging comments when I posted other projects, like Christmas wreaths, so I started to experiment more. But I think it’s important not to let social media become too important, though, if you see what I mean. I’ve found I need to resist the temptation to think about “what will get likes” rather than “what do I enjoy doing”.

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Are you inspired from a particular artist or designer? Who are your favorite ones?
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So many, it’s hard to pick out only a few! I really like Rachel Dein, she does botanical art in plaster and conrete. And I love Rebecca Louise Law‘s floral artworks, too .

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You work mainly with flowers so… What is your favorite kind of flower to work with and why? And your favorite colors?
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I love working with the seasons, so whatever is in season is my favourite at that moment! Some flowers are better than others for particular purposes. For example, for floral embroidery hoops you want flowers with thin stalks and without particularly big heads. I’ve recently discovered you can dry small poppies and they seem to work well.

Whereas for wreaths I like to use things like eucalyptus and olive, and I’ve started trying hydrangeas and peonies. In terms of colours, it’s mostly pastel shades although currently I’m working on a red, white and blue floral hoop and enjoying how these bright colours work together!

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How would you define your style?
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It’s hard for me to put it into words! Maybe whimsical, natural and colourful?

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Can you talk us about a future project?
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I’ve just started to see if I can embroider a lampshade with dried flowers. I’ve stretched tulle over a lampshade frame, and I’ll see if it’s possible to make it look nice with weaving in flowers. I have lots of ideas like this, but some of them don’t work and never make it to my Instagram feed!

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What is your dream for your work and creations?
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I would love to be able to continue with my experiments and trial out some of the ideas that I keep postponing because of lack of time. It would also be nice if I could gradually transition from products to teaching and inspiring people via my YouTube videos or craft workshops. But either way the dream is just to be able to keep doing things I enjoy.

Follow @OlgaPrinku