At Spreadshirt’s HQ, our kitchens are adorned with posters from our favorite Marketplace designers. One of them is UtArts! This month, we interviewed Uta about her adorable art.
Meet Uta, a graphic designer from Leipzig, Germany who specializes in pattern designs. UtArts’ designs add pizzazz to any drab space (like our office kitchen).
Name: Uta
Age: 50
Lives in: Leipzig, Germany
Occupation: artist, graphics and pattern designer
Software: Photoshop
Hardware: iPad, Nikon D750
Joined Spreadshirt: 2015
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Uta! Going by your selection of designs on the Marketplace, you’ve been keeping busy! Tell us more about what you do.
I’ve turned my passion into profession. I am an artist and graphic designer with a focus on pattern designs. My work as a designer is exhausting, but also incredibly satisfying. I’d love to be able to do even more! I’d need 72 hours a day to do all the stuff I want to do.
You create flowery patterns for wallpapers and textiles. Seeing that Spreadshirt is usually more about T-shirts – how do you get the best out of Spreadshirt as a platform?
I’m using the Marketplace as an outlet for my creativity with a variety of themed series. I’ve just uploaded new designs on aquatic topics with mermaids and freshwater fish, as well as some spring designs. In another new series, I dedicate myself to my unlikely animals: dogs wearing hats, deer wearing glasses. It’s all become really cute.
So, would you say you’re a pro in fashion and textile design?
No, not at all! I gradually slipped into the industry. I started with photography. In the beginning, I tried to sell my photos on products. Over time, I realized that photos on products weren’t selling. The target group is just too small. So I started with product design. I added more and more design elements later. Working as a designer is a constant learning process for me and it continues to be exciting!
Where do you get your design inspiration?
I’m living a dream with my designs. Life is colorful! Life is beautiful! My interpretation constantly changes. This is what keeps it new and exciting.
How do you determine your target groups?
In the POD sector (Print-On-Demand), you are dependent on the possibilities offered by the medium. And of course, taste and style differ from customer to customer. That’s why I’m trying to maintain a broad approach when it comes to techniques, topics and designs. Most of the time, I try to find out what works well for which platform.
At Spreadshirt, I want to address young families. Adults who’ve retained their child-like spirit. I call my biggest target group the “young cheeky women”.
Your output is huge. Is there still time for a day job, or do you live off your work as a designer?
Yes, I live off my design sales. But it isn’t easy. Being a freelance designer is hard work. Whether my designs sell depends on the sales platforms. I have to check them regularly and ask myself questions like, “is the site going well?” or “do I have a good ranking?” And the eternal “what can I improve?”
My main activities are updating my pages and promoting my designs. Most designers are not too fond of this side of things since it’s not as fun as creating designs. Creating new designs – unfortunately – takes up the smallest part of my work. But that’s okay. Creativity depends on the mood you’re in. And I’m not in the same creative mood every day!
Three tips from you to help new Marketplace designers get started?
- That’s easy: KEEP GOING! Even if you don’t make it big right away.
- Stay true to your style and have an eye out for new markets.
- Quality over quantity!
How do you follow these tips?
Well, for example, I love spring designs the most, but my designs for the cozy season tend to do better. I know that seasonal topics don’t please everyone and many prefer designs that sell “year-round”. So I try to create a good mixture. When designing, I like to combine different techniques. I really like watercolor because it’s so airy and light. In combination with my patterns, it helps me come up with unique designs.
You live and work in Leipzig. So do we! Where do you come from originally and what are you doing in Leipzig?
I’m originally from Dresden and have to admit that sometimes I get homesick, even if it’s just 80 miles down the road. Whenever I’m not doing computer work, you can find me taking pictures outdoors or enjoying the sunshine on my balcony. The view is very beautiful as my house is directly opposite a park with a huge monument!
What role does nature play in your life? We have a hunch you have a dog?
Animals have always been and still are my best friends. I grew up with a dog, a cat and a crow. These memories are the best in my life. I can no longer imagine a life without a dog. The great thing is that my dog – a corgi – “forces” me to go out. He helps me get away from the computer and see different things, keep fit and stay healthy. I always get nice pictures for my Instagram when out walking!
Thanks for the interview, Uta, and good luck on Spreadshirt’s Marketplace!
Patterns, drawings, flowers and corgis can be found on Uta’s Instagram. Her designs can be found in her showroom UtArts.
