MW Makes
Throughout my career in design I’ve noticed that many designers have another outlet where they can find time to be creative on their own terms. Michelle Wong of MW Makes is one of those designers. During the typical work week she works for an architecture firm here in London while her evening and weekends are filled with creating pieces from leather which she sells online through her website and around the city at various markets.
Having another form of creativity allows us an opportunity to explore, question and create based on our own terms rather than those set out by the projects we work on through our offices.
Michelle’s work in leather craft is beautiful. Her designs are minimal while still maintaining function. The leather she works with are such deep and rich colours. The additional benefit of working with leather is its ageing process which will be unique for everyone. It’s truly a piece specific to the end user and all the while supports a local designer.
I recently had the chance to ask Michelle a few question via email about her process, work and future plans.
HS: I love your story of finding leatherwork as a means to connect with design outside of the architecture world. But on the flip side, do you feel like your work with leather influences your work in architecture?
MW: The scale of work with leathercraft is so different to the scale of architecture, so I wouldn’t say it directly influences my architectural work. Perhaps where my interest in craft is more relevant is that I can draw from influences of other artists or craftspeople that I’ve come across whilst pursuing leathercraft.
HS: Where does your inspiration for your designs come from?
MW: I would say functionality is the key driver for my designs. Once the item has a purpose, it’s about getting the design to work in its simplest form. Sounds really straightforward, but there’s often a lot of trial and error and going around in circles involved!
HS: What attracted you to leather over textiles such as fabrics or felt to create your designs?
MW: I love the natural quality of leather; the variations and marks in the original hide and the way that it changes as it’s used. Vegetable tanned leather forms a patina as it is exposed to sun and oils from the skin, so each item will age in a unique way.
HS: Do you have any plans for new pieces for your collection? Any new designs coming up?
MW: Since we’ve been in lockdown, I’ve had more time to spend on leatherwork and I’ve had to think about ways to make items that are more relevant to how we’re living at the moment. So I’m slowly launching a series of items that are more suited to staying at home, such as mouse mats, bookmarks and stationery related products. This has also been an opportunity to connect with other makers and discuss collaboration ideas, which I’m looking forward to working on.
HS: With the increase in the conversations and encouragement about the positive impact in buying from independent designers do you you see that growth in your sales? Do you find that your clients/customers are interested in purchasing something that will last and that supports someone local?
MW: There has definitely been a lot of support for independent brands and an understanding that small businesses find this time particularly challenging. For me, I’ve always sold better at physical markets than online, so this adjustment was always going to be difficult, but the maker community has really come together to support and promote each other. I think this situation has led to people being more conscious about what they buy and who they buy from.
HS: What advice to you have for anyone else who is considering turning their passion into a side business like you or switching to self employed full time?
MW: I’d say just start getting your items out there. It’s so easy to put things off until they are ‘perfect’, but in the end, it’s all work in progress anyway. The most useful thing is meeting potential customers, asking questions and getting their feedback.
All images courtesy of Michelle Wong.
