Tara Henthorn - Textile and Print Designer
Talk a little bit about yourself?
I am currently the textile and print designer at ZAPA Paris and work alongside the creative team and with the Director Artistic.
I also have 5-years industry experience working for Martin Grant Paris since my internship in 2004 and 2-years working with Charlotte Bialas and JOOP! Paris.
I work as a Freelance Designer/Illustrator and Creative/Artistic Director for smaller projects such as film and visual identities for brands, both in Paris and Australia.
I also have a Fabric Print Collection in the Paris Interiors Boutique ‘The Collection’, and a “One of a Kind” Jeans Collection which is sold in Japan and “Sur measure”.
In my work I create new volumes and forms that harmonise with the movements and sensations of the body. A play from 2-D to 3-D, the possibility of taking design ideas and silhouettes further with colours, prints and graphics architectural forms, graphic shapes, lines, colours, space and light.
What tools do you use? Do you use any fashion design software? For what kind of purposes?
I have “my little black idea book” - Daler Rowney hardcover size A6 where I keep my inspiration: words, sketches and drawings that visualise the ideas.
POST IT notes always the same light yellow or Photocopy Paper XEROX, CANSON watercolour paper, my iPhone for quick snaps. Before that I had my Canon IXUS 7 digital camera always with me. But I really believe that the iPhone makes it esier to take photos quickly and to an awesome quality.
Then my scanner - Cannon, my laptop - Mac Book by Apple and also software like: Photoshop, Illustrator.
Do you use any art supplies? For what kind of purposes?
I almost use pen and paper. Coloured pencils - Polycromo or Faber Castell pens are always MUJI 0.38 black,
I aways use paints - that ones for kids. I buy them for the supermarket :) ink - I prefer japanese traditional ink, pencils - Copic, Pantone or Faber Castel.
Sometimes I use even food, often fruit anything that has intense colour, they often become my brushes. They are great for giving organic colours and new forms. My favorite is the artichoke.
I use all these to make marks and to visualize the ideas breathing from my imagination.
In which online fashion communities are you involved? What websites do you use to promote your work?
Facebook - just for the fun of it
Coroflot - for my online portfolio
Flickr- but not for a long while
Ustrendy - because I was asked :)
But I really crave one to one interaction so people can see and feel my energy.
Recommend three books that inspired and helped you to get your job done?
I’m always inspired by:
My little black ideas book, it is my personal encyclopedia.
Children ‘s story books - WAVE and MIRROR by Suzy Lee
and novels which I am reading as I can escape into another world and then come back with new eyes. Currently I’m reading Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, but I read at east a novel a week.
What kind of fabrics do you use and why do you like them?
In what concerns fabrics, I prefer natural fibers. Silk is my favorite in all its weaves. Then silk blends, silk linen is ‘top’. Followed by cotton all weights, the best mens shirting, really tight weave that gives a natural brilliance. Also I have a passion for japanese technical synthetics, tyvek, paper fabrics and really brut denims.
I don’t have a favorite brand. It always depends on the suppliers but every year I go to PREMIER VISION the Paris Fabric fair to suss what’s new and I always work away having made orders.
What would be some tools that you would love to use but you’re currently not using?
3D modelling software programs and 3D printings, Laser cutting. Also it would be awesome if I could get my website up and running too and a fabric digital printer at my disposal.
Is there anything else that you use to get your work done?
Music - Syd Matters, Regina Spektor, Emiliana Torrini, Andrew Bird, Telepopmusik. But this changes with my mood. I always love to listen to the soundtrack “In the mood for love.”
Love, summer, light always sunlight and a smile.
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