For this week’s Member Spotlight, we director our attention towards a self-made women who started her own successful business at the tender age of 24 and continues to go from strength to strength. Kelly Jackson is not only the creative director at her own interior design company ONLY CHILD Studio, but the founder of the jeweller brand ONLY CHILD London.
We discuss her entrance into the industry working for Alexander McQueen, how her obsessive nature drives her and what her hopes are for the future of the creative industries.
How did you get into the industry?
I’ve worked as a designer for almost 14 years, I graduated in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and my love of drawing has really been the driving force at the core of my creative career. I started out as a textile print designer at Alexander McQueen and worked in the fashion/jewellery industry for about 10 years, and launched my jewellery brand ONLY CHILD London during that time.
I side-stepped into interiors around 4 years ago after being asked to design some apartments in central London for a serviced apartment brand and fell in love with the entire process, I’ve been obsessed with interiors and furniture for as long as I can remember so it felt like a perfect fit.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I’m based in Hackney, East London. My company is called ONLY CHILD Studio and I work on a contract basis for a number of commercial and private clients designing interiors, sets and bespoke products.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Being an artist, probably just drawing all the time.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I’m an obsessive researcher and collector, I always start any project with as much information about the initial idea, brief or concept as I can. I think it really helps to develop ideas into designs, I also really enjoy honing in on a unique or specific element to elevate the whole project – even just something subtle that carries throughout etc.
How would you describe your style?
Bold, fun, detail oriented.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
I love Jamie Hayon’s work, I’m also a big fan of Alex Proba.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Keep trying, it’s hard but usually worth it!
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Nothing ground-breaking really, I guess just promote yourself, Instagram can be annoying to maintain but it genuinely does help people find my work. Also I talk a lot, it think helps haha!
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
A pencil, Photoshop, SketchUp.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
I’m obsessed with travelling seeing new things and being in new places is always a good idea. I used to read a lot more than I do now, I think it’s a really good way to get your imagination working.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
Honestly there are quite a few things I’m proud of to date, I guess it’s probably just starting my own successful business when I was 24. The first time my jewellery brand ONLY CHILD was asked to show in the British Fashion Council Showroom’s at London Fashion Week was a real highlight and turning point in my career. I’m also really proud of my latest interior design project for Kula, I designed nine apartments for them in Holborn, London.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
I’ve always struggled with the perception of being a multi-disciplinary designer – mainly because I think people like to put you in a box so they can understand you better but the truth is I think almost all designers are capable of designing across different fields/industries, design is design at the end of the day.
Also, probably expected rates of pay for creatives generally. A lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into making it as an artist or designer, I don’t think it’s always fully understood or recognised by people who want you for your skillset, especially when you’re starting out.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
I’m a big fan of artist Laurie Lipton’s work: check out her website https://www.laurielipton.com/
