Today we will be introducing you to one of our brilliant product designers Jenn Ogborn! You may recognize her from her cute and contemporary die designs inspired by nature and modern themes.
Name: Jennifer Ogborn
Job title: Product Designer
What do you do?
My main role is to design new dies, stamps, stencils and 2D embossing folders for our chapter releases, of which there are four a year. I also design Customer Exclusive dies, dies for our Craft Boxes, create blog content for the Sizzix website, and create embellished images for packaging.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Drawing, researching trends, and creating concept boards. I love the creative freedom that’s involved in these tasks, they make me feel inspired!
How did you get into crafting?
As a child, my mum would set up small crafting activities for my sister and I. One that stands out is the paper craft spiders we made, they had accordion styled legs to make them springy! I went on to study Textiles at University which I enjoyed immensely, and ultimately helped me to land this role.
What is your favourite making type and why?
Soft craft! Must be my textile background showing through, but I just love to handle fabric and create items with a handmade feel. In my spare time I have sewn many baby quilts and home décor items.
What is your favourite product from the Sizzix product range and why?
The Sizzix Craft Boxes! I really think they are a great deal. Each month there is a new release, which includes a range of making essentials to help you create your projects, plus some exclusive dies or stamps!
What’s your favourite current making trend?
Upcycling clothes. I am passionate about sustainability, so upcycling second hand clothing really resonates with this. Garments can breathe a new lease of life with some simple ideas, whether that is embroidery, stencilling, embellishments, or sewing two items together to recreate a brand new piece!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I love to draw florals so exploring outside is a must. Visiting national parks and gardens really helps me to feel inspired. I love that each flower or plant is unique giving unlimited design potential. Other great platforms I use are Pinterest and Instagram, but really inspiration can come from anywhere. If I like something I will take a photo, screenshot an image, draw a sketch. Anything that will help me remember that inspiration for future designs.
What’s your favourite die design you’ve created so far and why?
Sizzix Thinlits Die Set – Bohemian Florals (#665881). It really shows how a different style can reinvent a floral design. With the freestyle drawn shapes, and the layered elements, I think it will create some beautiful paper crafted makes.
