Today we’ve joined one of our longstanding Creative Designers, Pete Hughes for a quick Q&A! You may recognize him from magazines, TV appearances, our Sizzix social media videos, trade and consumers shows and more… showcasing his artistic talents and unique ways of utilising Sizzix products.
Name: Pete Hughes
Job title: Senior Creative Designer
What do you do?
Wow! Small question, big answer… I could be creating makes for photography, social media, Create & Craft TV shows, magazines etc. Sometimes we are preparing work for trade shows and workshops too. I test dies and embossing folders as well as designing dies and stamps occasionally. I also play a part in the testing process for new products. Sometimes I will be filming for our YouTube/Facebook platforms or off to Peterborough as a guest on the Create & Craft TV channel.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Researching and discovering new techniques.
How did you get into crafting?
My earliest memories involve me sitting cross-legged with a sketch pad on my lap, I was always drawing from a very young age. I trained as an illustrator and worked freelance for many years specializing in cartoons and caricatures. Next, I took a job with an educational publisher as their in-house artist who became distributors for Ellison Educational Products including the Prestige machine which was the big brother of the first Sizzix Machine. Then Sizzix launched itself in Europe and the rest as they say, is history.
What is your favourite making type and why? Is there a make you’ve made that you’re really proud of?
I like very simple makes if I’m honest and paper crafting is my favourite medium, my favourite make is always ‘the last one’.
What is your favourite product from the Sizzix Product range and why?
It’s got to be the Big Shot Machine. This is the hub of everything I do. It’s hard to believe that this machine is 17 years young and it has barely changed in all that time. If that’s doesn’t qualify as a design classic I don’t know what does?
What’s favourite current making trend?
I love the resurgence of popularity in embossing folders along with all the new techniques which accompany them.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everywhere… magazines, high street trends, advertising, fine art. I am also very lucky to work with a team of endlessly creative people from whom I am happy to steal ideas on a daily basis!
