A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit longtime UncommonGoods artist and former How To Make It panelist, Jenny Krauss in her new Manhattan studio. Jenny’s space is a combination between a warehouse and mission control, where she sends out her vision to artists in Peru who turn her ideas into reality. Her designing happens all over – at her desk, at home on the sofa – wherever she feels inspired. Her pieces are a combination between the traditional weaving techniques of the region in Peru that she employs and her modern visions of design.
I was there just in time to see her package up a shipment of her new Hand Embroidered Pillows to send to UncommonGoods in time for the holidays. Take a look inside of the work space of this incredibly talented designer and entrepreneur.
What are your most essential tools?
Pencil, paper, yarn charts, and laptop.
Where do you find inspiration within this space?
Inspiration comes from thinking and seeing; the space where that happens can be anywhere. This is an office, warehouse, and studio. I wouldn’t say the space inspires me. I do the work here.
Where does down time fit into a day in the studio?
It generally doesn’t. We work hard all day and only stop for lunch.
What was the toughest lesson you learned as a young designer starting a business?
Making and selling things is a lot harder than designing them.
What advice would you offer yourself 5 years ago?
Don’t give up.
How do you set goals for yourself?
Entrepreneurs are often people who need a challenge. I’m always thinking about how I can make the product and company better.
How and when do you decide to celebrate a victory?
I’m not a big celebrator. Maybe I should become one!
What quote keeps you motivated?
I heard this when I was a kid and have never forgotten it. “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.” Since I work with impoverished women who live in remote areas without opportunity, I am grateful for everything.
What are some new skills you are trying to acquire to perfect your craft?
Instead of sending drawings to Peru to get samples made I wish I could make the samples myself. I’m not exactly making progress though.
How do you recharge your creativity?
I don’t get to be creative all that much. We introduce new product twice a year so I have to meet those deadlines. Most of my time is devoted to running a business, so when I have to think up new designs, I’m thrilled that I can sit down and draw. My dream is to be able to design full-time, but it doesn’t look like that will happen any time soon.
Where does collaboration come into play with your craft?
I’m always bouncing ideas off of Janet, my co-conspirator. She has a background in fashion and a great eye.
3 Comments
How true it is that “Making and selling things is a lot harder than designing them.” All the challenges of product development seem to come up after the light bulb moment!
I appreciated reading your story and how you’ve opened up opportunities for women in impoverished areas! I hope to someday be able to similarly affect artisans in areas where there are few opportunities for economic stability through sharing my (patent pending) method for working with clay. Hopefully, I will be able to affect lives in the positive way that you have done. Congrats on a job (which continues to be) well done!
[…] ventured back into Manhattan to Jenny Krauss’s space in the garment district where her designs are sent to Peruvian artists who use traditional […]