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Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Britta Schwalm (BS) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Britta Schwalm by clicking here. |
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Interview with Britta Schwalm at Wednesday 14th of May 2025 ![]() FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer? BS: I’m a goldsmith and studied design at university. Becoming a designer was always my goal, and jewelry design is my greatest passion. FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio? BS: BrittasSchmiede is a workshop where unique, handcrafted jewelry is created. I combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest technologies, including laser engraving, CAD design, 3D modeling, and 3D printing. One of my recent collections is Glückskind, a brand-new jewelry line inspired by babies. You can explore more at http://www.brittasschmiede.de. FS: What is "design" for you? BS: Design transforms functionality into beauty. It should capture emotions—just like my piece Eve’s Weapon, which visualizes the many meanings associated with an apple: sin, temptation, power, health, and fertility—all expressed in a necklace. FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most? BS: Jewelry tailored to my customers’ desires—unique pieces that reflect their personality. I often study the jewelry they already wear and use it as a foundation to design something new that complements their style. FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it? BS: I love designs that invite a second look. Eve’s Weapon, for example, is made of apples, but that detail isn’t immediately obvious. Glückskind plays with baby motifs, some hidden for a subtle touch. Figurative jewelry fascinates me—like a woman wrapped around a finger or a chess set where every piece is a silver sculpture of a woman. FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company? BS: Jewellery for F. Stahl Birkenfeld/Germany FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology? BS: 750/000 Gold FS: When do you feel the most creative? BS: When I’m spending time with my son or enjoying quiet moments in nature—especially in my garden, with my cat on my lap, gazing at the pond. FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing? BS: Wearability is key. A design should be beautiful but also practical. FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design? BS: I feel calm and purposeful. FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized? BS: Seeing my work worn and appreciated is incredibly fulfilling. Once a piece finds its rightful place, I’m happy to move on to the next creation. FS: What makes a design successful? BS: A design is successful when it evokes emotion and resonates with people. FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first? BS: A great design should offer a fresh perspective on a theme or concept. FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment? BS: Sustainability. Design should ensure longevity. I often repurpose my customers’ existing jewelry, giving it new life. All the gold I use is 100% recycled. FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design? BS: I believe and hope design continues to move toward responsibility—whether it’s for nature, humanity, or ethical sourcing. FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition? BS: Eve’s Weapon was exhibited at Expo Milan, then in Antwerp, Belgium, before going on a worldwide roadshow. Glückskind was showcased at the Parallax Art Fair in London, IHM Munich, and later at Seele trifft Gold in the historic Villa Metzler in Frankfurt. FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations? BS: My creativity flows best when I sit at my workstation and let my hands take over—I stop thinking and simply create. FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design? BS: I love figurative design. The human body is an incredible creation, and incorporating its form into jewelry is an exciting challenge. FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country? BS: I live in Germany, and though I’m sure my designs reflect a German aesthetic, I can’t quite define how. Designing here is easy—no major restrictions or limitations. FS: How do you work with companies? BS: My designs, including Glückskind, are primarily for individual clients. I’ve rarely collaborated with companies so far. FS: Can you talk a little about your design process? BS: I visualize my designs before creating them. At some point, the final image appears in my mind—that’s when I know it’s ready. The challenge is figuring out how to bring it to life. FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home? BS: A painting by Prof. Schreiter, a large wooden bowl by Thomas Pildner, a spotted teapot, a glass sculpture Nike (which I created). FS: Can you describe a day in your life? BS: Every day is different—I’m a mom to an amazing young boy, which makes time my most valuable resource. FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers? BS: Follow your own path. Don’t try to imitate others. FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer? BS: The upside: If something around me is ugly, I can change it. The downside: There are so many things I’d love to redesign, but I can’t change everything. FS: What is your "golden rule" in design? BS: Perfection—in every detail. FS: What skills are most important for a designer? BS: Passion, patience, and perseverance. FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.? BS: Rasp, drill, saw pencils and a 3D CAD program. FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time? BS: Cape diem - cape noctem. FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end? BS: It depends on the design, but typically around three weeks. FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer? BS: How did you do it? :-) FS: What was your most important job experience? BS: Designing and crafting Eve’s Weapon—a necklace in 750/000 rose and white gold, set with 110 diamonds. It was nominated for the HRD award and truly shaped my career. FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why? BS: Carving figures from wax, sculpting in gold, setting gemstones, sketching jewelry designs—I love every aspect of being a goldsmith. FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you? BS: Winning the A’Design Gold Award! My ongoing project Herz aus Altgold continues, and Glückskind will take its next big step. FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself? BS: Mostly alone, though for Glückskind, I collaborate with a 3D design expert. FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about? BS: Have a look at http://www.brittasschmiede.de/herz-aus-altgold/ Have a look at http://www.brittasschmiede.de/sterenenkind/ FS: How can people contact you? BS: Britta Schwalm britta@brittasschmiede.de +49 6103 280306
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers. Press Members: Register and login to request a custom interview with Britta Schwalm. |
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Good design deserves great recognition. |
A' Design Award & Competition. |