A local fabric designer.
A local fabric designer.
It all began with tracing paper and a pen. During her free time in the office, Jiayi would find herself drawing geometric patterns. Two years ago, the National University of Singapore architecture graduate uploaded some of her hand-drawn prints to Spoonflower – an online software for customising fabrics or wallpapers, and ordered some fabrics to make pillows as Christmas gifts for her friends. As her friends began to appreciate her patterned pillows, the 30-year-old founded Soft Landing, which now offers pillows in different sizes, materials (cotton, sateen cotton and suede) and designs (still hand-drawn!).
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by recent events, and everything I see. For example, when I was in Japan a few months ago, the singer- songwriter, Prince, passed away. So I drew a pattern that characterises him.
Tell us more about your prints.
I draw geometric prints in my notebook, on grid paper. I like the constraint of the grid, as it gives me a certain order. With a simple grid, there can be many patterns. Within a pattern, there may be another pattern. The possibilities are endless. But if you look at my prints closely, you’ll see many mistakes. They are not perfect, but that’s the beauty of it.
Where do you doodle?
I usually doodle once a day in the office, it’s a good distraction at work (laughs). But I don’t intentionally draw because there’s no point if I pressure myself into doing something. I find drawing therapeutic, especially when I draw the patterns repeatedly.
How do you produce a print?
When I’m happy with a print I’ve drawn, I scan it, and then clean it up on a computer for a crisper look. Then, I’ll upload my design to Spoonflower and order yards of fabric. I send them to be sewn and, within about four months, the pillows are ready!
Why pillows?
I wanted to make something comfortable that’s both soft and relaxing, plus, I’ve always liked home accessories.
