We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Britta Schwalm ("BS").
Britta Schwalm is an experienced goldsmith and graphic designer. She is working with heart and soul. As a goldsmith she is specialised in making jewellerydesign in customer request and upcycling. Her workshop is located in Langen/Hessen, near Frankfurt/Main in Germany. The project "Blessed child" combines the skills of both of her professions in a unique way. Basic part in the manufacturing process is modern 3D technology. She was part of german TV docutainment "Hallo Schatz" as the expert for jewellry because she is an upcycling specialist. She was awarded with national and international prices.
Britta Schwalm Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Britta Schwalm.
Britta Schwalm Design - Elysian Necklace
Britta Schwalm Design - Mystery and Confession Rings
Britta Schwalm Design - Eves Weapon Collier
Britta Schwalm Design - Glueckskind Charms
Britta Schwalm Design - Meaningful Heart Concept to perpetuate emotions
Britta Schwalm Design - Blessed Child rings
Designer Interview of Britta Schwalm:
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
BS : Jewellery for F. Stahl Birkenfeld/Germany
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
BS : 750/000 Gold
DI: 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.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
BS : Wearability is key. A design should be beautiful but also practical.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
BS : I feel calm and purposeful.
DI: 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.
DI: What makes a design successful?
BS : A design is successful when it evokes emotion and resonates with people.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: How do you work with companies?
BS : My designs, including Glückskind, are primarily for individual clients. I’ve rarely collaborated with companies so far.
DI: 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.
DI: 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).
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
BS : Perfection—in every detail.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
BS : Passion, patience, and perseverance.
DI: 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.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
BS : Cape diem - cape noctem.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
BS : It depends on the design, but typically around three weeks.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
BS : How did you do it? :-)
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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.
DI: 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/
DI: How can people contact you?
BS : Britta Schwalm britta@brittasschmiede.de +49 6103 280306