Meet Amanda Bennett | Artist Series 003: Native Bloom

We caught up with Amanda Bennett of Manda ATTA Design and the designer of our newest Artist Series: Native Bloom to discuss her history as a designer, the process and inspiration behind Native Bloom, as well as what’s next for her.

Amanda, we are so excited to have you as our latest Artist Series designer. We would love to tell the readers a bit about your background. Where did you grow up and where do you currently live?

I grew up in Cambridge, New Zealand. I moved to Australia in my early 20’s - where I lived in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth. I went back to New Zealand for a few years before heading back to Australia in 2014. I have now lived here for 10 years, between the Gold Coast, Mullumbimby, and Yandina. 

I am currently living in my 2006 Mitsubishi Rosa with my dog, Louie. I have been travelling the East coast of Australia, working online and doing markets with my other business Roaming Dawn. 

How did you first get into graphic and textile design?

I have been a graphic designer for over 12 years. Before diving into textile design, I got a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts where I majored in Graphic Design. I was meant to major in photography but I did one graphics class and the tutor convinced me I should do graphic design instead.

After my studies, I worked in the corporate world for six years before realising I had a lot more to offer. Working mainly in the hair and beauty industries, I felt like my creativity was not being used to its fullest potential. Before I moved back to Australia, I had an art exhibition in New Zealand that I called ATTA which translates to Pali, the Buddhist word for “soul” – this is where MandaATTA /ATTA Design originally came from. 

I started doing textile design four years ago, when one of my friends started her brand Nordic Drifter, and she asked me to create her first textile. Four prints later and I’m hooked and working with a range of other brands. I took Bonnie Christen's course a few years back and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in textile design. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 

Nature, definitely. I'm a very sensitive person so during the textile process I like to use some of my branding background and really get to know the company – their values and the look and feel they would like to create. Each morning when I get into my office, I clear a space and I sit and do breathwork so I can center myself before starting my day. This really helps me connect to my process and gives space for new ideas and creativity to flow. 

What does your creative process look like? 

First, I have a branding questionnaire I like to discuss with clients. This helps me get to know their business and back story to their brand. From that, I put together mood boards, then styles are discussed as I have a few different ways I like to draw. Once this is finalised, I sketch the designs, then transfer them onto the computer for colouring and layout. 

What does sustainability mean to you? 

Lots of the brands I work with are health-conscious brands – life coaches, yoga teachers, and businesses that are very aware and conscious of their carbon footprint, so it’s not surprising to me that a lot of the textile brands that approached me over the last four years have the same values. My everyday practices within my own home and personal beliefs around sustainability are a common practice for me. As an artist who is constantly contributing to the development of NEW textiles, it is important to me to be working with brands and manufacturers that have sustainable practices built into  their businesses. 

What inspired the design for this project?

The biggest inspiration for me for this project was my friend Tom, who has been a HUGE source of inspiration and encouragement in my life over the last 6 years. He has helped me through major transitional periods and has been cheering me on while building my new business. In addition to flowers growing in my own garden, I utilised his favourite flowers – proteas, which represent diversity and courage and Cattleya orchids which represent fertility and virility. This print has been designed and inspired to promote growth.

What does this collaboration mean to you? 

After meeting Emily over Skype and the amazing artistic recognition she has built into her business, I just think this is so great and creates such a personalised approach. As artists and graphic designers, we are usually set in the background and the brands get full recognition for the artwork. It's so lovely she is opening this space to acknowledge artists. It gave me a real appreciation towards her business while creating this design.

How do you want someone to feel when they wear this swimsuit? 

Empowered. This design was created during a major transition in my life where I have had to embody a sense of courage and trust. I’m creating a new life. Birthing a new adventure. I want this piece of artwork to create the feeling that you are capable no matter what changes are coming and no matter what life throws your way. You have the tools to move forward with grace. Trust in yourself and know that the universe has your back. 

What’s next for you and your art? 

My art over the last year has developed so much. I have so many art and illustration related projects now that are always developing and testing my skills as a graphic designer and artist. I recently launched my new brand, Roaming Dawn. I design and produce throw blankets. This has been both scary and exciting. It will still be business as usual with my graphics and textiles.

What’s the best way for readers to get in touch with you?

You can reach me via the contact form on my website.