June 05, 2015
DESIGNER LAUREN FINKS
While Lauren Finks was born and bred in Melbourne, it was while living in Sydney that she developed the idea for her own homewares range. The research and development phase took about two years and she launched On the Sly towards the end of 2013. It is a range of hand screen-printed textiles as well as copper foiled and black A4 prints. After a year she was collaborating with Real Living magazine on a subscription giveaway. Lauren studied applied design at Brighton Bay Art Design and Photography. “It gave me a well-grounded background in many fields,” she says. Afterwards she completed a Bachelor of Communication Design at Swinburne University.
Which five words best describe you? Passionate, creative, diligent, open and dedicated.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? After studying, like most creatives I did some work experience. It was in a Richmond studio and it opened my eyes to the industry and what was achievable. I have worked both here and in Sydney as a graphic designer and it was there that I decided I'd like to undertake a project of my own and On the Sly was born. I now continue to hone my craft in textiles and who knows where it will lead.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Believe in your brand. If you back yourself then other people will too.
What’s your proudest career achievement? I think working with the Art Series Hotel Group. They chose On The Sly for two of their properties and that gave me a warm fuzzy feeling.
What’s been your best decision? Just starting. It's hard to actually follow through with a dream but I am so glad I have.
Who inspires you? Lots of people inspire me, everyday people, family, friends, designers, creatives, anyone who is passionate.
What are you passionate about? Creating something from scratch, taking inspiration from 20th century design and putting my own twist on things.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I'd love to meet Paul Rand. An exceptional designer, wealth of knowledge, and talent.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I'd love to see On The Sly have a flagship store(s).
What are you reading? I am actually not a big reader. I never have been but I am constantly reading blogs, if that is accepted.
images courtesy of on the sly; photography annette o'brien