dsgnrswrkshp by Kamille Glenn
There’s so much to learn and get inspired from! I’m also approaching my quarter of life crisis, where I find it so much exciting having a house decorated the way I want and with the furniture I want. I mean, I’m embodying my post-graduate life on a 100, am I not?
The world of fashion is an intrinsic mezcla made of connectivity, inspiration, and creativity. Being a fashion enthusiast puts you in a privileged position to get to experience a lot of bridges from one topic and industry to another, without getting too lost or being too much distract. A person working in fashion can learn so much from so many professions. Think about the many things you can find in fashion: art, architecture, business, chemistry, design. Oh yes, design and designers!
I never pondered much on the idea of how much the world of design is in such good relationship with fashion. At the moment I am reading a book by Mauro Porcini called “L’eta’ dell’eccellenza”, in which he explains what is design and what are the challenges and the marvelous things this industry can offer you, especially when it comes to connecting with other humans and solving their needs. A designer creates a shape that soothes consumers, intrigues clients, makes observers think. A designer is in charge of making space and emotions go hand in hand. A designer satisfies our psyche with a gentle and subtle touch.
This summer I took the chance to dive into this world and after attending Mauro’s event, I was manifesting in finding a collective of young people - especially BIPOC - that could be part of this world, thriving designers in NYC. And I found it!
Kamille is the founder of dsgnrwrkshp (read it as “designer’s workshop”), a vibrant digital and in-person community for and by the Black maker community designers - in fashion, merchandising, jewelry, art, media, and so on. These past few months I literally had so many friends moving back to the city or moving to other places and so interior design was a topic that touched us a lot. Even though I didn’t know anyone, I decided to show up at Kamille’s event in Brooklyn. It was beautiful seeing lots of talented Black women sharing stories and experiences hugged by the sunny vibrations of Prospect Park.
It was a pleasure meeting Kamille and she is definitely the person who initiated me into this world, the world of design. I’m looking forward to seeing what she has in store with her collective and much more!
When did you start nurturing the idea to create a space like dsgnwrkshp?
Almost immediately entering the hospitality industry, the lack of representation was pretty deafening. I longed for a community where I could have a relatable conversation with peers that go through the joys and stressors of making things. Creative industries are pretty intense but only the ones within truly understand, I wanted to connect with them.
What are the great pillars to think about when establishing a community for creatives, especially for designers?
Our pillars are as follows: Community first, keeping us in mind, our joys, our struggles, our freedom. Prioritizing that creates a familial atmosphere, it's supportive, genuine, and of love. We're also prioritizing our healing, education, and accessibility. Being a maker can be a taxing, neverending job...yet I have yet to come across someone that doesn't love it still haha!
What does “designing” entail?
The beautiful thing about the collective is although we have different maker backgrounds (jewelry, scenic, toy, etc.) Our processes are pretty similar: You start with research, lead into ideating, sketching, developing, prototype, reviewing, more developing, probably more sketching, then producing. If you look at anything from architecture to fashion, it's a similar flow. I think that's the coolest thing about us.
What's one misconception that people may get when it comes to the meaning of the word/work "design/designer"?
That it's easy haha or light because it's creative, designing is super intense, which gave me even more incentive to create the dsgnrswrkshp collective.
Where do you see yourself doing with this project and your career in five years?
Ugh, so many things! Outside of the community, education and accessibility are two things I'm constantly thinking about. We're a small team right now, in 5 years I'm claiming a larger support system so our programming and offerings can happen way more frequently. Having a physical space we can call "home" is on the radar as well. I want to create a safe space virtually and physically. My career, whew, I'd like to get back into designing at some point, I'm currently resting and prioritizing collective growth.
Do you have any suggestions for anyone who'd like to start a community space, whether in a digital format or in person?
Honestly...just start. If you think it's important, it's likely someone else will too. If you're passionate about your purpose, that will reach people.
How do you bring your uniqueness to the table?
Man, I have to really think about this one. I'm just passionate about anything I'm involved in, "addicted to details down to the doorstop" is what I used to say while designing (doorstops and small details are usually overlooked). Whether it be designing or brainstorming what's next for the collective, I'm constantly problem-solving.
