Hi Beatrice, tell us a little bit about yourself\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m normally based in East London where I design all my fabrics there. Each design is based on my ink and line drawings. Then I work with a mill in Lancashire to get them all woven. There they turn my weaves into throws, cushions and fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How is lockdown treating you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m usually based in East London but since lockdown I\u2019ve been in Whitstable with my family by the sea. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to spend the time here. It has given me such great headspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Beatrice](\"https:\/\/wordpress.heals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Beatrice-Larkin-1024x485.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow has lockdown shifted the way you design?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lockdown hasn\u2019t really shifted the way I design. In fact, it\u2019s just meant I can design more because I feel like I have so much more time than usual. I\u2019ve suddenly realised how fast-paced my lifestyle was in London. It feels so good to be out of that for the time being, even though I miss my life there too. But, I get to see the sea every day and the last few weeks the weather has been beautiful. It\u2019s the best place I could be right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How has your business adapted to social distancing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not too much has changed because I work alone anyway and I manage my business on my own. Obviously when I\u2019m shipping anything out I\u2019m conscious of guidelines. But I\u2019m still using couriers and queuing up at the post office from a safe distance so not much has changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Beatrice](\"https:\/\/wordpress.heals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Beatrice-Larkin-Steps-Merino-Throw-1024x485.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow have you stayed motivated when working from home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve been keeping motivated more so than I was in London. I have so many more ideas now and I feel like the headspace has inspired me. There isn\u2019t anything specific that\u2019s inspiring me, just the space to think. I\u2019ve been designing a lot of new fabrics, thinking of other products to make and new ways to apply my designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weaving process is quite a slow one with lots of different parts involved in manufacturing. At the moment, all of these processes are taking a little bit longer. So, I\u2019m thinking of other ways to create products. For example, I\u2019m looking into print and applying my designs to many different surfaces. I\u2019ve also been getting back into hand-making, hand-drawing and I\u2019ve started lino-cutting. It\u2019s shown me how much I miss hand-weaving and that zen-flow state you get into when working with your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve actually been spending so much time on my business. But, every day I try to walk along the sea front for an hour or so and listen to a podcast or audio book. I can\u2019t seem to concentrate on reading a book but when I listen to it, I\u2019m addicted. It also means I can listen whilst designing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Beatrice](\"https:\/\/wordpress.heals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Beatrice-Larkin-Lines-Cushion-1024x485.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat has inspired you most during lockdown?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As I\u2019ve been taking this time to focus on my business, I\u2019ve been watching a lot of webinars. There have been lots of free webinars online that wouldn\u2019t have been available pre-lockdown. They mainly focus on growing your business but also managing your business in these times and how your business can adapt. That\u2019s been really beneficial to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time has also given me more direction. You can live such a busy, crazy lifestyle in London and it\u2019s sometimes difficult to get that headspace and clarity. I feel very inspired for where I\u2019m going to take my work in the future. Watch this space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n