Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am Eva Zimmerbeutel alias EFFI, 23 years old, German, Textile Designer. For my studies I came to the Netherlands and I just graduated from Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts and Design. During my bachelor Collection I specialized on handwoven interior products with extraordinary materials and surfaces. I define the style of my textiles as Home Couture, which is a pointer to the homely but also an extravagant look. Besides, the theory of biophilic design is the base of my concepts, so I try to implement the positive impact that nature has on human well-being in textiles.
What would you consider your distinctive achievement?
Personally, I think that positive feedback and appreciation of your work is in general the most important thing to achieve as a designer. So for me a good talk and people interested in my textiles count as achievements, which automatically leads to social networking and creative communication.
If you adapt this to events in my life I would say that exhibiting three times at Ventura Lambrate in Milano were distinctive achievements. In my opinion it is a really nice platform for young designers and the atmosphere is a great mix of casual and business. Social networking really works there!
What are you looking forward to?
At the moment, I am looking forward to set up my studio and start with merchandising the Home by Nature collection 2015. As I moved back to Germany there is a lot to do and think about. I really like planning so I’m looking forward to this too and of course to continue weaving new textures on my loom.
Which advise will you give to other professionals?
Take a look around, not back but forward! Search for innovations but remember your roots! Plant your feet firmly on the ground but let your imagination run free! And finally: stay close to nature, it offers a lot!
What are the challenges that we need to overcome to make cultural entrepreneurship more accessible?
We have to conceive what’s happening around us to find the right way to communicate. This way we can also include open minded people from many different sectors. It’s all about working together and trying to understand each others work. I think this can make cultural entrepreneurship clearer.
