Debbie Murphy runs her own business Missfit Creations, designing and making sustainable clothing range Recreate and Pop Fashion label Tribute2. All clothing is hand-made from reworked garments and offcut fabrics and each item is individual. We caught up with Debbie to see what she's currently up to...
So what are you doing at the moment? Any exciting projects to mention?
There are a few projects currently ongiong including a gypsy wedding dress – inspired by the tv documentary and to be used for promotion as well as a replica Katy Perry creation for a photoshoot with Outside the Box photography. Missfit will also be producing a new clothing range together with some local designers which will be launched in the summer. As well as this we are designing outfits for the carnival King & Queen to coincide with the Saxon festival taking place this summer in Tamworth.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes primarily from music, when I began making clothes as a teenager it was to reflect my musical tastes, using customisation and reworking clothes. The iconic outfits of past decades still influence my style and that of the clothes we design at Missfit together with the latest creations worn by stars like Gaga.
Any highlights from your career so far?
The best project I’ve worked on since starting out 7 years ago was the design and creation of my new website with Saraundo as it meant taking a fresh look at what I was doing and the image I needed to move forward. The branding and reinvention of Missfit Creations has opened new doors and provided opportunities for the business by creating an online presence and professional look that attracts the right attention.
Anything in the pipeline we should know about?
The new clothing range that we have in the pipeline is very exciting as it will be Missfit’s first design collaboration. This will hopefully be the start of similar projects working alongside more local designers and incorporating the work of some new local talent. Missfit Creations will also be producing fashion workshops later this year in conjunction with Tamworth ArtSwitch run by the local council. We have been asked to run similar events in schools as well so this will be another new venture for us.
When you're not working, what do you like to do?
Working from home means that I rarely leave the workplace but when I do get away I love to travel around the UK. I enjoy trawling around charity shops and car boot sales looking for clothing to rework and its always good to sample the nightlife in new towns to keep up to date with current trends and look for inspiration in different places. One way or another I’m never far from my work and always have an excuse for a night out – its research!
Any tips or advice for other creatives out there?
I was fortunate to have support from the Advantage Creative Fund and have had to work on promotional projects unpaid to raise my business profile over the years. You have to be careful not to be a busy fool as although creative work can be incredibly rewarding it is not possible to live off compliments. My advice to new creative start-ups is to make sure it remains a business, keep up to date financial records so that it doesnt become an expensive hobby.
When you are passionate about your creativity it is easy to lose site of the business side of your work and if you’re not making money what you create can cease to be rewarding. Above all don't try and do everything by yourself, there are online forums and websites offering help and advice with excellent networking opportunities like Creative Boom. When your creativity starts generating business for you it has to be one of the most rewarding jobs going.
Special mention to Saraundo for working on their website
