Karina Sharpe
Where and what did you study and what year did you graduate?
Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design), 2002, Monash University.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), 2002, Monash University.
Where did you head after graduating?
I spent over two years at the design consultancy, Bayly Design as a product design engineer then several years at Uno Australia as a 3D design engineer.
When did you launch your own business?
In September 2006.
What motivated you to start your own business?
After working and designing for other people for five years and building up a solid skillset, I wanted to design for myself and reignite my passion for design.
How would you describe your business to someone who didn’t know you?
Karina Jean is a design business devoted to creating beautiful jewellery and objects often utilising digital design methods, advanced technology and mixed media. Karina Jean releases collections seasonally and can also be commissioned for bespoke designs.
What are the most challenging parts of being a designer running a small business?
The most challenging aspect of being a designer running a small business is to maintain a genuine balance between commercialisation and artist integrity.
What inspires your design projects?
My design projects are inspired by nature, botanicals, animals and nostalgia.
What are the next steps for you?
Over the next two to five years my most significant goals are to develop my artistic practise to be more free, make it based more on my imagination and desires rather than finances and technical limitations. I also want to broaden my brand awareness through increased retail exposure, media promotions and online commentary and commerce.
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