With an array of magical pop-up paper creations to her name, Hattie Newman, London based set designer and image maker, was top of our ‘want to work with’ list for our most recent feature in the Sunday Times. You only need to take one glance at Hattie’s website and you can see why we were so keen to have her creative hand on set for our Summer Holiday Style shoot.

Originally a country girl from Devon, Hattie studied illustration at Bristol University before moving to London to embark on her career as set designer and image maker. French GQ, Louis Vuitton, and Google are among the list of clients Hattie now has under her belt. Her style draws inspiration from TV shows she watched as a child – The Muppets, Willy Wonka and Thunderbirds, to name a few. With just a pair of scissors and card in hand, you see 2D images spring to life in front of your eyes.

3D editorial for Stylist Magazine

If you’re as blown away by Hattie’s creative talent as we are, check out her story so far…

How did you start out in set design and image making?

I studied illustration at Bristol UWE, where I started making little sets and puppets for stop-motion videos. When I graduated, I assisted some set designers and set builders in London, whilst also trying to build up my portfolio. I made an installation for the paper company, Fedrigoni that got quite a lot of exposure and it snow-balled from there really!

What was it that first inspired you to use paper as a tool/creative material?

I’ve always loved making things, but it was at university that I realised paper was the perfect material to turn my 2D illustrations into 3D models. Mainly because it’s so versatile, colourful , cheap and accessible!

What other materials do you work with?

Wood, plaster, polystyrene and  paint.

How would you describe your design style?

Playful, colourful, intricate and graphic.

When was the first pinch-me moment of your career?

Um – probably when I had a meeting in an office overlooking Times Square in New York.

What’s been the most challenging project to work on so far?

Every project brings its own challenges. I only had 10 days to build the model of the Olympic Park map, so that was quite a challenge timewise!

3D map of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Where and how do you find your inspiration when given a design brief or assignment?

I look through old sketchbooks and art books in my studio. Sometimes I go to a coffee shop and make lots of scribbly sketches that lead to ideas and I often bounce ideas around with the artists I share my studio with.

What would be your dream assignment?

It changes all the time but I would love to create a kids’ TV show.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

Stay true to yourself.

What’s next for you and what are you most excited about for the future?

I’m working on a personal project entitled ‘Dream Homes’. I’m building a series of surreal and amusing houses inspired by buildings I’ve seen and sketched. I recently watched the documentary – Grayson Perry’s Dream House. It’s incredible and so inspiring!

Here we go with our Quick Fire Round. Tell us your favourite:

Artist: Matisse

Colour:  Turquoise

TV Series: Mad Men

Food: Chocolate

Book: At the moment it’s ‘The Jim Henson Journal’ by Karen Falk

City:  London

Personal Style: Colourful, comfortable and patterned

Drink:  Mojito

Essential comforts:  My phone, my sketchbook,  Yorkshire tea and a Time Out chocolate bar

Bowled over like us?

See our latest shoot with Hattie for the Sunday Times here on the blog and follow more of Hattie’s design adventures on her Tumblr / Twitter / Instagram