Making of the Band is a twice-monthly feature chronicling the journey of some of Spark*l’s more notable drops: from the initial idea to concept, to a working prototype and—finally—the assembly and naming of the perfect accessory.
A lot of things need to come together just right for a new band to see the light of day and make it from our studio to dropping into your mailbox!
We’ll hear from some of Spark*ls creative team, makers, and especially our head designer Naomi Grant who spends all of her time—waking and asleep—dreaming up new ways to make our squad Spark*l and shine!
Today we’re introducing the Gatsby band, an original design with a celebratory look that’s perfect for the holidays and is evocative of the Roaring ‘20s. Here Naomi talks about its creation and what makes it special:
My designs are all based on past learning. We look at what bands did well, and that helps me get a taste of what people do and don’t like. Everything has to be framed in that. So I can have an idea, but if it doesn’t line up with what’s selling or where the line is going, it’s not going to be made.
I get inspiration from clothing, Pinterest, mood boards, trend boards, and also, most notably, our production team.
I get inspiration from clothing, Pinterest, mood boards, trend boards, and also, most notably, our production team. At least once a week, they come to me with ideas, and since they’re the ones most familiar and have the most ideas, that’s where I listen.
It’s one thing to have a vision, but really it comes down to whether our suppliers can make what we envision. A lot of the bands I want to do are too big of a dream. We want too much [laughs]. My motto is dream big and then wait for them to reign us in.
The Gatsby: At first, I didn’t really envision the band being related to the ‘20s, but after designing it, I’m really happy someone made that connection. It does connect …it’s totally the 1920s. I was thinking about palm leaves, but more a 20s wallpaper, wall decor, Art Deco is how it turned out. I’m so happy with it.
I drew the pattern myself on Adobe Illustrator. But that’s just kind of the start. Then it’s about sorting out the effort and the cost of the material. With the Gatsby, [our suppliers] make a plate, and they have to get the gold foil embossed; it’s pretty expensive—a process with not a whole lot of room for error.
I’m always nervous before a big release. It’s hard to tell what people will like and not like; some things we think won’t do as well will sell out, and then the opposite can happen. It puts a little added pressure on you, and it’s definitely rewarding too. It’s worth the work; seeing your pattern physically come to life—seeing it sell is a better feeling. It’s fun to see what people match and create with a new band.
It’s all about timing. I map at least four months out—you have to take into account holidays and seasons, and trends. The Gatsby—I’ve been waiting on this release. To me, it’s about holiday get-togethers, New Year’s, being with family, and having something to cheer for. It’s a very celebratory band.
