Meet the Maker – Interview with Morwenna Farrell

(photo credit: Morwenna Farrell)

I met with local maker and musician, Morwenna Farrell, to chat about her clothing brand – handpicked vintage garments and sustainably sourced tees, all screen-printed with her own illustrations. As we sipped away on coffees in Yalm, we touched upon her brand, sustainability, and love of music.  

How would you describe your brand in three words? 

Vintage, Americana and punchy. 

 

What was the starting point for your business? 

I went to NUA to study Illustration, where I found my real love and passion. It helped me realise that I could have a career out of creating art. I then discovered screen-printing, and it all just fell naturally into place. It’s funny really, my creative side has always been secretly there, so when I delved into screen-printing, I felt as if something had sparked inside me screaming this is what you should be doing! 

 

Where do you get inspiration for your designs? 

My brain is always thinking, and connecting ideas. If I’m in a vintage shop and something catches my eye, it will instantly excite me – my phone’s camera roll is packed with thousands of photos of inspiration. Sometimes inspiration will come from my own music, often I’ve written a lyric which sparks an idea for a design. It’s lovely thinking how I’ve finally been able to bring together my passions of vintage, drawing, screen-printing, and music. 

 

Could you tell me more about your music? 

After dealing with sad news during lockdown, I realised that life is too short to not do what you love. In 2021, I finally said to my now bandmate, you know what? let’s do this! My music really ties into my art, drawing upon inspiration from Country music. And I’ve recently joined another band, which I’m absolutely loving!  

 

What is your design process like? 

Well take my current project – a celebration of the 1980s. I start by visually collecting inspiration from all the 80s films I love. I note possible phrases and quotes for my garments. Then I churn out drawings in my sketchbook, before honing in on one design. 

 

What inspired you to incorporate thrifting and sustainability into your brand image?

As a student, I volunteered at Print to the People in Norwich. One day as I was screen-printing, I noticed my denim coat had a huge stain, and I thought how incredibly embarrassing! But then it clicked, I should experiment and print onto the denim. I was so happy with how it turned out, and I began to think of all the marked items in charity shops which people have discarded, and how I could repurpose and give these items a new lease of life! It began to go hand in hand, and I found the way I loved to work. 

 

All my new unisex t-shirts are Earth Positive 100% Organic Cotton Tees, manufactured solely from wind and solar power. It’s really important to me that we consider where our new clothes come from and the impact they have on the environment.  

 

Working as an independent – what are the joys, and what are the challenges? 

As a creative, there is a great sense of self-doubt – luckily my lovely husband helps with these moments. The joy is definitely creating something that started as an idea and has now flourished into a business. Watching the journey from sketch, to screen-printing, to customers wearing my designs is really exciting.  

 

How do you hope people feel when they see and wear your designs?

I want them to feel good about themselves, and also sassy! I love when I’m selling at markets, and that one particular piece finds the right person. It makes me so happy to see their face light up as they try on the garment, and it reminds me that I really am in my dream job. 

 

Morwenna’s Instagram is @morwennafarrell_illustrations and her Etsy shop is @MorwennaFarrell where you can find anything from screen-printed vintage garments, tees, tote bags, prints, and even stickers and guitar picks!