Mimi Hammill: DEC Nepal Earthquake Appeal Scarf Project

Today we share this amazing project from ABSPD graduate Mimi Hammill which we are sure you will find as inspiring and thought provoking as we did.

“As news of the first Nepal earthquake began to unfold in April 2015, I was sitting at my desk following the news websites. I read two articles in quick succession: the first said that the cost of the failed England World Cup bid was £5 million higher than previously thought (apparently £21 million in total). The second outlined how our government had just pledged £5 million to the relief effort in Nepal. I was incensed. Where was our collective sense of perspective? (Credit where it is due though, the UK government increased its pledge as the scale of the disaster became clear.)

But what could I do? The people of Nepal didn’t need what I could make; pretty patterns and business cards. However, I was mid-way through Module 2 of my Make It In Design scholarship year, and a quote from the first day of term had really struck a chord. It was quite simply: Be Brave.

So I wondered, if I went against all my naturally tentative instincts and asked for some help, might a collaborative creative effort raise more money than an individual like myself could donate?

I contacted a number of suppliers, proposing the idea of making a Nepal Appeal silk scarf, with all profits going to help those in need. To my amazement, several wonderful teams “got it” immediately. They took the idea and ran with it, roping in other designers, donating cost price fabrics and tailoring, free photography, discounted packaging, and use of a page on an existing retail website.

Photography by Susan Castillo Photography

Photography by Susan Castillo Photography

Photography by Susan Castillo Photography

I designed a silk scarf for the collection – a piece that I really love – called Holi. It’s a geometric study of the uniquely shaped Nepali flag, incorporating colours and textures inspired by the Hindu Spring festival of the same name. I also created a business card with care instructions to accompany the gift boxes, and a cover for the digital look book. So the project turned out to be more than just a charitable idea, it was a great exercise in brand development too!

I’m really grateful to have had Rachael and Beth’s advice, to Be Brave, at the back of my mind; especially when there’s been the occasional setback or tight deadline along the way. Being brave is a skill that I really need to work on, so I’ve doodled it in the front of my sketchbook as a constant reminder (and have referred to several times since!)

Photography by Susan Castillo Photography

I hope that together (and perhaps with your help) our collection can raise lots of money for the people still suffering in Nepal, some of whom have so very little. The scarves can be purchased from https://printedandco.co.uk/Nepal-Earthquake-Appeal_ep_78.htmll. Over 60% of the retail price will go directly to the DEC Nepal Earthquake Appeal (depending on worldwide postage costs, which are included in the price)”.

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A surface pattern designer with a background in publishing and healthcare, Mimi loves to create playful logos, branding and printed products that make her customers’ hearts sing. She has studied, worked and played in Glasgow, London, and Singapore respectively, and has been based in Aberdeen since 2007. Mimi is lucky enough to be one of the 2015 Print & Pattern Make It In Design scholarship winners, and has completed two of the three modules so far.