The design industry is all about collaborations between brands. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of exploring the collaboration from the American Museum of Natural History with 22 independent designers from Etsy.
Indie designers from Etsy created unique pieces for the museum
The designers specialized in a broad range of mediums. They were chosen for their work that was inspired by natural history. Many of the creators designed a unique item for the collection inspired by a an element of the institution. Jason Lynch of Smidge Co. made gorgeous 3D cards inspired by dinosaur fossils. Molly Goodall made adorable outerwear pieces for children inspired by astronauts and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
The best part of my day was the opportunity to visit the museum's Rare Book Room. Some of the designers and I were treated to a peek into rare folios of engraved illustrations of the natural world dating as far back as 1575 from an original Gesner tome. These beautiful publications served as inspiration for Jessica Kertis, who made hand-painted leather pouches inspired by prints found in the books.
A jewelry designer and museum employee Amanda Bielskas Craftology had already spent a lot of time with the rare books. It was a natural fit for her to look at the illustrations of the whale from the book room and the iconic blue whale exhibit as her muse for the necklace she created for the collaboration.
Birds and the ornithology collection was another popular theme for the creators. Brooklyn ReHAB featured illustrations on their pottery. I loved the bird skull soaps from the Bower Studio.
Our natural world has inspired artists since the beginning of time. I loved seeing how the American Museum of Natural History could spur creativity in the makers from my favorite indie designer marketplace. You can find the Etsy designer collaboration online or right at the museum shop.
photos from AMNH.org and Mariana Leung
