⟶ Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your creative journey? Where did your creative journey begin, and how has your background influenced your work?

 I’d say it has all happened by coincidence, one thing leading to another. I started working with art and design when I saw an ad looking for volunteers to help with a new center for contemporary art and architecture that was going to open. This was Färgfabriken, and we produced exhibitions, fashion shows, television, and concerts – it was as though everything was possible and I got to work with amazing artists, designers, fashion designers, photographers, musicians, and what not. It was in the mid-90s and there was so much going on in the art world, fashion, and design. I found myself not questioning if things were possible and just doing them - there was no other choice. The whole attitude of the place and people there made me believe that everything is possible and you can make things happen.

After that I created a children’s clothing brand and built a concept store around it called “tuss” – the ultimate simple solution. 20 years ago the concept was really new in Stockholm, and the brand was sold internationally as well. The clothes were basically white, grey, beige and black and the materials were of really high quality. I did a collab with Acne’s kids’ collection and we also carried the first APC kid's collection and did artist collaborations throughout the years. I still have the website as a sort of a reminder, but I am not actively working with tuss anymore. In 2012 I started the concept store at Snickarbacken 7, which carried designer vintage clothes, a bit of antiques, shoes and accessories, clothes, skincare, jewelry as well as books and music and magazines. It was so much fun. The store was a melting pot for a lot of new brands and basically anything that I liked. We put on exhibitions and even had a few concerts in this great venue that used to be a horse stable in the middle of Stockholm.

Could you describe your current creative projects or initiatives? What are you most passionate about in your creative work?

A few years back I was approached by the HM Group who were starting a new concept, and asked if I wanted to be a concept designer for the homeware department. It was a great opportunity to be a part of a large international company building a new brand – ARKET. It was an incredible journey to be a part of and I still work there today. I love the creativity of working together with a team to design and produce collections and curate a relevant assortment together.

In my spare time, I help people to buy art and objects that make sense for their homes or spaces. It seems that a theme for me is to collect, assemble, and put things together.

What do you consider your creative expertise, and how did you develop it over time?

I truly believe that life happens to you all the time, it’s about choices and opportunities. I have had the fortune to have worked with creative and interesting people and projects throughout all of my life so far, curating collections and creating clothes, design and interiors, and concepts – I think maybe my creative expertise is that I have an eye for putting things together… picking out pieces and building concepts, curated collections… and still try and see possibilities rather than  impossibilities.

What are some of the challenges you; have encountered in your creative career, and how did you overcome them?

There are continuous challenges, I think what sums up a lot of them is hearing people say that this and this is not possible and then trying to make them possible. Stretching the limits.

Who or what inspires your creative process, and how do you incorporate those inspirations into your work?

I am inspired by so much in everyday life, I love going to flea markets and antique shops, I also love books, catalogs, and magazines, going to exhibitions, meeting people, and seeing other people’s homes… so many things inspire me, and becoming part of my work. Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help you tap into your creative flow or overcome creative blocks?

For aspiring creatives, what advice would you give them as they embark on their own creative journeys?

I don’t know how to sew, draw, or make patterns or designs, and yet I have worked with designing clothes, objects and collections! I think motivation finds solutions. So take time and find what motivates you. Say yes more than no and make things happen. Try and try again.

@cattiaman