Charlotte Heal runs her eponymous design studio in North London. Best known for her work on The Kinfolk Home book and for redesigning the cult magazine Kinfolk, Charlotte’s considered and intelligent approach is clearly reflected in the work she does, which has a refreshingly clean aesthetic, anchored by a resounding depth that ensures her work is never transient or trend-driven.

Here at Melting Butter, we were immediately drawn to Heal’s carefully orchestrated visual narrative that we saw across her striking repertoire of creative projects for the likes of Toast, Valery Demure and Memento and in the design of the Japanese soul food title Nanban for Random House. Inspired by her visual point of view, we sat down to talk to Charlotte about finding inspiration, how design should stand the test of time and the places in London she looks to for visual inspiration.

www.charlotteheal.com
Instagram: @charlottehealdesign
Twitter: @charlotte_heal

Read on for Charlotte Heal’s London city guide.

Carine McGinnity: How do you approach your projects?

Charlotte Heal: I very much approach projects from the ground up. Research is important to me and having conversations with clients is vital, as no two projects are the same. I enjoy themed work where I can build metaphors into the visuals.

CMG: Where do you look for inspiration?

CH: I tend to look away from design for inspiration and I’m certainly not an Internet trawler. Conversations hugely stimulate me, as do books and galleries. I have a new found fondness for the Science Museum after seeing so many great photography exhibitions there and then the greats such as National Gallery or Tate.

CMG: Do you respond to or create trends in your design?

CH: No. I think there must be a thread running through my work but it’s not intentional. I also hate this idea of trendiness. I aim to make work that stands the test of time with a nod to classicism. Quality is important to me over trends.

CMG: Which female creatives do you most admire and how do you think they have had a positive influence on design and society?

CH: Good question! Those that spring to mind are Margaret Howell, Vivienne Westwood, Irma Boom, Vivienne Sassen, Danielle Pender ”¦ the list is pretty endless when I really start thinking about it. As for their positive influence ”“ they are intelligent, astute and pro-active women. I slightly hate the suggestion that there is a difference between female and male creatives. We’re all equal and there are similarly intelligent, astute and pro-active men I admire out there!

CMG: Which cities have inspired you and why?

CH: I get inspired by pretty diverse places. New York always inspires as it’s so eclectic and feels full of possibilities. Copenhagen for it’s refined aesthetic, which is so ingrained within their society. Paris for its weighted history and classic beauty. But then smaller cities have equally inspired me recently. Exeter in Devon has the most incredible Museum called the Royal Albert Memorial Museum which has such a wealth of content or Bath, in Somerset, for the combined reasons of both Paris and Copenhagen. I love cities in which I can look out, past the buildings, and see beyond, into the landscape. That alone is positive alchemy.

CHARLOTTE HEAL’S LONDON

Kit & Ace

A Canadian brand ”“ the clothes have wonderful fabrics and detailing.

http://www.kitandace.com/

29 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DJ
+44 (0) 800 404 9634

Hoi Polloi ”“ The Ace Hotel London

A recent discovery and I was so taken by the food and the environment.

http://hoi-polloi.co.uk/

100 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JQ
+44 (0) 20 8880 6100

Tempo Pilates – E8 Studio

The best music and work out vibe.

http://tempopilates.com/

Studio 204, Netil House, 1-7 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL
+44 (0) 7563 578165

Arnold Circus

The bandstand and architecture never fails me come rain or shine.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boundary_Estate
Arnold Circus, Boundary Estate, London E2

Tate Modern

It’s a cliché but having recently been so inspired by the Alexander Calder exhibition I have to mention it!

http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Bankside, London SE1 9TG
+44 (0)20 7887 8888

Carine was born in Ireland, lives in Hackney with her husband and works in a creative agency in London. She is a self-confessed marathon addict, vegan foodie, story and design lover.

Share this