We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Liam Manak. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Liam below.

Alright, Liam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

For as long as I can remember I have always had a very strong interest in art and fashion. I grew up always making things, wether that be drawing, painting, sculpting, sewing, knitting, … the list goes on and on, Growing up It was pretty obvious to everyone around me that I would end up pursing something artistic as an adult.

As a child I was introduced to accessory design through a knitting class that I was taking. Once I made my very first handbag I became “some would say” obsessed with learning as much as I could about this type of craft. After that introduction I just knew that it was truly something special, and I would be pursuing it for the rest of my life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a leather craftsman and handbag designer my main goal is the pursuit of leathers highest form.

I was about twelve years old when I made my very first handbag. It was a bag made out of knitted wool and mohair that I then felted and added a bamboo handle to. Over the years I have experimented with a lot of different materials and sewing/crafting techniques.

I eventual had the great privilege of studying handbag and footwear design in art school. It was an experience that taught me a lot about design and the industry today. Even tho college taught me a lot, it wasn’t until after I graduated when I began to find a niche within the space that felt genuine to me and fueled my passion for the craft.

Right after finishing school I became completely enthralled with learning about very traditional centuries old leather working techniques and the few craftsman that still implement those practices today. This type of leather working is no longer used by the vast majority of luxury leather brands due to the amount of time and attention to detail that is needed, as well as the cost. I strive to be one of the few craftsman that keep these traditional techniques alive and to help them flourish for the next generator to enjoy.

My focus as a designer/craftsman is to create beautiful luxurious leather goods that are of the highest form. Leather goods that stand the test of time in both style and quality, style do to their classic yet unique designs, as well as their exceptional quality due to the exquisite material selection and the centuries old crafting techniques utilized in the making process, processes such as fully hand sewing the bag using a saddle stitch instead of using a sewing machine. All in the hopes that my love for this craft will shine through and spark aspirations in people to own or create such art for themselves.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think if more people began to priorities consuming less but at a higher quality a lot of industries within the arts and maker community would flourish. I think that we as a society have become way too focused and reliant on trends. This is truly the the biggest reason why the fast fashion industry even exists. Trends move too fast and people feel the pressure to keep up to date with the trends which as we all know can be very expensive, this naturally creates the need for low cost, low quality, trendy items. Sure its nice to have the option to spend less to feel good, but in the long run all thats doing is creating more waste due to the extremely low quality and short lifespan of these items.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I would say the most rewarding aspect of being a leather craftsman/handbag designer would simply be the joy that it brings me. I always seem to be the most patient version of myself while creating, which I think speaks to the love that I have for this craft. The process of making a simple thought come to life is almost always more rewarding than the final outcome.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.liammanak.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liammanak/

Image Credits
Liam Manak