We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Ziff Sabah. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.
Lisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?
At RISD they taught us how to develop our own language of form. They taught us how to create those forms from all different materials, how to think about those materials and perhaps even develop new materials. They taught us to question why we were making things, and to imagine what else needed to be made. They also taught us how to communicate with manufacturers when our own abilities had limitations, whether that be via prototypes, drawings or language. These were, and still are very useful tools. What was missing was how to create the business structure underneath these products in order to be a successful entrepreneur . The program there now has connected with outside business schools such as Harvard to fill this void. I wish I had had this opportunity while I was there! I have had to learn on the job, which is a slower process, but I imagine has made me more resilient and patient!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I now consider myself a jewelry sculptor. though my background and training is in Industrial Design. I currently design and manufacture limited edition handmade gold jewelry. I sell to a select number of stores and directly via my website.
My past work experience includes various types of design from Architecture to Product Design. I was strongly influenced by my work experience as a college student at Frank Gehry’s and a few years later at Alchimia in Milan. Both places encouraged the lines of design and art and architecture to be blurred.
My first sole owned business was a housewares line that I designed and manufactured. I made tabletop prototypes from carved clay which were then cast in aluminum and were then mass produced. I also designed spun aluminum, handblown glass, and a few ceramic pieces.. I sold to hundreds of upscale gift and museum stores across the nation and around the world. I loved designing and hunting down the best way to manufacture multiples, having relationships with my vendors, and doing the gift shows. But that eventually grew old. After about ten years I decided to change direction, make something more precious and work on a smaller scale. I took classes in metalsmithing, and applied what I knew about sculpting and carving to a new material, wax. I gravitate towards soft organic forms inspired by the things I have found in my garden, and the human form.
I now sell to a select number of high end jewelry and lifestyle stores and continue to explore different forms and materials. My favorite part is still the creative, tinkering side, Each new product presents a new challenge, and that keeps it fresh. My pieces are not flashy, they have a subtle beauty, something I would love to wear myself, something that whispers good design without screaming it.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is to look at something I have made years ago and still find it appealing. It is also very rewarding to see someone else wearing my pieces as part of their everyday dress, pieces they don’t take off, that they live with on the daily. Many of my customers own multiple pieces, and come to me to commemorate a special occasion or to honor a friend. I find that so touching.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth. People will see their friends wearing one of my pieces and want something for themselves. I strive to make quality pieces that don’t follow trends and hopefully stand the test of time.
Contact Info:
- Website: lisaziffdesigns.com
- Instagram: lisaziff
Image Credits
Sequoia Ziff Mack Films