Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tammy De Zilva. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Tammy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The creative bug bit me way back in my childhood days, when I was stitching together fabulous outfits for my beloved Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch Kids, amongst other things such as decoupage and appliqué. I’ve also always had a special place in my heart for bright and bold colours. There’s just something about the colour orange that fills me with energy and pure happiness.

When I finished school, I took a detour into the world of IT and spent over 20 years in Data Warehousing. Not exactly the most creative path but it was something I also enjoyed at the time. I held onto my creative spirit tightly throughout those years, dabbling in various artistic hobbies on the side. In 2012 I enrolled in a Certificate IV in Design through distance learning, and it opened up a whole new world for me.

It was like discovering a hidden treasure! Learning about colour theory, exploring different design disciplines like graphic design, interior design, and styling—it was a whirlwind of inspiration. That’s also when I first stumbled upon the magical realm of Surface Design.
For those who aren’t familiar with surface design, it’s all about transforming plain surfaces into eye-catching works of art. Think textiles, ceramics, glass, paper, wood, metal—you name it! It’s a symphony of techniques, patterns, colours, and textures coming together to create visually appealing and captivating designs.

My journey didn’t stop there. I was determined to deepen my knowledge and skills, so I embarked on a couple of online courses dedicated specifically to surface design. In 2019, I reached a crossroads in my career. I decided to take the leap of faith and bid farewell to my IT days. Now, I won’t lie—it took a few months of soul-searching and brainstorming to figure out my next move. A good friend of mine said to me one day that she could see in my heart that I wanted to pursue a creative business in Surface Design. She was right! The thought of it filled me with boundless excitement.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Back in 2019, when I made the decision to pursue my creative dreams, I devoted my time to creating art and discovering my unique style and creative process. It was during this transformative period that Loopla began to take shape. My artistic creations are heavily influenced by the vintage, retro vibes of the seventies. I adore incorporating vibrant, bold colours into my designs, crafting eye-catching colour combinations that make a statement. Each design I create is infused with inspiration from nature, everyday experiences, the joy of childhood play, and the wonders of travel. I am a digital artist who brings my vibrant creations to life using Adobe Fresco and Procreate on my trusty iPad Pro, plus Adobe Illustrator on the desktop. Embracing digital art allows me to be flexible and adaptable in my creative process. I can effortlessly experiment with different colours, compositions, and elements, fine-tuning my designs until they radiate the perfect balance of playfulness and artistic finesse.

Loopla had humble beginnings as a small handmade business specialising in cosy hand-knitted cowls. If you’re wondering what a cowl is, think of it as a scarf that loops endlessly! When I was brainstorming names for my cowl business, I wanted to capture the essence of “loop.” After some playful experimentation with name generators, the name Loopla sprang to life! As my journey in surface design took flight, the cowl business naturally took a back seat. However, I couldn’t let go of the name Loopla—it perfectly encapsulates the playful and fun spirit that defines my surface designs.

In 2020, I ventured into the world of licensing my designs to amazing small businesses. The first company I collaborated with was a swimwear brand. I’ll never forget the surreal moment when I saw my artwork proudly showcased at our local pool—it was like a pinch-me moment that will forever be etched in my memory. The thrill of seeing my art out in the world never gets old, to be honest!

I also started offering products adorned with my designs, beginning with hand-sewn tea towels. Since then, my product range has expanded to include notebooks, greeting cards, and tote bags. These are available for purchase both retail and wholesale, and you can often find me at local markets too.

As the journey continued, I had the immense pleasure of teaching my very first in-person workshop on creating repeat patterns. Additionally, I had the honour of being featured in the book Pattern Pulse, alongside 100 of Australia’s top Surface Design talents. What a whirlwind experience it has been, especially starting my business right before the pandemic hit! But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It has been a wild ride filled with countless moments of joy and growth.

Since those early milestones, my creative path has taken me even further. I’ve expanded my product offerings, licensing more of my designs to spread their magic far and wide. I’ve had the privilege of teaching workshops, both in person for kids and adults and online through platforms like Skillshare. And perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey is mentoring budding artists as they embark on their own creative adventures. Watching them bloom and find their unique voice brings me an indescribable sense of fulfilment.

So from my Barbie fashionista days to my current status as a surface designer, my pursuit of a creative profession has been an incredible adventure. And I’m just getting started!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Community is at the heart of my creative journey. As artists, we often find ourselves working in solitude, tucked away in our creative spaces. While this solitude can be invigorating, there’s something magical about connecting with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs of the artistic path.

That’s why I’m a firm believer in finding your tribe, your creative community. These are the people who lift you up, inspire you, and provide that much-needed support along the way. I’m eternally grateful for the incredible network of peers who have played a pivotal role in my own artistic growth and success.

A few years ago, I founded Brisbane Surface Designers—a delightful in-person group that gathers quarterly. It’s a place where we can come together, share our journeys, exchange ideas, and offer support. Within this community, we celebrate each other’s wins, offer guidance through challenges, and create a nurturing space for growth and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned surface designer or just dipping your toes into this artistic realm.

Also recognising the importance of virtual connections, I recently launched another community group called Colourful Connections. This online gathering is specifically tailored for surface designers based all across Australia. I wanted to create a space that addresses the local nuances and experiences that resonate with us. While there are many fantastic online groups available, most of them are US-based, so I saw a need to establish a platform where Aussie designers can come together, share insights, and delve into topics that are more relevant to our local context.

Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant artistic community where everyone’s voice is valued and celebrated.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that there is a definitive “right” or “wrong” way to create art and run a creative business (or with anything in life really!). It’s a belief that can stifle our creativity and hinder our progress. Art is subjective, and what resonates with one person may not resonate with another. It’s essential to find our tribe, the people who truly appreciate and connect with our work. After all, if we have the wrong audience, our creations won’t reach their full potential.

This realisation also extends to the various aspects of running a creative business. Along my journey, I’ve encountered different perspectives and teachings from various mentors and educators. Each one had their own approach and what worked best for them. However, I’ve come to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all formula. It’s about embracing the lessons that resonate with us the most and applying them in a way that aligns with our unique workflow and processes.

A personal example is when I was preparing my portfolio, I initially followed a specific approach that I had been taught. However, I found myself getting stuck, unable to finish my portfolio which was frustrating and was really holding me back. But then, I came across another perspective which was a different approach, and suddenly with the knowledge of both approaches, everything clicked. I realised that there wasn’t a right or wrong way. They were simply different paths, and it was up to me to blend the knowledge I gained from both educators not just for this particular problem but for any aspect in my business, and I could then create an approach that worked best for me. By doing so, I found my creative flow, regained my confidence, and embraced my own unique process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.loopla.com.au/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loopla.designs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loopla.designs
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-de-zilva-47490046/
• Faire: https://faire.com/direct/loopla