I’m a graphic designer and partner of London-born design agency Transfer Studio. A short while back, we decided to establish our studio in Stockholm – a city I’m originally from but haven’t lived in for many years. Like many of you, my practice has been the result of having studied and lived in London and with me in this journey is also my partner Falko Grentrup – originally from Düsseldorf. The idea is that I’ll be sharing my experiences and thoughts on these first steps with you all and explore a designers side to the city.
– Valeria Hedman @transfer_studio

STOCKHOLM  I couldn’t wait to get back to work. We had moved into our new studio on Mariaberget in October. We found the space through an obscure ad on Blocket that we took a chance replying to and it turned out to be a great call. A cab ride with one box, a printer, two chairs (that we also got on Blocket) and two lamps later – and we were set up. The first weeks went really fast and were somewhat surreal, with plenty of work on our plate and many Skype calls back to London. There was barely any time to get anything unpacked or discover the local pub.

Christmas also seemed to start way too early and we became busy preparing for the emerging void – work either had to be finished immediately or postponed to the fuzzy post-holidays; anyone you met cheekily proposed to catch up “next year” and any exciting events, shows and exhibitions were scheduled for “after the jump”. All of a sudden the holidays were upon us like a desert storm and in that gap the world seemed to stand completely still.

So when the first week of the year finally arrived I could’t wait to get back to work. Of course eager to put shelves up, frame prints and settle a bit more in the space – but mainly to discover my old hometown with today’s eyes and soak up the best design this city has to offer.

And one important key to unlocking a city is to hook up with other creatives. So I happily accepted an invitation to have some evening drinks with members of SheCreatives at the nearby Ljungren’s bar. There I met a whole bunch of friendly birds, shared ideas and got some great advice on local paper suppliers – I quickly learned that my usual paper choices aren’t represented here while working on this book last year – and the name to a woman that knows everything there is to know about paper. Fantastic!

Falko also got in touch with the founders of the type foundry Letters from Sweden and one of the guys – Fredrik Andersson – is also the chairman of Stockholms Typografiska Gille, a society that organises events on typography. Fredrik passed on invitations to an exhibition and a talk that he thought we would like. Thanks!

Olle Eksell book covers at Antikvariat Morris

The exhibition was on the book cover design of Olle Eksell – one of the most famous graphic designers in Sweden of all times and also a great design communicator. Sadly he passed away in 2007, but has left a very strong legacy. Most of us grew up with his design around us and many designers both in Sweden and abroad have been influenced by his strong graphic work and practice. Housed at Antikvariat Morris, an awesome vintage book shop focusing on typography, the show focused on disclosing a less known body of work that Eksell produced for the publisher Bonniers, the largest book publishing company in Sweden and also one of the oldest.

Morag Myerscough speaking at Konstfack

The absolute highlight of the month was however Morag Myerscough speaking at Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design. Not only is Morag’s work of the highest quality, but she is also a very good design communicator. She is able to inform, entertain and inspire while making the process of design seem so easy. But the work she does is very hard, and there doesn’t really seem to be anyone doing what she does. It therefore comes as no surprise that she has been invited to talk a lot recently.

The letterpress studio at Konstfack

Student work spaces in graphic studio

Textile facilities at Konstfack

And last but not least, the evening was wrapped up by an exclusive tour of the school’s graphic and textile departments, studios and facilities. I was really chuffed to hear students have 24-hour access to all areas, impressed by the huge screen-printing tables and letterpress studio and very jealous that each graphic student is given their very own work space. Morag said it reminded her of her own study time at Saint Martins, a time before the school even merged with Central and way before the student desks were removed from the studios. I couldn’t help remembering my own absent desk at CSM, and left thinking that this must surely be a great way to learn graphic design: freely, hands-on, collaboratively and with a personal space.

Other interesting events this month was Designtorget’s Object of the Year Awards and when we popped in for a waffle at the launch of the new independent book publisher Nilleditions, run by graphic designer Nille Svensson. Tasty waffles and lovely books – in particular Proposals for Stockholm.

Until next time:)

Creative field: Book Design, Editorial, Exhibitions, Letterpress, Product Design, Publishing, Typography
Location: London, Stockholm, Sweden, UK

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