10 Questions for Society of Wonderland

Designer and Astek collaborator Stephanie Eventov gave us an inside look into her process, creative advice, and insights as an artist. We learned what music motivates her work, her favorite designs from the Society of Wonderland wallpaper collection, and the other creative passion she'd love to pursue someday. Read the full interview below! 

1. Describe the moment you realized you were a creative person.

My most significant memory is when I designed my Bat Mitzvah dress. I was 12 years old. I remember laying down on my stomach doodling in my childhood home, while watching TV, and having a very specific idea of what I wanted this dress to look like. My mom found a dressmaker outside Philly, near where we lived, and we made it happen! It was very cool and unique. I rocked that dress with matching shoes and socks to dance in later (again, clearly the 80s).

2. Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration, mostly, in the things I see every day. For design elements, I get inspiration often from the ground, such as manhole covers, grates, or tiles, architectural details such as doorways, entryways, windows, and walls, as well as in the underground transit systems. When I travel, I get so much inspiration. I love how all of these details are different everywhere you go. I’m often inspired by art, in museums or galleries, and street art, especially street art in other countries. Lastly, I always get inspired by fashion and the design details created for clothing. Before I ventured into interiors, my artistic background was focused in fashion, for many years, so when I look at work from the industry, I channel a lot of nostalgia, depth, and appreciation for the creativity involved. 

3. What do you like most about your work?

I love the way it moves visually. In my work, which tends to be very geometric, I always can see a sense of organic movement, which I think is hard with a lot of geo types of art. When you see my hands creating it digitally, I feel like I am a choreographer creating a dance and performing it at the same time. 

4. What are your tips for dealing with creative blocks?

I would just say, get out of your office or your studio. Stay off the screen or social media. Go (physically) to a museum, gallery, music event, or anywhere that inspires and influences you visually and/or emotionally. Do something for yourself, by yourself, that helps get the juices flowing and lets your mind expand without the influence of anyone else.

5. Do you have a favorite album or podcast you listen to while you work? How does it motivate you or keep you focused?

In the morning, when I start my day, I always listen to NPR, more specifically Fresh Air. I LOVE a good interview with Terry Gross. She kills it. Then some classic jazz, like Thelonious Monk or John Coltrane is a must! For when I’m in the design zone, I love listening to the various mixes from Hôtel Costes and other chill electronic music. For getting inspired and starting with projects, lately, I’ve been really feeling Lil’ Peep, Xavier Wulf, Sofi Tukker, and Bakar. For a more mellow zone, Tame Impala, Nick Drake, Cigarettes after Sex, Iron and Wine, and Sufjan Stevens. I usually create art in tune with the music, so if it flows together well and the process evolves organically with ease.

6. If you weren’t working as a designer, what other dream careers would you chase?

I would be a poet or a songwriter. 

7. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Having my kids and being a stay at home parent to them for the first four years of their lives. 

8. What advice would you share with an aspiring artist or designer?

Well, I still consider myself to be an aspiring artist and designer, lol... so I tell myself the following things:

1. Be true to yourself and follow your vision without compromising it to be like anyone else. 

2. Always think outside the box, even though it can be tempting to go back inside when doubt shows up.

3. Be appreciative of what you have, including your capabilities, your support system (business and personal), and the opportunity to do what you are most passionate about for a living. 

4. Don’t worry about the progression of time and the hours that have already passed. With every day that is lived and experience that is had (both good and bad), knowledge, confidence, self-awareness, and strength are gained. Those things will stay with you until the end. 

5. Be “in the now” as much as you can, while also looking forward to a future full of possibilities. 

9. Describe your dream project or collaboration?

Where do I start? I want to collaborate with Supreme on a line of skateboard decks, letterman jackets, and toolboxes. Create artwork for a line of zip-top pouches for Commes de Garcons. Design a collection of leather jackets and windbreakers for Maison Margiela. Lastly, I’d love to develop and design sets and backdrops for music experiences/shows.  

10. What's your favorite design from the Astek x Society of Wonderland collection and why?

My favorite design is Marché in Rosegold. I just love this design the most because it has a strong emotional significance for me. The pattern was inspired by a piece of art I found at a flea market outside Montreal when my husband and I were there just before the birth of our first daughter, Aria. I also happen to love the tonal, monochromatic look with the shine. It's very sophisticated, yet also playful and sexy. The metallic in this piece brings out the influence of the 70s, which is an era that I am very influenced by in my art.