Meet the Qrafties: Sarah Armstrong, Founder and Designer of Pinyin Press
3 Mins Read
Sarah Armstrong is a British textile designer who graduated from Central Saint Martins and has lived in Asia for over eleven years. Sarah’s designs celebrate Asian culture through hand drawn illustrations, prints and pattern. Many of her designs are food inspired and became her signature work. Her Dim sum themed salt and pepper shakers and her bao design kitchen and dining ware are loved by many people.
Dim sum themed S&P shakers, bao and lucky cat illustration tea towels
When and how did you start your art / design journey?
In my teens I decided that I’d like to pursue a career in design. I initially considered jewellery design but fell in love with textiles and print design on my Foundation course. I graduated from Textile Design at Central Saint Martins and took the exciting opportunity to move to Shanghai to work for a Chinese luxury brand. I’ve since had experience designing for childrenswear, womenswear, fashion accessories, footwear and interiors for both Chinese and international brands.
Tell us about your hand-drawn illustrations and designs. Where do you usually get your inspiration from?
When I was looking for gifts and design to send to friends and family, I wanted to gift something which would tell a story of everyday life here. Whether it’s the finger counting sign language that I use at the wet market, an exchange with my neighbouring Ayi on my way to work or buying steaming hot dumplings from a street vendor on my bike ride home, it’s these everyday experiences which I draw upon for design inspiration.
What make you decide to make the change from a stable full time job to an entrepreneur?
Before starting my own business I had always been interested in entrepreneurship. I grew up in a family business so being self-employed in many ways was a natural progression. My previous job was in a small design company where I managed all design, production and QC processes so I was inspired to try to create my own business. I also found that the communities in Shanghai and Hong Kong were very supportive of entrepreneurship.
How was the transition from a full time employee to an entrepreneur? Is it like what you have expected?
Making the transition to being an entrepreneur was at times very challenging as there are so many different responsiblities and aspects of the business to manage. I’ve found that I’ve needed to be flexible and open to change and I’m fortunate that friends and family have been supportive too.
Hand-drawn illustration print notebooks
Har gau, bao, dumpling and chicken feet are your signature designs. Have you eaten all of them in real? Which one is your favourite?
I’ve enjoyed them all! There’s an excellent xiaolongbao restaurant close to my home where I go to at least once a week. The restaurant owner is open late and is always welcoming and friendly.
What is your favourite activity or what so you enjoy the most in Hong Kong?
I enjoying eating dim sum in local neighbourhood restaurants and going for a hike. I miss the countryside in UK so enjoying the outdoors is a welcome change from the city and a great way to destress.
“When the focus is taken away from a formal creative environment, the mind often naturally creates and new concepts come forward easily.”
Is there a time you experience creative blocks? How did you overcome it?
I find that stress and/or over work tends to hinder new ideas. I usually find that doing something completely different inspires creativity whether it’s travel, exploring a new part of the city or exercise. When the focus is taken away from a formal creative environment, the mind often naturally creates and new concepts come forward easily.
What does success mean to you?
At this stage, success is being able to do what I love and be healthy and happy. Having balance.
What our Qraftie shopper says:
“Pinyin Press is a good seller. Their responses are prompt and everything with the transaction went smoothly. Upon my request, they kindly organised the mailing of the product efficiently so that the gift could arrive timely before Christmas. My gift recipient loves the very special salt and pepper shakers and says she would use it often on the dining table!”
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
“Hard work always pays off.”
What’s next? Will you be creating more culinary art or something completely different?
As I expand the collection, I will continue to be inspired by my everyday. It’s important to me that the designs continue to be cross-cultural and a reflection of what I love about Shanghai and Hong Kong and an expression of my home here.
WORDS FROM OUR FOUNDER
“Sarah joined Qraftie at the pre-launch stage. We first met at a local market and I was very inspired by her design work. We spoke again afterwards and Sarah was onboard right away. Sarah has been an engaging member of the Qraftie Community since day one. She gets along with other members very well and she is always willing to share her experiences and new ideas with others. I find Sarah to be a very honest and humble person. She is also very collaborative and flexible when it comes to work. I look forward to seeing Sarah continue to grow her passion project, and I also look forward to collaborating with Sarah on some new initiatives in the near future.”
Thank you for being an appreciative reader as always. Meet the Qrafties is a series of Qraftie sellers’ stories, sharing with you the passion and hard work behind the creative works you see in their Qraftie stores. If you enjoy reading this blog post, please share it with your family and friends. Stay tuned on our next Meet the Qrafties story.
September 2020
About the author
The Qraftie blog aims to provide you stories related to craftsmanship, culture and lifestyle around Hong Kong.
