Founded in his Mum's shed in Kingscliff, NSW, we chat to The Sunday Co, designer and founder, Liam Byrne how his love of Sundays fuelled his creative pursuits.
Tell us about how and when your label was created?
The Sunday Co. was created in early 2016 after graduating university. Named The Sunday Co. for my enduring love of the day Sunday, a day that I feel most people live for. I also found it was used by many theatre companies as a way to explain, “I’m not really working, just pursuing my passion” Even working on Sunday just feels that much better, the aim is that our products allow you to feel like its Sunday everyday of the week.
First run out of my mum’s shed in Kingscliff across the road from a beachfront market, I spent months trailing new designs and listening to customer’s feedback, starting off with only one style of eyewear and 3 pin designs. My learning from this is just to start doing what you would love to do, don’t wait or you’ll start to think logically without any previous knowledge.
What pieces are included within your range?
We specialise in product design, including handcrafted eyewear & really interesting pins.
What is your creative background?
Using my creative side has always been a way to relax and part of my self-care. Like most I started of drawing down my thoughts as a way to see my imagination, this in recent years has turned into building what I could imagine.
I feel with more of a reflexive way of learning design it takes me a lot longer to complete a project, but I love this time to perfect and learn more. I am my own worse boss in accepting nothing but the best, regardless of timelines or profit.
Where is the label designed and made?
Everything is designed locally here in Australia by the team, and myself then bought to life with the help of others in our production team from Australia, China and Japan.
What inspires you?
Being inspired personally has to have a deeper emotional attachment; otherwise I get bored really easily. For me it’s the pursuit to help people find their purpose and inspiration by working harder, learning more and teaching others.
Experiencing something that you have worked so hard on creates such an amazing feeling of being proud.
Latest collection consists of?
We welcome a larger range of stunning eyewear that is seriously cool, and now optical ready for those who have sight conditions! It’s been a big secret, but after a lot of hard work it’s now available!
Also for our Pin fans, we haven’t even come close to running out of ideas; it is definitely not a boring year for the growing Sunday team.
What's on your mood board?
I have more of a mood media list, a secret list of films, songs, podcasts and books that I love to interchange between depending on my creative mood. To find out more I can tell you in person.
What’s your creative space like?
My creative space is a very multipurpose area with minimal influence, so I am not persuaded by any other designs. I like a space to feel special by adding little items that hint at a moment I shared or a significant memory. It also includes a wine rack a vinyl player and an art and craft section to help unwind.
What music do you listen to while designing/creating?
I believe what your experiencing when designing really absorbs into your work so I like to stay flexible by listening to something that is suitable to the project. Although bands like the Jungle giants, San cisco, Frank ocean or Flight facilities make regular appearances.
A day in the life of you consists of?
I start of a day usually with a fast breakfast and a cycle or a long breakfast with a book. I find both really relaxing in planning out the day and priorities my time, I like to start off with the boring but essential stuff like the emails, then onto the projects I have lined up. Finishing the day with a sauna, cooking a nice meal, a glass of wine and a film.
Favourite TVM stall
Hard to beat Smooth juice for hunger cravings, or the live bands every market are truly amazing. There’s always new stalls that pop up which catch my eye, it’s so good to see the entrepreneurial vision of people.
Favourite reads/blogs?
Books: Zero to One by Peter Theil and The Design of everyday thing by Don Norman
Podcast: How it’s made
What are we likely to find you wearing on market day? Any favourite labels?
I love supporting Aussie brands! Crumpler, Sunny Cords and Blundstone boots are brands I am really passionate about.
What can we expect from the next collection/what are your plans for 2016 and beyond?
Amazing new designs, more places to purchase our range of products and a lot of travelling to meet more of our fans, really excited to visit you all.
Also collaborations with great local companies, designers and Charities are really going make the future extra special.
Why TVM?
TVM has an amazing feel and flow, the TVM team really supports their stalls holders and always respond with understanding and a willingness to help.
What do you love most about attending TVM?
Being in a place full of people thinking differently and having a genuine go at living their passion has always had a way of giving my energy. The customers are so important also as they renew my love for designing every visit ?
Here’s to never being boring!