MY STORY
I’m Laura, the designer behind Kukka, a Rotterdam-based textile & surface design studio. Through prints and patterns I help brands and businesses captivate their audience. With over 10 years worth of pattern passion and expertise, I aim to make the world a little prettier. Not just aesthetically but also socially and sustainably.
Who I am
fuelled by passion for prints
Laura Luchtman
I grew up in the southern part of The Netherlands and found my home in the vibrant city of Rotterdam. After graduating as a Fashion Stylist in 2008 I was offered my first job in fashion. I worked as an in-house designer, designing intimate apparel, accessories, womenswear and textile prints.
Starting my own design studio was a gradual process. I started freelancing on the side in 2010 and in 2015 I decided to focus on Kukka entirely and quit my in-house job.
My design style can be described as fresh, minimalistic (not ornate or incredibly detailed) with a slight twist. I know my strengths but I’m certainly not afraid to push boundaries.
Even though I’m proud of my work for well-known high street fashion brands, it showed me how hazardous fast fashion is to our planet and its inhabitants. That’s why I love to work with rebellious future thinking brands – big or small – that aim to change the system radically or bit by bit.
I try to contribute to a better fashion future by experimenting with innovative materials and biodesign, blogging about hot topics in the industry and speaking in public. I value cross disciplinary collaborations plus sharing and gathering knowledge.
How I work
I aim to offer the best type of pattern for each surface
Research
I love to dive in and immerse myself with information before starting a project. I’d like to know as much as possible about your brand or idea and what impact you want to make. A concept is much stronger when it is built upon your values.
Concept
Developing a design concept is just as much fun for me as the designing itself. I base a concept upon trend research, design style and your story. The concept will be visualised through mood boards; showing colours, materials and design elements.
Design
When designing custom prints, I always keep the end product in mind. We’ll create a perfect harmony between your products and my designs.
The Process
step by step
1. The Talk
In a (virtual) coffee chat we discuss your wishes, the possibilities and deadlines to ensure we are a natural fit. I am excited to hear all about you, your brand, and your goals.
2. Proposal
Shortly after, you receive a non-committal quote and plan by e-mail so you can review the costs and outline of the project. It helps if you state your budget beforehand.
3. Accept?
When you accept this quote (via e-mail), the creative process will start as agreed. Depending on the scope of the project a deposit will be made upfront.
4. First Sketches
Depending on the number of test designs we agreed on, you’ll receive the amount of designs through e-mail in a PDF file or we’ll meet in person if you’re local.
5. Let’s Choose
Take your time to review the sketches and tell me which one(s) you’d like me to develop further.
6. Feedback
Depending on how many feedback rounds we agreed on in the proposal, this is the time to give your comments so I can adjust the designs to your wishes.
7. Final Design
After the feedback, I finalise the design, put it in (technical) repeat if necessary and send it to you for a final check.
8. It’s a Wrap!
After your approval of the final design, I’ll send you the invoice for the (remaining) payment and the editable design files will be delivered via WeTransfer.
I stay updated on your final product results and help where possible.
Investment
it’s nice to know where you stand, right?
Research Rate
€ 57 per hour*
Almost every project starts with research on my part. This is where I get to know your brand’s personality. This rate covers market research, concept development, material research and the creation of mood boards. The investment for this service is € 57 per hour (*excluding 21% VAT).
Design Rate
€ 63 per hour*
I create tailored designs that express the identity of your brand. It’s hard to put a single price tag on these designs since it is custom work that depends on your wishes. That’s why I work with a fixed design rate of € 63 per hour (*excluding 21% VAT).
In some cases I work with an advance against royalties: you get a lower fixed design rate than if you would do ‘commission only’, and I get a royalty once your product starts to sell.
LICENSES
FOR READY-MADE PRINTS
Standard license: € 75 (excluding 21% VAT). This license is non-exclusive but can be used for items for resale and unlimited reproduction. Editable Photoshop .Psd or Illustrator .Ai or .Eps file.
Extended license: € 280 – € 630 (excluding 21% VAT) depending on the type of print. This is a one-off exclusive design that can be used for items for resale and unlimited reproduction. Editable Photoshop .Psd or Illustrator .Ai or .Eps file.