30 Essential Vancouver Jewellery Designers: Judi Patson of Even Design

“Judi Patson of even design creates very innovative work! I’ve never seen anything like it.” says Vancouver jewellery designer Fiona Louie of Filou Designs.

Designing jewellery is Judi Patson’s eighth career. Like the previous seven, which ranged from first assistant film director to professional laugher, it began as a whim. Unlike the previous seven, designing jewellery for her company Even Design has become her passion, right after cookies.

Why did you get into jewellery design?

In 2001, I was working in the film industry as a first assistant director. After November, there didn’t appear to be much work coming into town, which left me a lot of free time on my hands. I had a big list of ideas I wanted to try out. I thought I may as well try them while I could. Top of the list was the idea to take a level and make it into a piece of jewellery – a reminder for my friends to help keep them balanced. All my friends were married, buying houses, doing renovations, working full time, and having babies. All fun exciting things, but they didn’t seem to be factoring themselves into their busy schedules. My idea was that even if you just took ten seconds to get the bubble in the center, it was a moment for you. The idea caught on right away; the fourth piece I made ended up on the masthead of the National Post along with a big article. Once I saw that I figured I wasn’t in the film industry anymore, and I began the journey of my eighth career designing jewellery for my company Even Design.

Tell us a bit about your company.

My studio is currently housed in an upcycled shipping container on the beach. I love how I was able to transform such a utilitarian thing into such a beautiful working space. It seems fitting for my company as that is essentially what I try to do with my jewellery: I take objects like levels, compasses, rare earth magnets, lego and transform them into beautiful signature pieces of classic jewellery.

How would you characterize your style?

Playful meets classic. Clever jewellery.

Who are your clients?

I feel like I make jewellery for people who don’t wear jewellery and also for people who love jewellery. Everyone is attracted to different aspects. Some people love the design. Some love the themes. Some love the throw back to childhood.

What do you think moms should know about your jewellery?

It’s entertaining. They are great conversation pieces. Your kids will love them as much as you do.

Where can people buy your jewellery?

Evendesign.ca offers an online store. You can find us in Vancouver at Chachkas on South Granville, Damask on UBC campus. We will also be at the One Of a Kind Show and Sale at the new convention centre in December.

Anything else to add?

I love it when a plan comes together. I had an idea that making my solo brick ring (that works with lego) would be an awesome engagement ring with a diamond set underneath the lego. Next thing I knew I had a customer call me up needing a really special unique engagement ring – I told him my idea and he loved it. You can see more of my custom designs on my custom website: custom.evendesigninc.com