My name is Tessa Saunders and I’m a Wellington based designer and maker, originally hailing from Nelson.

A lot of my work takes inspiration from the strange and macabre, with a healthy dose of brightly coloured cartoon creatures for good measure.

I studied at Toi Whakaari towards a Bachelor of Design for Stage and Screen and during that time I got the opportunity to learn many different skills, but grew a particular love for costume, prop and set design and manufacture. Most of my experience lies within costuming, particularly with textiles, however in recent years I’ve built up more skill in moulding and casting, leather and foam work.

My day job is as a tour guide at Wētā Workshop, doing retail tasks, taking tours through the museum of film props and educating people about the film industry.

I also sell my creations at conventions and markets around the Wellington region under the Saunders Society name, as well as regularly stocking the Wētā Cave, Wellington.

I am eager to jump into some more cool projects and always keen to pick up new skills and give things a try. I don’t shy away from boring work either, hand me some sandpaper and I’m good to go!