I first introduced the fabulous Vanessa Fristedt here to you via one of her fabulous necklaces. Just like her design pieces, Vanessa is inspiring and unique – come meet her!

Vanessa, tell us more about yourself and what you do?
I’m born in Stockholm, Sweden. I came to London to do a foundation course and stayed here ever since.
I’m a freelance graphic designer. I specialise in branding but design all sorts of printed material and websites too.
Along with my partner, Karen Ashton, I run Pretty Taxing. We produce limited edition tax disc holders by top artists including Sir Peter Blake, Gary Hume, Sarah Lucas, Abigail Lane and Mat Collishaw. They are circular artworks which you display on the inside of your car’s windscreen.

I also make my “Old Broad Bean” jewellery (cufflinks and necklaces) which is based on Cockney Rhyming slang. Since I live in East London and have an obsession and admiration for Her Majesty The Queen (and The Queen Mother), I decided to put her onto a bean. In Cockney, Bean means Queen.
http://www.swedishblondedesign.com/

Who/what inspires you and why?
Art is important to me. I studied art before getting into commercial art, but both feed/need each other. Conceptual art and advertising are close together. But I also get inspiration by just sitting and watching people. When I start a new project and need to come up with ideas quickly, I usually go and sit outdoors at a café, drink tons of coffee and watch people and feel the buzz.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
I am happy to be woman but what is tricky with being a woman in London, is that I find men are afraid of strong women. Beeing Swedish, I find British men still have an old fashioned way with communicating with us strong girls. Girls are not so afraid of failure and this in itself helps to push our boundaries.

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
I love water and sea. I love going to Venice, especially for the Art Biennale. Amazing place where you get around by boat.
The archipelago of Stockholm has over 40 000 islands and is still untouched. It’s a paradise on earth.
New York is a brilliant place too.
And Rio de Janeiro – a mad vibrant place where people are wonderful!
I wish London based more things around the Thames. Where are all the cafes and bars on the Embankment? Tracey Emin had a brilliant idea about making a beach along the Thames where you could swim within an enclosed area. Boris: Wake up! I’d love to become the Mayor of London!

What has been your proudest moment so far?
Proud? God knows. When I dressed up as the Queen Mother walking around Trafalgar Square during the Old Broad Bean’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Which five tracks make Vanessa’s day?
“What’s going on” by Marvin Gaye
“Forever Young” + “The Liberty of Norton Folgate” by Madness
“Wild by the wind” by David Bowie
All songs by Barry White

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
Brogues, shorts, colourful knee-high socks, tartan, camomille hair spray, water proof mascara.
I am not so interested in fashion as such. My dress style hasn’t changed during the years. I prefer second hand shops and men’s clothing as I love brogues and suits.
A great shop for men is SirTom Baker’s shop on d’Arblay street. www.tombakerlondon.com

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Many things, but one that makes me jump of happines is driving Casanova, my Venetian taxi boat. She’s a beauty, all in wood. She takes the wawes perfectly and is a joy to drive.
I also love American cars and the sound from a loud V8 engines. When I go to car shows, I get over excited by the sound of a good rev.
And last, I truly jumped high up in the air when Ken the Cxxt Livingstone lost the last elections.

What is your life Motto?
Y E S.
(However, only if it’s a true yes. A sincere NO is better than a false YES.)

What is next for you creatively?
Apart from getting new design work, I want to make a book about old ladies and the way they dress. Ladies from the older generation. The ones with blue rinse hair, who have attitude and their own style. I have to hurry up before they’re gone. Does anyone know of any ladies who want to be photographed? Or grandmothers? Please contact me if you do. They have to look their best and bring their favorite object.

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Tom Baker, Hennes
Book: Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Website/blog: www.culturelabel.com and http://www.myspace.com/therubbishmen
Hang-out: Shoreditch and Soho, and everything in between
City: Rio de Janeiro, Venice, London
Must-have beauty item: LdB (Swedish cream) and Benefit’s “ You Rebel” moisturiser
TV prog: Current Affairs, The Apprentice,
Food: A good English Breakfast, Swedish Crayfish, Fjällfil, Haggis

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Vanessa?
The first thing that comes to my mind is Pam Hogg. Sassy sounds sexy and Scottish and she’s definitely a Scottish Sassy Minx.