At Mātātuhi Designs, every product we create begins with a purpose. We want our pieces to not only be visually appealing but to carry a deeper message—one that resonates with Māori culture, our values, and the homesick Kiwis who connect with us. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show the journey from idea conception to seeing that final product available on our website.
Step 1: Idea Conception
Every new product starts with an idea. We brainstorm based on current cultural events, seasons, and the needs of our audience. For instance, Matariki might inspire a range of products celebrating new beginnings, or a simple conversation might spark the idea for something that highlights our connection to te ao Māori. We focus on creating items that reflect positivity, empowerment, and knowledge about Māori culture and Kiwiana, ensuring they carry a genuine story and purpose.
Step 2: Building the Design
Once the idea is refined, it’s time to get creative. We take to Adobe Illustrator to sketch the concept digitally, making sure every element is infused with tikanga Māori. This stage is about finding balance—making sure the design is not just beautiful but also meaningful and authentic to our culture. Whether it’s the intricate details of a pikorua (twist symbol) or the symbolism behind a chosen pattern, we keep our cultural principles front and centre.
Step 3: Creating Online Content
Once the design is complete, we shift to crafting the online content. This involves more than just a product description—it’s about telling the story behind the design. We write copy that reflects why this product matters, how it connects to our cultural roots, and why it’s special. With Mātātuhi Designs, it’s not just about the product itself but the sense of pride, history, and cultural connection it brings to our customers.
Step 4: Photography
Visuals are everything when it comes to e-commerce, and authentic photography is key. We focus on taking photos that highlight the product’s details, while also setting the scene for how it can fit into someone’s everyday life. This might involve showing how a necklace sits beautifully with a casual outfit, or how a hoodie can be a conversation starter about Māori culture. We also love to include natural backdrops that reflect Aotearoa’s stunning environment, reminding our customers of home.
Step 5: Ensuring Meaning and Message
Throughout the process, we always ensure that our products stay true to our kaupapa (purpose). We constantly ask ourselves: does this product reflect our values? Is the message clear and authentic? Are we providing something meaningful to our audience? This step is crucial because it’s not just about selling a product—it’s about offering a piece of our culture and doing so in a respectful and genuine way.
Step 6: Launching Online
The final step is uploading the product onto our website. We fine-tune everything—writing the perfect product description, selecting the best images, and ensuring the site layout reflects the product’s story. We also consider how this product fits into our larger collection and how it resonates with what’s currently happening in our community, both locally and globally.
Final Thoughts
At Mātātuhi Designs, every product tells a story. From the spark of an idea to the moment it’s available online, we carefully ensure that we’re delivering more than just an item—we’re sharing a meaningful piece of our culture. Our hope is that every time someone wears or displays one of our designs, they feel connected to te ao Māori, whether they’re here in Aotearoa or halfway around the world.
By staying true to this process, we ensure that our products are more than just visually appealing—they’re imbued with significance, history, and cultural pride.
Ngā Mihi,
Kelly
