We want to bring you a bit closer to some of the folks that help make The Edinburgh Tool Library the special place that it is, and shine a light on some of the unsung volunteers, characters and creatives that help to build our community. First up, is Zoe Ugne, who volunteers every Wednesday, yet is probably not someone you will have ever met at the Tool Library.

Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do, how are you creative, and what do you do at ETL?

I’m a graphic designer, specialising in branding. My studio is called Studio Zo and in a few months it will be one year old! I help ETL with their graphics – brand guidelines, print design and making sure their visual identity game is strong and uniform.

Who is your inspiration? Where does your creativity come from?

I have an older sister and I grew up constantly trying to reach her level of skill and creativity. We went into slightly different directions – she’s an interior designer and I’m a graphic designer – but we still fuel each other’s creativity. Nowadays I’m inspired by those slow, beautiful moments… #daysofsimplethings

Why do you think sharing/the ETL ethos is important in the modern world?

A few important reasons: we are One and we should share – kindness, love and tools; there’s too many of us and we can’t keep making things, we need to think about our impact on this planet. The reality is that Earth would thrive without us.

Designs on Volunteering 2 — Zoe at her desk that she upcycled at ETL, with help from Jonny and our volunteers

Why is volunteering important to you?

Because it’s about giving. Giving more allows us to feel more connected to our community and the world, it’s healthy.

Lockdown is a bit of a weird time. How are you keeping busy? What creative outlets do you have?

Keeping busy keeps us ‘asleep’. I think it is important to use this time now to slow down, look within, face our fears and grow. I am hoping that we will come out of this having more compassion and appreciation for each other and ourselves. I do, however, like structuring my day for work, exercise, chores (but also leaving space for breaks, meditation, reading).

We are all getting used to our ‘new normal’, but once the health crisis is over, how do you want the world to change? What should the new ‘new normal’ look like?

I want us all to appreciate and love nature and our planet more. To understand that slow living is good for the soul. To stop being rats in a maze and start living authentically, stop escapism. To observe our ego and no longer let it drive, put it in the back seat. To stop mindless consumerism, to stop numbing ourselves and to feel more accountability.

If readers want to follow or commission your work, how do they find out more about you/get in touch with you?

Email me at hi@studio-zo.com and I’ll get right back to you. My new website will launch soon but in the meantime have a look at my Instagram @studiozo_design