About me

Hello, this is Elena!

The designer behind elebo designs.

Growing up in the Rome, I was surrounded by stunning architecture, rich history, and an undeniable sense of beauty. However, amidst the breathtaking sights, I became captivated by the imperfections and grit that characterized many parts of the city. It was in the blending of beauty and flaw that I found inspiration, which would later guide my professional journey.

After completing my degree in architecture, I spent nearly 15 years pursuing a career in the field, which took me across the world to my current home Sydney (Australia) and allowed me to embrace new cultures and perspectives. I was dedicated to my profession, but I soon discovered that my path would take unexpected turns.

Maternity leave became a pivotal period in my life, providing a chance to reassess everything I thought I knew. For so long, my thoughts had been compressed under the weight of deadlines and endless to-do lists. Those precious months allowed me to breathe.

During my first maternity leave, I rediscovered the joy of sketching and drawing. The simple act of putting pen to paper reignited a spark within me that had dimmed after years of professional rigour.

My second maternity leave introduced me to the world of surface pattern design. Still, I found myself torn between my newfound passion and the urge to return to my established career in architecture. My mind was racing with thoughts of deadlines and projects, and I knew I needed more time to explore this new territory.

It was during my third maternity leave that everything changed. I took Bonnie Christine's Immersion course which opened my eyes to the possibilities of merging my architectural background with the creative world of surface design. I began to envision a life where I could incorporate pattern design into my daily routine. This realization was liberating, and I knew I had to pursue this path further.

When I returned to work, I made a conscious effort to carve out time for creating patterns, even when my schedule felt overwhelming. It was a challenge to fit this new passion into my limited spare time, but it felt necessary.

Approximately 18 months after completing the Immersion course, I took a leap of faith by uploading my first design to Spoonflower and entering my first design challenge on the platform.

This moment marked the birth of elebo designs.

Looking back, each stage of my journey—from the vibrant streets of Rome to my evolution as a designer—has shaped who I am today. It’s a testament to the power of embracing creativity, even amid life's chaos. Sometimes, stepping back is necessary to truly find oneself, and in my case, that journey led me straight to the world of surface design.

Thanks for following my journey.

Elena.