With my final hand in approaching, I feel happy and content
with the work I have produced and the amount I have achieved over the last few
months. My practice has developed hugely; by broadening my specialism, I have
been able to learn vital skills that have not only enabled me to become a more
well-rounded designer, but also to fully express my ideas. Unit X has given me
the opportunity to continue to be experimental with my work and I’m pleased
that I’ve managed to explore areas that I was unable to during past projects.
Even though my specialism is in woven fabrics, I have always
set myself the goal of further developing my understanding towards printed designs
and how the two techniques can produce different outcomes. In the past, I have
struggled to fully portray my ideas through weave, as a lot of my work focuses
on illustrative mark making and individual shape development. However, during
Unit X I have find that by using a Jacquard loom, rather than a Dobby, and
focusing my time in the print room, I have been able to develop my ideas
properly. I feel that by combining these two areas, I now know who I am and
where I sit as a designer in this huge industry. I’ve found it incredibly
refreshing to combine these two ways in working as I’ve learned that one can
often influence the other.
During the Practice Unit, my awareness for sustainable
interior textiles grew and although this isn’t a theme I have focused on as
much during Unit X, I have been certain to use yarns and fabrics which portray
this. Linen and Cotton fabric have allowed me to create samples consisting of
the same organic feel and natural look that I’ve always loved. I also learned
that I thoroughly enjoyed creating statement upholstery and therefore this was
something I wanted to continue into Unit X. Through collaboration with a 3D
student, I have been able to create an upholstery collection which we are both
proud of and excited to complete for the degree show.
I’ve loved being able to experiment with scale and ways to
add a tactile element to my work, through screen printing; using pigment dyes
so the colour sits on the surface of the fabric, or layering flocking onto my
samples has added more detail to my designs, yet maintained the sophisticated
and simplistic side to my work.
Market and trend research has also been invaluable during
this unit. As my aim has been to reinvent mid-century design, I’ve found it
important to ensure I combine present day elements into my work too. By looking
at current colour trends and what else is available within the interior market,
it has been extremely useful in order to help me build a strong and
professional collection. It has also helped me consider where I envisage my
work sitting within the industry, and therefore discover the best ways to display
and advertise my work.
I am confident that I have produced a portfolio which shows
a variety of techniques, styles and my versatility as a designer. I’m looking
forward to life after graduation, making connections at the Degree Show and
using the skills I’ve learned within my role as a Studio Design Assistant at a
wallpaper company from July!