Interview with Alix Webb - Surface Pattern Design Graduate of 2015

Todays interview is with recent graduate Alix Webb, see below for more info and ways to follow Alix online...

Alix Webb - Surface Pattern Design Graduate 2015

 

Alix with her Johnn Lewis Loves award at New Designers 2015

Follow Alix here

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alix-Webb-Design/480051615419560 

Why did you choose to study at Staffordshire University?

Staffordshire University offers such a diverse course which allows students to experiment with all aspects of surface decoration - which initially drew me to the course. I never knew there was such a niche that catered for any pattern on any surface; from greetings cards to fashion, interiors to accessories! The course offers so much in terms of facilities, tutor time and industry experience - It was impossible to say no! It was the best choice I made coming to Staffs, it's opened so many doors for me!

What’s been the best thing about studying Surface Pattern/Textile Surfaces at Staffordshire?

The best thing for me personally about studying Surface Pattern Design is the opportunities it has given me. Staffs has great links with industry which offer competitions, placements and prizes. Taking part in these live briefs with Industry led my work to become more commercial, and therefore boosted my prospects of getting a job after University. 

Knowing what you know now - what piece of advice would you give to yourself if you were about to start the course again?

Enjoy every minute, it goes way to quick! Trust that things will work out! Work hard but don't forget time to have fun! Getting a good body of work for your portfolio is key :)

Tell us about any successes or exciting things that happened to you whilst you were studying?

Well, I had an amazing three years at Staffs! I was lucky enough to win competitions and placements with Hallmark, Tigerprint and Next whilst at University, which helped develop my style! I set up my own surface pattern design business in my second year, supplying boutique shops with cards,and other paper goods! I also sold my work at lots of pop-up shops and craft fairs. It was great to get my foot in the door whilst at uni, i learnt all the tricks of the trade before I left. Whilst studying at Uni we also exhibited at New Designers. It was a whirlwind experience which led to lots of work from commercial companies. I also won one of the 'John Lewis loves' awards and came runner up in the Wilko's 'W'innovate' award! The biggest success was I graduated with a first class honours degree and seeing all the hard work pay off. 

What are your hopes/plans for the future?  

I have set myself up as a freelance designer and have a studio space in Chesterfield. I freelance for Asda kids home, Hallmark, Tigerprint, Mary Jones studio and other smaller companies, covering everything from interiors, fashion, accessories and cards! I'm super excited to be working closely with Asda Kids home- I have a range coming out! I also have freelance work in the future from John Lewis! It's been the most incredible experience, and I couldn't thank Staffordshire Uni enough for preparing me enough for setting my own business. They created the opportunity for me to have links with industry which took me through to standing on my own feet and making new contacts!

What would you say to a student who was thinking about studying Surface Pattern/Textile Surfaces?

Make the most of the time you have at university, it is the most important foundation for your career! You get out what you put in, so it's important you say yes yes yes to every opportunity! It's a fab course, great studio, amazing tutors, invaluable links with industry, the best facilities! I cannot recommend it enough. 

Alix being filmed for the John Lewis video at New Designers

Interview with Sarah Pearse - Surface Pattern Graduate 2015

Todays interview is with Sarah Pearse - who has recently graduated from BA Hons Surface Pattern Design


Sarah Pearse - Surface Pattern Graduate 2015

www.sarahjaninedesigns.uk  

Why did you choose to study at Staffordshire University?

To be honest, I kind of fell onto the course…I was originally thinking of studying Fine Art but I needed to do a foundation degree because I didn’t do A-Levels or a BTEC.  I chose to do the foundation course at Staffs and within the first few weeks it became apparent that I was far more suited to design rather than art.  I began to learn of the Surface Pattern course the Uni had, I had never heard of it before but designing patterns soon grabbed my attention. I had an interview and somehow got on the course.   I can now honestly say that this series of events have led to the best thing that has ever happened to me and I’m so glad I ended up at Staffs, the course is amazing and I’ve learnt so much and succeeded in ways I’d never dreamed of.

What’s been the best thing about studying Surface Pattern/Textile Surfaces at Staffordshire?

Where to start! The tutors are incredible and so talented, they bestow so much knowledge and wisdom upon you and you find yourself improving in leaps and bounds. The facilities are second to none, and the demonstrations are so informative, everything I could’ve dreamed of doing was a possibility and the technician, Sue, is so helpful and just seems to know everything! I loved the fact that we got our own desk space and access to the workshops from 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, you could really immerse yourself and make the most out of each day.

Knowing what you know now - what piece of advice would you give to yourself if you were about to start the course again?

ENJOY VISUAL STUDIES MORE! I found Visual Studies difficult to become involved with, but now I’d give anything to have a whole day to just draw something! Although I didn’t overly enjoy it at the time, I found the skills we learnt invaluable and my drawing is of a far higher standard now because of it. Employers within the industry often comment that they always looks at our course’s work because of the standard of the drawing skills.

Tell us about any successes or exciting things that happened to you whilst you were studying?

I was offered an internship in Denmark in the summer of my second year, so I spent three months out there and at the end of it was offered a freelance position with them. So for my third year I was already working within the industry, which meant that by the time I graduated I was more employable as I had a years work experience under my belt. I have been offered an interview for another freelance position because of it.

I was also awarded a bursary for ‘innovative use of colour,’ by The Society of Dyers and Colourists, which helped tremendously when funding my final project.

I was awarded the William Painter prize by the university for travelling to Denmark, which helped me fund my trip.

I got a first! Something I would never have imagined. I was rubbish at school, I was lazy and I didn’t try hard, I just hated it. This course helped me realise that education can be enjoyable and that anyone can succeed if they are in the right place. “Fish are fascinating creatures, but if you judge it on it’s ability to climb a tree then it will live it’s whole life believing that it is stupid.”

What are your hopes/plans for the future?  And how did the Surface Pattern/Textile Surfaces course get you ready for this?

I will be setting up my own business, designing and making my own work. Whilst I am doing this, I will continue to freelance for Fusion so that I keep my foot in the door of the industry.

I also have plans to open studio spaces and workshop facilities of my own, that I would like to rent out to designer makers. I’d like to have a café and a shop included within the premises, so that the designers could sell their work and we could run workshops for the public, as well as attracting people in to have a look around, with cake!

What would you say to a student who was thinking about studying Surface Pattern/Textile Surfaces?

DO IT! Like I said, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. There is not a typical ‘university handwriting,’ which means that you are free to take whichever route is right for you and you will receive support and guidance along the way. You don’t just gain the skills you need to become a great designer, but also have the opportunity to find out about being a good businessperson too. The knowledge that you will pick up will stay with you for life and help you to become the very best designer you can.