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 Hayley Murphy - Graduate of 2015

Continuing with our mini interview series, read on for Hayley Murphy's insight to studying on the Surface Pattern Design course...

Hayley Murphy - Surface Pattern Design Graduate 2015

https://instagram.com/hayleylouisemurphy/

https://www.facebook.com/hayleylouisemurphyuk/

https://twitter.com/HayleyLMurphy

Why did you choose to study at Staffordshire University?

      The facilities are exceptional, and this alongside the large amount of contact time you have with tutors, the potential for learning is unlimited

      Also the opportunity to work with such a large number of prestigious companies within the creative sectors provides even more opportunity to learn and progress.

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

      Being able to push my practice and skill particularly in the screen printing workshop

      Being given the option to make your own learning independent experience.

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

      Be in the studio and workshop as much as physically possible, if your not, you can't learn from your tutors, your peers or the technicians and also try and develop your work as much as possible.  Don’t settle -  you can always do more!

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

      Getting the recognition from companies on live briefs on producing good work

What are your hopes/plans for the future?  

To create and run a successful design business under my own brand mainly designing for wallpapers and fabrics for interiors.

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

It will be the some of the most challenging but enjoyable 3 years of your creative career and you should take advantage of everything you can learn.

Hayley's degree show

Interview with Kate Jennings - Graduate of 2015

Over the summer we will be posting up mini interviews with this year's graduates, we've been asking them questions like, why did you choose this course? What piece of advice would you give yourself if you were to start the course again?

So if you want to find out more about our courses and them, then keep your eye out for our posts.


Kate Jennings - BA Hons Surface Pattern Design 2015

Follow the link to find out more about Kate
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Jennings-Surface-Pattern-Designer-Artist/700696000048760

 

1.  Why did you choose to study at Staffordshire University?

I loved the atmosphere of the studio and the idea of having my own desk to store my work and use every day, something which I had seen was not available at a lot of Universities. It also had such amazing facilities of the print room and access to the sewing room etc. so I expected to learn so many different things over the three years… which I did!

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

The amount of things we learn through the beginning making us such versatile designers but then towards the latter of the course, the tutors appreciate students’ individual style and you are encouraged to do what you’ve enjoyed in past projects.

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

Really make the most of every project from the beginning. Even if you don’t feel a project is going to be your cup of tea or suit your style, you can often surprise yourself and still learn a lot from it. Also always try to challenge yourself, especially at the beginning as it is important to really find a style that you love or a new innovative technique that makes you unique.

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

I did a project for childrenswear in which I really tried to challenge myself and attempt things out of my comfort zone, but the project didn’t go successfully for me and I was becoming frustrated that I didn’t feel I had a particular thing I was good at that made my style. In my next project I tried to stick to things I loved such as detailed painting and creating designs for interiors. I also pushed myself to use Photoshop which I previously had always steered away from and the outcome of this project was really successful. I felt like this was my turning point in my course and I really found myself and what I loved to do which was really exciting for me.

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

After graduating, I hope to initially get a job in an interiors company doing textile or wallpaper design. And maybe one day become freelance and sell my own designs to other companies. The surface pattern course has really got me ready for the future as we have learnt so many different things, we will be able to apply for a lot of different jobs based on our skills and what employers require. Also we have been taught crucial skills about job hunting and also creating our CVs and portfolios to be suitable for the design industry.

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

If you know you want some sort of career in design but you’re not really sure what yet, Surface Pattern is definitely the course you should consider. You are taught so many different things and ways of working, everyone becomes very individual and you can work in any way you wish whether it be on textiles, ceramics or even graphic design. It is such a versatile course with lots of opportunities and potential for the future, I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Ashley Thomas Designs

We've been catching up with past graduates again, this time it was the turn of Ashley Thomas, who graduated from the Surface Pattern degree in 2007.  Read her interview below, and find out more about her on her website here. 

"I choose Staffordshire University as no others seemed to specialise in Surface Pattern Design. During my degree I was mentored to bring out the best in myself. The focus was on my career and preparing me for working in the design industry. We worked on projects with respected companies such as Accessorize, Denby and Hallmark Cards.  The facilities are fantastic and the staff are always there for you when you need them. 

Since graduating I've set up my own company and I'm doing my dream job. I run my own design company and am a homeware Designer for Debenhams. I wouldn't be where I am today without the fantastic opportunities this course offers."

Ashley Thomas, Director at Ashley Thomas Ltd and Homeware Designer at Debenhams

We are looking forward to having Ashley back in March to talk to our current students when she will be giving them some valuable advice before they graduate.