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.

Why I chose to study at Staffordshire University...

We recently caught up with Sarah Tanser, a graduate from 2011 who now works at Paper Rose Greeting Cards.  Read about Sarah's experience on the  BA (Hons) Surface Pattern Degree Course and why she chose to study at Staffordshire Univeristy below:

"I chose Staffordshire University because of its reputation within the field of Surface Pattern. At the Open Day, I was blown away by the studio and the facilities. The quality of work on the course was amazing, and the structure of the course was the best I had seen. Their connections within industry were extremely impressive.

The teaching team helped direct me towards the career I am in today, working as a Designer for Paper Rose Greeting Cards. Their depth of knowledge is remarkable. In fact, some tutors run their design career alongside lecturing, meaning they are still in the loop with industry. You’ll find that even after graduation, they are only a phone call away. This level of support makes you feel like you are always part of the Surface Pattern course.

The course technician helped me understand all the different techniques and possibilities, while my tutor was always there to help and guide me to push boundaries in my work.

I would say to any student looking to come to Staffordshire University - definitely do it! The time I spent here has been the best three years of my life so far. My course is one of the best in the country. If I could do my three years at university again, I would definitely go back to Staffordshire University. Having done this interview, I am re-living every moment with a smile."

Sarah Tanser,  BA(Hons) Surface Pattern Design – graduated in 2011 and now a Designer at Paper Rose

Painterly Prints

Some results from the painterly print workshops - the second years have some exciting fabrics developing...

 

Three Surface Pattern Design Students shortlisted in the Portmeirion Design Competition

Three of our students have been shortlisted in Portmeirion’s Design Competition.

Out of 385 entries, 7 designs have been shortlisted, and three of those are Jemma Moore, Alicia Cox, and Helen Rutter from Staffordshire University.

All 7 shortlisted entries will be available to view on Portmeirion’s website at www.portmeirion.co.uk/designcompetition and will now go forward to the People’s Vote which is being run on Facebook.  You can follow the link here to vote for them http://woobox.com/zpk646

Voting ends at 11:59pm on 8^th December 2013.  Good luck to our 3 finalists.

 

Graduate selected for the Crafts Council Hothouse Programme

First class BA(Hons) Surface Pattern design graduate of 2011 and studio artist at Unit Twelve Gallery, Stafford, Julia Jowett has been selected for the Crafts Council Hothouse programme 2014 for selected makers.

Hothouse selects the brightest new craft talent from across the UK and provides them with a tailor-made six-month programme of creative and business support.

In a marketplace where the bespoke and handmade is being recognised and celebrated by global brands the skill and knowledge of the individual maker becomes ever more powerful.

The Hothouse scheme is for makers within two years of setting up their business who already display a high level of technical craftsmanship and originality and need support for the next phase of their business and creative development.

Thirty eight makers from across the UK have been selected to embark on the Hothouse scheme that will begin in 2014 and be delivered via four regional cohorts (South West, North, East and London) and Julia is one of ten makers representing the east and west Midlands region.

Her illustrative practice explores the importance of storytelling and imagination. She draws with wire, pencil and stitch; intricately working dense areas of traditional embroidery and needlepoint stitches into metal gauzes and figuratively manipulated wire lines. Julia combines hand-embroidered wire-work with observational drawing and screen printing techniques onto fabric and paper grounds to create contemporary art pieces. Drawing on folk tales, childhood stories and surreal imaginings, her harness instinctive feelings and traditional craft processes to create considered folkloric narratives that intrigue.

Congratulations, Julia!

Hand and Lock Prize for Embroidery 2013

We are very excited and proud to announce that Katrina Lewis, third year BA (Hons) Textile Surfaces student was awarded 3rd prize at the Hand and Lock Prize for Embroidery award ceremony held at the beautiful St Mary's Church, in London last Thursday evening.

 

 

Katrina was selected as one of the 12 finalists from 100's of applicants from universities and colleges from all over the world.  After a tense few hours whilst the audience voted, we were thrilled to hear Katrina's name being called out for 3rd prize.

 

 

Indigo Blue

Staff have been developing their skills with a day of of indigo and natural dyeing techniques with Claire Wellesley-Smith.