Featuring Final Year Printed Textiles Student Cassie MacDonald

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Sharon Williams

Tell us about your collection

‘We See Creature Folk’ is a body of work which explores and illustrates several narratives through print and pattern. These stories portray social justice messages and are told through the creation of creatures and locations. Inspired heavily by both primitive and folk art; the collection supports the idea of something being created with a purpose but also being appreciated as art itself as well as having a very handcrafted feel. ‘We See Creature Folk’ is primarily aimed at children, however, each design’s purpose is multi-functioning through all ages, genders, and final functions and purpose. The printed textile collection spans further than just a fashion range aiming to work as a lifestyle range with endless possibilities for its reproduction in various products such as: ceramics, storybooks, badges, masks, costumes, mobiles and wall hangings. The relationship between shape, form, colour and figurative illustrations moulded this collection, working as an exploration of how illustration and pattern intertwine.

What were the highs and lows through creating your collection?

A really exciting moment during the creation of this collection was the inception of my concept – it was an idea that really meant something to me and something I was passionate about. That extra bit of researching meant I had an idea that I could really go for it with and I didn’t need to worry about tiring of my idea.

Something that was difficult throughout FMP was keeping going and not running out of puff, especially when it feels like you’re running out of time with so much to do. However, even though it’s a cliché, it all does come together in the end!

Another high from my project was shooting all of my fabrics for my Look book, it was so nice after all those months of working on the designs to see everything coming to life. It was also really fun to get creative with shoot ideas.

Any advice for students following in your footsteps?

Try to get at least one internship whilst at university! It does wonders for your confidence and the more you have when you leave the easier it will be to find a job as you’ll have invaluable experience!

Also, just continue working through – even though you may want to slow down or give up in a project. You only get to do it once so you may as well make the most of being at uni’ and having all the feedback – that is probably the thing I’m going to miss the most! With that in mind take as much work to your tutors as you can during tutorials. The more you have the more they can help you!

Printed Textiles students work with interiors company Blendworth

Posted on April 22, 2018 by Sharon Williams

Second year Printed Textiles students worked on a live project with the established Hampshire based interiors company Blendworth. After visiting the companies HQ to get a thorough introduction to the company and how they work, students were asked to visit local museums and archives to develop work for the theme ‘Historic Hampshire’ . Students were guided by Creative Director, Emma Mawston and Managing Director Andy Hancock to produce repeat designs for furnishing fabrics.

During the final Critical Reviews and interviews, two students work stood out to Blendworth – Olivia Shepherd and Ellie Bennewith. Their designs have been bought by the company to be put into production, as well as being given internships to gain greater insight into the company and how their designs will be developed.

Congratulations to Olivia and Ellie and we look forward to seeing the final designs when Blendworth launch the collection.

Reminder: Silk Bureau Student Competition – Deadline tomorrow!

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Caitlin Hinshelwood

Digital printing company Silk Bureau are running a student INTERIOR DESIGN Competition. https://www.silkbureau.co.uk/student_page/

Open to all students in 2016-17 Academic Year

Surface Pattern
Interior Design
Furniture Design
Textile Design
Graphic Design

We have been really impressed with the standard that graduating students presented at the 2016 New Designers event. From fashion to interiors the students surpassed themselves with innovative design. We were so proud to have played such a huge part in their success story by printing their designs on our extensive fabric range.

Our latest student competition has been based on one of our finds from the show.

Aim: Create a design for a statement piece of furniture to showcase at the Silk Bureau.

Brief: Design a seamless repeat pattern to be used for upholstery. The design should reflect the Silk Bureau as a digital textile printing specialist. The design should be dramatic and provide a ‘wow’ factor for visitors on entry to our premises.

Resources: www.silkbureau.co.uk www.facebook.com/thesilkbureaultd/

Specifications: Repeat pattern. TIFF file format. 180 – 300 dpi. Flattened. RGB. Contact us on 01386 861122 for the link to upload your completed file. Deadline: 9th December 2016. All entries will be printed on 12th December 2016 and the winner will be announced 9th January 2017. All entries must be accompanied with an order form clearly headed ‘Student Competition – Interiors 2016’

Winner: The winning design will be printed on Poly Canvas and used to re-upholster seating displayed in the reception area at The Silk Bureau Ltd. (Furniture supplied by the Silk Bureau Ltd) The winner will be invited to visit the Silk Bureau and see the processes involved in digital fabric printing. The winner will receive 5m (worth over £140) of the design printed on Poly Canvas, selected for the upholstery project. The winner will be promoted on our website and social media.

£25 entry fee. Includes 1m of your design printed on Poly Canvas (normal cost over £46) and return postage.

winner will be promoted on our website and social media.

Interiors Competition 2016 – Terms & Conditions

All entries must be submitted with a completed order form clearly headed ‘Student Competition – Interiors 2016’ . These will then be known as the ‘Entrants’.
Entry is only open to current students in the 2016 – 2017 academic year and MUST be accompanied with a copy of their Student ID.
All artwork submitted MUST be print ready.
The Silk Bureau Limited will not make any amendments to Entrants’ original files.
A pro forma invoice will be raised within 7 days of submitting the competition order form.
The entry fee of £25 must be paid upon receipt of the invoice and is non – refundable
Entry fees include 1m of Polyester Canvas printed with the Entrant’s print ready artwork and delivery with in the UK only.
Additional postal charges will be applied to Entrants outside of the UK postal area.
All artwork being entered into the competition will be printed on 12th December 2016 and despatched with 7 working days to an address with in the UK.
The Silk Bureau Limited reserve the right to change the fabric without notice to an alternative also considered to be appropriate for upholstery.
The Silk Bureau Limited reserve the right to refuse an order and/or competition entry.
Entries will not be accepted after the closing date. 9th December 2016
The Silk Bureau Judges will make the final decision and will not enter into any discussion regarding the result.
The Winner will be selected on 14th December 2016 and announced by 16th December 2016. The Winner will be notified by email and/or phone call.
The Silk Bureau Limited reserve the right to publish details of the Winner and winning entry for marketing purposes pertaining to The Silk Bureau Limited.
The Winner will be invited to visit The Silk Bureau Limited at their Evesham premises from 10:30 to 16:00 on an agreeable date to suit both the Winner and The Silk Bureau Limited. Expenses and arrangements incurred by the Winner i.e. travel, is not included.
The Winner will be entitled to an additional 5m of fabric suitable for upholstery as chosen by The Silk Bureau Limited.
The award is not transferable to any other party. There is no cash alternative.
The Silk Bureau Limited reserves the right to cancel or amend the Competition or the rules without notice.

Disclaimer
Any irregularities and variations in the weave of our fabrics are in NO way to be considered as defects. They are a characteristic of a natural fibre.
It is important to allow for shrinkage. Shrinkage can be up to 10% on most fabrics, however for stretch fabrics it can be up to 20%. Short runs shrink more than longer runs pro rata; however this is not a precise science. Shrinkage can vary from one batch of fabric to another.
The natural shade of fabric may vary from roll to roll and is a circumstance beyond our control.
Please examine the fabrics carefully before processing. Direct or indirect claims for any reason whatsoever will not be accepted once the customer, or any party acting upon their instruction, has cut, or processed the fabric in any way.
Claims for any defects, or shortages, must be made in writing within seven days of delivery of the fabric.
Fabric specifications given are as accurate as possible to allow for printing of images. Rolls of natural fabric may vary in size between batches, so selvedge to selvedge dimensions are not provided. Selvedge areas may not be printed on.
Colours depicted on screen and colours actually printed may vary due to the nature of fabric/textile printing and the variation of individual monitor displays.

Phase Eight: Print Design Intern (starting July 2016)

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Caitlin Hinshelwood

London based label Phase Eight are looking for a full time Print Design Intern to start in July 2016.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Design team and Print Designer.

The Main duties and responsibilities will include:

-Researching fashion and print trends through Magazines, WGSN, blogs, websites and regular London shop research.
-Chasing samples and liaising with overseas and UK suppliers.
-Organisation of the Design Department, filing, copying and general admin tasks.
-Re-working Design specs, attending garment fit meetings, photographing and logging samples.
-Help with the creation of mood boards and theme presentations.
-Creation of hand painted and digital prints.
-Re-colouring prints in Photoshop. Reworking layouts and putting designs into repeat.
-Designing or reworking embroidery and print layouts onto a garment spec.

Person Specification:

-Strong Photoshop and Illustrator skills are essential.
-Excellent communication skills.
-Studying for a Printed Textile Design Degree or Fashion with Print.
-Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
-We are looking for someone reliable, helpful and above all enthusiastic.
-A motivated individual with an ambition to develop a career in Print or Fashion Design

For more details and to apply go here.

Mulberry: Colour, Material & Graphics Assistant – 6 month internship

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Caitlin Hinshelwood

Location : London
Employment type : Intern
Hours per week : 38

Mulberry are looking for an intern for the Color / Material / Print designer and Graphic designer with skills and qualities such as:

• Team player able to manage multiple tasks
• Responsible, hardworking and conscientious person who is able to manage their own time to complete tasks
• Organized – It is an amazing opportunity for the candidate to be exposed to how a design studio runs and the organization that is needed; they will play a key role in this. On a daily basis we need help visually updating collection information such as; mood boards, color cards, collection plans, sketches, simulations, researches.
• Fully trained on photoshop/illustrator/InDesign – The candidate will be required to carry out creative projects such as re-working prints/artworks/simulations developments etc. Technical drawings to send to suppliers, so illustrator skills need to be strong.

A previous experience in the fashion industry would be appreciated.

For more details and to apply go here

‘Liberty in Fashion’ at the Fashion and Textile Museum

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Caitlin Hinshelwood

“I was determined not to follow existing fashion but to create new ones.” Arthur Lasenby Liberty.

Liberty has been at the cutting edge of design and the decorative arts since 1875. The exhibition explores Liberty’s impact on British fashion, from Orientalism and Aesthetic dress in the 19th century, through Art Nouveau and Art Deco in the early 20th century, and the revival of these styles since the 1950s. Liberty Art Fabrics and the textile design studio take centre stage as the internationally recognised leader in floral, paisley and patterned prints and dress fabrics.

Liberty in Fashion celebrates the 140th anniversary of the company. The exhibition charts Liberty’s history as ‘the’ fashionable place to shop as well as its role as the source and originator of key trends in fashion history. Over 150 garments, textiles and objects demonstrate Liberty’s strong relationships with designers since 1875, from Arthur Silver of Silver Studio to collaborations with Jean Muir, Cacharel, Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood.

Exhibition Dates: 9 October 2015 – 28 February 2016

For details about the exhibition and the programme of event go here.

Print & Fashion Job Opportunities at H&M, Sweden

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Caitlin Hinshelwood

The H&M Design and Buying Office is based in Stockholm, Sweden.

This is where we design and develop our collections of garments and accessories for a great variety of customers. http://www.hm.com

Print Design Assistant

As a print design assistant you will work in a team at one of our concepts e.g. babywear, childrenswear, womenswear, menswear, Divided, underwear, accessories etc. Together with the rest of the team you will produce and develop print-collections that will be sold worldwide in all H&M markets. You will be responsible for assisting the print designers in developing the prints.

The H&M Buying Office is a dynamic workplace. You will work at a high pace, where rapid changes are a natural part of your working day. Good communication skills, a flexible attitude and the ability to adapt to rapid changes are essential.

H&M is looking for someone who:
Has a BA qualification in Textile Design
Is creative, visionary and has a passion for fashion
Has knowledge of printing techniques and graphic textile designing
Has excellent illustration skills
Is able to understand the needs of the target market
Enjoys working in a team
Is fluent in English
Is willing to learn Swedish

What can H&M offer you?
You will have the chance to work in an exciting, positive environment where you can develop and grow as a print designer. You will be given a lot of responsibility from the start, enabling you to make a direct impact on the collections. You will be part of a multinational and creative team. And finally, H&M will offer you competitive employment conditions with additional compensations & benefits.

Are you interested in taking on this challenge?
For more information please visit our webpage www.hm.com/career

Please note that only complete applications will be considered!
The submitted application should include: CV, personal letter of motivation, digital portfolio with pages from sketchbooks, mood boards, development work, print ideas, detailed hand-drawings and final print-designs for fashion collections, please include both repeats as well as front-prints.

We look forward to receiving your application! Please apply to: design.jobs@hm.com or through www.hm.com/jobs

Fashion Design Assistant

Are you a creative and professional junior fashion designer who would love to work for H&M? We are continuously looking for new talents to join our Design Department!

As a Design Assistant you will work in a team at one of our concepts e.g. babywear, childrenswear, womenswear, menswear, Divided, underwear, accessories etc. Together with the rest of the team you will produce and develop collections that will be sold worldwide in all H&M markets. You will be responsible for assisting the designers in developing the products.

H&M is looking for someone who:
Has a BA or MA degree qualifications in Fashion Design
Is creative, visionary and has a passion for fashion
Has knowledge of pattern making, sewing and textile materials
Is able to understand the needs of the target market
Enjoys working in a team
Is fluent in English
Is willing to learn Swedish

What can H&M offer you?
You will have the chance to work in an exciting, positive environment where you can develop and grow as a designer. You will be given a lot of responsibility from the start, enabling you to make a direct impact on the collections. You will be part of a multinational and creative team. And finally, H&M will offer you competitive employment conditions with additional compensations & benefits.

Are you interested in taking on this challenge?
Please check for more information at our webpage www.hm.com/career

Please note that only complete applications will be considered!
The submitted application should include: CV, personal letter of motivation, digital portfolio with artworks like garment idea sketches, detail drawings, collection line-ups, technical flat sketches made on computer and images from your own hand drawn sketch/illustration books. Are you interested in taking on this challenge?
For more information check our webpage www.hm.com/career