New Designers '12

Great Saturday at the New Designers Show in Islington today...

I'm so glad that I went to the show today. The first print stand I saw was Tigerprint. The girls were sat working on the 'theme of the day' - Home Sweet Home. I had a little chat with a couple of them about what exactly they get up to at their studios. As the sole supplier for M&S' greetings products they're busy being innovative in design, design, design. I think one quote was 'we're so lucky to get paid for.....drawing!'Their main studio is in Bradford but they also have offices in London and Hong Kong. I am following their blog and their monthly design competitions provide inspiration for those 'artist block' moments...!

I then came across Louise Tiler. Louise is a young designer who has done extremely well in her field in recent years. Having worked as a freelance for Tigerprint for 2 years and having won numerous accolades she has now launched her own brand....amazing! She's done so well and she's so young...! She was really lovely and I was so pleased I got to meet her and talk to her a bit about her journey and ambitions. Check out her lovely hand drawn and digitally manipulated designs at  www.louisetiler.com

I unexpectedly came across a couple of really inspiring designers who's work immediately stood out for me. Rachel Powell's stand particularly grabbed my attention. Sometimes, the time spent on presentation is worth what it may reap.... Rachel's designs are very simple and very retro but I think it is just that which gives her a unique style and catchy look.

While I was walking around today I was really challenging my ideas towards pattern and those that I am drawn towards. After seeing the work that was on display today and chatting with a few of the designers it was apparent that there is a distinction between a designer and a brand. I know this may sound obvious but in my little mind I have so many ideas swirling around that sometimes I find it difficult to really focus on one theme/idea and therefore don't feel as if I have ever properly developed a style for myself. It is all very well working as a freelance to lots of varied briefs but when you want to make a name for yourself you really have to have an  instantly recognisable style.

I am currently torn between two ideas. One is that I try to incorporate my paintings into my pattern design, the other is that I go with my instinct towards pattern design...which is simplicity. I am instantly, always attracted towards the no messing, simple, not necessarily bold but easy to read patterns. Life experience has taught me that instinct is always a good one to go with so perhaps I should keep my painting separate to my ideas for pattern design... 

Rachel Powell 'Prudence Wallpaper'

Take a look at Rachel's simple but cool design's at www.racheljpowell.com

Ok, so another designer whose lamp shade I LOVE was Joanna Corney. Simple, sketchy illustrations is her style, inspired by her travels. Worked up onto neutral backgrounds, they're clean and lovely.Check her out at www.joannacorney.co.uk

Surface Pattern Design...

Some people wonder what surface pattern design is when I talk with them. If you think about it, just a little bit, I think it kind of says what it does on the tin. Designing patterns that can be applied to surfaces :-) Anything and everything from the obvious ones for interiors....walls, curtains, cushions, lampshades, carpets, tiles, etc. to greetings cards, laptop case's, cake tins, towels, clothing, umbrella's. Once you get started and start opening your eyes you'll see pattern on everything, yes even the toilet roll. It's about thinking outside the box and making life more pleasurable and beautiful.

Rachael Taylor Organic Blue www.rachaeltaylordesigns.co.uk

When I'm learning and discovering it helps if I am being guided by someone inspiring to keep you interested. That is exactly what I have found while embarking on the exciting course that Beth Nicholls and Rachael Taylor have recently launched. Variety is the spice of life as they say and I think these ladies are keeping it active and varied. I admire them. Visit their sites for some inspiration at http://dowhatyouloveforlife.com and www.rachaeltaylordesigns.co.uk

Check out Rachael Taylor Laptop and I-phone ranges

Today I was given a link to Tim Brown's presentation from the 2012 Better by Design CEO Summit. Listening to it I picked up a number of interesting and useful new 'ways of thinking'. One of the ideas was the way in which we view design and the fact that traditionally we are all a little obsessed with a design achieving an 'complete' state. Tim was challenging this way of thinking and recommended that we 'let people in' sooner - thinking of our work as evolving pieces. Making both the designs and our thoughts about it work in a more organic process may allow for greater creativity and open mindedness. I kind of like the thought so here goes. I am a new person, I am going to relinquish my perfectionist side and control and let you all in to see my evolving work. Not 'finished' and not perfect in my eyes but you may be able to give me ideas and help it develop further ;-) Haha.

'retro swan' RebeccaHarrison

Just an idea...maybe it would work better on something else....evolution....!

part of the 'coral' collection RebeccaHarrison

I just happen to be a bit obsessed with the colour orange for its zing, hence the palette used here and on numerous other designs of mine but......through my trend research I am doing with 'the art and design on surface pattern design' I have learnt that PANTONE's 'tangerine tango' is one of the colours of 2012 so....hit the nail on the head there :-0

'distressed lace pattern' RebeccaHarrison

Yellow....colour for S/S 2013, pop a little colour into your crevices ;-)

'yellow fern' RebeccaHarrison

Ok, that's enough now, I haven't transformed that much in the space of a few hours...

let's get started...

I am so excited to have discovered some amazingly inspiring work and people over the last few months and I feel I need to share the love a wee bit. I keep discovering new people/designs/events and I want to keep a record so hence the blog. 

One ladies work in particular was a huge first source of inspiration for me. I came across the following image while flicking through a magazine and it completely stood out for me. I LOVE the colours this amazing designer uses. I immediately made a note of her name and looked her up...basically her work is ace and has made me want to explore the world of pattern design :-)

www.aymefitzgerald.co.uk

This design in one in a collection for wallpaper. I think it would look awesome as a feature wall in a hallway if you could dare to be different. I can also visualise this design being used on fabric and upholstering a chair with it. Her bespoke pieces would be focal point to any room and even just used as cushions would immediately funk up a plain sofa. Clever lady, good work Ayme :-)

The Lowboy (Squint Limited)

If you're into being bold in your home or want to brighten up your office reception check out squint limited at www.squintlimited.com Cool combo's of colour and pattern are fused together on delicious pieces of classically designed furniture. 

'Iris' (rebeccaharrison)

Here's a piece of my own that I have been working on for a design competition with tigerprint. Think gift-wrap or perhaps even blinds for a small window to brighten up that downstairs bathroom.

to be continued soon....