A little update...

I still haven't really gotten my head around the fact that I am officially no longer a student!

Its been a busy few months since my last blog post! 

Firstly, the degree show. I was great to see everyone's Final Major Projects come together, after months of hard work.

The opening night was a success and it was lovely to all celebrate together with a few cheeky drinks afterwards...just a few.

I then had the amazing opportunity to exhibit at New Designers 2013 alongside some very talented people on my course.

Setting up our stand

Other CCAD exhibitors :

Roozbeh Ghanadi, Ashley Wilson, Abbey Black, Hannah Suffell, Libby Lagun, Emily Brown, Anna Commerford, Laura Moscrop, Bryony Lancaster, Sacha Rowe, Jade Robson, Gavin Vaughen.

We spent a sunny week in London, showcasing our work and being inspired by the work of fellow graduates from around the country.  We were all a little bit overwhelmed with the positive feedback we received from both industry and the general public, and some exciting contacts were made by all! 

I particular highlight of mine, was receiving a 'Golden Ticket' from one of my favorite companies, Tigerprint, inviting me to show them my portfolio.

Celebrating a successful show!

A few weeks after New Designers, I also exhibited at the Home & Gift show in Harrogate with CCAD. Here I had a lot of interest in my work, made more exciting contacts, and I now have my first stockist, Oswell's! 

My handyman helping me set up!

I learned so much from chatting to buyers, and the lovely comments and feedback I received have given me lots of new ideas for future projects. 

CCAD are the only college to exhibit at Home & Gift and it was such an amazing opportunity to gain an insight into the industry as a recent graduate.

I now look forward to seeing what opportunities will hopefully arise as a result of the shows. 

Now time for the real world- eek!

The End of an Era!

So last week, following a lot of early mornings, late nights and copious amounts of coffee, I finally handed in my LAST EVER university project!

I was so pleased with how my final collection came together during the last few weeks, and I am already looking forward to begin screen printing again.

I was also so, so thrilled to be selected to exhibit in London at 

New Designers 2013!

Such an amazing opportunity, and the perfect way to end my time as a student.

Come along to the CCAD Degree Show

open to public:

Fri 7th Jun - Sat 8th Jun 10am - 4pm

Mon 10th Jun - Wed 12th Jun 10am - 8pm

Thu 13th Jun - Sat 15th Jun 10am - 4pm

FMP Sampling

This week, I have been back in the print rooms and have had two, rather productive days of screen printing samples. I have been experimenting with different colour ways of two of my designs, using emulsions, metallics and pearl finishes, and testing them out on different papers. Any thoughts would be appreciated! 

Pritt and Sellotape parcels.

Just received 2 lovely packages from my sponsors, Pritt and Sellotape. These are sure to come in very handy!

Foil Sampling

Yesterday was mostly spent procrastinating by gossiping, drinking tea and eating biscuits. A good day in my opinion, however, not the most productive! I did somehow managed to squeeze in some more foil sampling in between tea breaks! 

Some worked better than others, but in general I was pretty pleased with the results.

Foils used are purple, bronze and platinum on hessian and parcel paper. 

Screen Printing

Today I began some gift wrap sampling in the print room. Normally, my designs are all done on Photoshop and printed directly onto paper, but for my FMP I wanted to incorporate a bit more texture into my work and experiment with different finishes.

I used a single screen and printed a simple repeat pattern onto brown paper backgrounds. Using a different colour, I then printed a second time on top to create a shadow effect. 

Screen printing can be quite a slow process as the screen must be washed and dried after every few pulls, but after a long day in the print room, I am pleased with my samples. 

Next, I plan to sample using foils and metallic and pearl binder finishes.

Any feedback/ideas would be appreciated!

FMP Sponsorship

I am very excited to now be sponsored by Pritt and Sellotape!

Final Major Project

Research and Inspiration in work bay

So after a lovely break over Christmas, I have been feeling very guilty that I have been neglecting my Final Major Project. Tut Tut.

But after handing in the dreaded dissertation a few weeks ago, (YAY!), and inspirational weekend in London, I am beginning to get back into the swing of things at uni.

The theme for my final major project is 'Bohemian Deco', and is inspired by the global design influences of the 1920's. I am continuing to focus on surface design for gift as I feel this is the market in which my work is best suited. Not to mention that I have also developed a bit of an obsession with card and gift wrap since my work experience with Hallmark last year!

Updates to follow!....