Unit X has provided me with the opportunity to expand
my portfolio and work in a new contextual area, creating repeat designs for
wallcoverings is something I have always wanted to uptake, and I have really
taken the chance to explore and proceed with the challenge of working on a
larger scale. My inspiration for Unit X stemmed from the previous ‘Practice’
unit, where I began for the self-initiated brief. I developed further from my
initial starting point of motion blur photography and looked into other forms
of capturing movement and growth; looking at ink in water and textures of
gemstones and minerals. Deciding to break my work down into two collections
helped me to create two individually strong collections, meaning I didn’t have
to compromise any design elements to satisfy the aesthetics of a specific
collection, and I was able to expand deeper into each section.
One collection had a greyscale colour palette focusing
on the marks and texture within gems and precious stones. I decided to switch
my context for this collection from stationary to wallpaper designs, after talking
with my tutor and researching various designers and companies, such as Osborn
and Little, Cole and Sons etc. We agreed the designs were restricted on such a
small scale and that by changing into a more fitting context, the designs came
to life and displayed marks that are more exciting and created an overall more
impressive aesthetic.
My second collection excited me as I took the
opportunity to use thermochromic dyes for the second time, having used them
before gave me more confidence in terms of the concept behind the technique.
Deciding to create a collection for bed linen using this process excited me,
knowing that I was able to create interactive print samples, which would then
be developed for everyday use.
Alongside this project, I also decided to take part in
the Kingfisher Graphics and The Whitworth live brief, designing wallpapers
inspired by the current exhibition at The Whitworth Gallery. I enjoyed taking
part in this as it allowed me to learn more about wallpaper designing, getting
to grips with the entire technicality involved. It also gave me a free reign in
terms of design, so I was able to revisit some old drawings from a previous
unit that I feel I never saw their full potential.
Another task I completed throughout the duration of this
unit, was building my brand and website. I was surprised at how quickly I
picked up on the design side of the website and I had fun creating a brand and
a logo that represents me and what my work is all about. Taking part in live
briefs and building websites has started, I feel to prepare me for the
professional world, its opened my eyes to the details to be considered within
each context, Before this unit I would have branded myself more as a ‘surface
designer’ as I felt more comfortable developing designs and then finding an
appropriate location. However now that I have explored more of an interior
context, I feel like this is where my work belongs, and I am relieved to have
finally found my ideal residence.
