Personal Statement

I am a Multi-Media Textile Design Graduate of Loughborough University School of Art and Design. I am hard-working and enthusiastic about all creative subjects with a particular interest in textile design for fashion and interiors and a growing interest in costume for the stage. I have the ability to design conceptually but also to follow current trends to produce commercial and contemporary designs. Working with various companies and businesses in a variety of roles has left me with good communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. I am well organised and focused with a strong desire to become successful within the design industry.

I am currently juggling a part-time job with two freelance design contracts whilst trying to get myself established as a designer / maker. I have just completed a private commisssion for a ’Memory Quilt’ made of vintage dresses. I am looking for funding so I can set up a studio and focus on designing and making. I am also looking for places to exhibit and sell my work. I am doing two weeks work experience in the Kaffe Fassett studio in London in February and I am also looking for more work experience so that I can gain knowledge on the different aspects of the design, craft and costume world. I will be featured in the January issue of the online newsletter of the Textile Directory.

C.V

Education

Loughborough University, 2003 - 2006

BA HONS - Multi-Media Textile Design - 2.1

The Textile Design course at Loughborough enabled me to be experimental with a range of materials and techniques to create textile designs. During my time at university I improved my drawing skills, fabric manipulation, printing skills, machine and hand embroidery skills and design skills. I gained experience of using Computer Aided Design and Photoshop. Along with general studio practice I studied a core historical studies module; ‘The Domestic Interior‘, a business module where I produced a business plan for a travelling art gallery and I also completed a dissertation titled; ‘The Cultural Function of Fashion - a Study of the Corset’.

During my time at Loughborough my work was exhibited in Paris at ‘Indigo’ a textile trade fair, in the spring of 2005, autumn 2005 and the spring of 2006.

I was chosen to give a talk to the Nottingham branch of the Embroiderer’s Guild about my textile work in November 2005.

I took part in the Loughborough University Degree show in June 2006. I also took part in ‘BIAS’ an exhibition organised and funded by myself and the other students on my course which was held in the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London June 2006.

Trowbridge College, 2002 - 2003

FOUNDATION STUDIES- Art and Design - Distinction

Print-Making

3D workshop

Graphics

Still life drawing

Life drawing

Textile design

The John Bentley School Sixth Form, 1995 - 2002   

A LEVELS -

Art and Design - A, English Literature - C, Physical Education - D

Young Enterprise Scheme - passed with Distinction

GCSE’S -

Art and Design - A*, Design Technology Resistant Materials - B, Drama - A, English Language - AB, English Literature - B, French - A, Geography - A, Mathematics - B, Religious Studies - A*, Science double award - AA                

Employment History / Work Experience

Waterstones, Bookshop, November 2006 - February 2007

General Assistant.

Attributes demonstrated -

Serving customers; help find books, order books, recommend books.

Cash handling

Tidying and organising shop floor and displays

Phoning through orders and contacting customers.

       Custard Tart Costumes, November 2006

Work experience with freelance costume makers, Rebecca Godfrey and Anne Acosta. Work involved finishing off costumes in the lead up to the ‘panto’ season. Tasks included sewing on buttons and poppers, slip stitching and stitching on labels.

HAD’s - Heddington Amateur Dramatics, Christmas Pantomime, November- December 2006

Volunteer work in the costume department and back stage helper. I helped make and decorate various costumes and helped with dressing and props during the performances.

Acorn Conceptual Textiles Ltd, June 2006 -

Freelance textile designer for fashion. Designs exhibited in Paris, New York and London.

Attributes demonstrated -

Producing fabric swatches suitable for fashion, mainly male shirting designs

Following trends and colour palettes within fashion to produce commercially viable designs

Use of various fabrics including cottons, shirtings, denims and wools

Working independently

Use of fabric manipulation and hand and machine embroidery

Jenninfer Sanderson Design Studio, July 2006 -

Freelance textile designer for interiors. Designs exhibited in Europe and America.

Attributes demonstrated -

Producing fabric and paper designs for use in interiors

Working to deadlines

Experimenting with colour combinations

Producing contemporary art work for the interior

Bowood House and Gardens, 2001 - 2006

Assistant working in adventure playground, soft play palace, ice cream kiosk, restaurant, coffee shop and admissions kiosk.

Attributes demonstrated -

Adaptability

Dealings with the general public

Work with children

Handling of money

Team Working

Team leader

Sainsbury’s, 2000 - 2001

Cashier and shelf stacker.

Lacock Pottery Bed and Breakfast, 1999 - 2000

General assistant working in the pottery and bed and breakfast.

Achievements

       Head Pupil at The John Bentley School

       Attributes demonstrated -

Organisation of social and academic events

Voice for students

Duke of Edinburgh Award, Bronze Silver and Gold awards

       Attributes demonstrated -

Team work

Work under pressure

Communication skills

Physical Endurance

        UK driving licence (no points)

Life Drawing, Calne College, September 2006 - December 2006

Drawing of the human figure in various mediums and styles.

        References

       Val Beattie - Head of Multi-Media Textiles at Loughborough University

       Email: v.beattie@lboro.ac.uk

       Jane Meadows - Assistant Manager of Bowood Open Days

       Email: estateoffice@bowood.org   

Rebecca Godfrey - Costume Cutter and Maker

Email: beccagodfrey@hotmail.com