UPB Graduate Interview: Natacha Devaud

Today we are delighted to share with you an interview with Natacha Devaud a designer based in San Francisco who is a graduate of The Ultimate Portfolio Builder from September 2015.

When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?

I’ve always loved designing and creating things, for as far as I can remember. Most people in my family are quite creative, so it was just a natural thing to do.

What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?

I’ve been wanting to use my own fabric for my creations for a while, and that became possible with the start of Spoonflower. Then, a few years ago, a friend told me about the MIID class she had just taken (one of your very first classes), and I got hooked.

How would you describe your style?

Colorful, happy, curious, with a touch of whimsy.

What kind of designer do you want to be known as?

I want to be known for the combination of vibrant colors and happy creatures of my patterns, to be used in clothing and home decor.

What are you working on currently?

A collection inspired by Ramatuelle (tiny town in the South of France), and one about the spirit of the far North.

What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?

Be curious, nurture your inspiration, and join a group, or a class, to get motivated to produce a lot of designs.

What would be your dream design gig?

Develop my own brand, Amy Butler’s style.

Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?

Find an agent, as my current situation doesn’t leave me enough time to focus on representation, get my work noticed, and transition into working on my designs full time.

If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?

Something with warm, vibrant colors, probably inspired by Western India or Morocco, with some whimsical elements hidden (tiny camels, desert foxes, …). Because I like surprising people.

What was the most important lesson you took away from UPB?

Other then the personalised review, create, experiment, play with a motifs of a variety of sizes, don’t be afraid of negative space.

What difference did it make to have a supportive community of fellow students and how important do you think that will be going forward?

Being a part of a group is the best way to stay motivated, and from past classes, it’s very important to stay in touch, and share experiences, successes and setbacks.

Please tell us about your experience of the live briefs and student work reviews.

The briefs were very diverse, all interesting, and it was great to have an insight on what the client was looking for when considering new talents. The personalised student work reviews were immensly valuable.

Born and raised in Switzerland, I moved to the US 20 years ago to work in the visual effect industry for movies (Lucasfilm.ltd/Disney), while supplementing my craving for creativity through painting, surface and textile design, and various experiences in children fashion. My inspiration comes from traveling, reading and an avid curiosity for different cultures. I currently live near San Francisco with my Canadian husband, our two children, and a few furry critters.