Today we are delighted to share with you the success of alumni Gail Myerscough a surface pattern designer based in Manchester and who recently featured in the February issue of The World of Interiors.
When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?
I’ve always been interested in pattern and design. As a child in the 1970s I loved pattern colouring books and that’s where the fascination started. I studied surface pattern design in the early 1990s but I was taught using a pencil and paper and my skills became obsolete. I knew I would need to re-train and that’s where Make It In Design came in!
What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?
I started Module 1 of the Art and Business of Surface Pattern in January 2015 and have since taken Modules 2 and 3. The e-course was a perfect solution to studying whilst working full-time.
What was the most important lesson you took away from “The Art and business of Surface Pattern” e-course?
The most important lesson the e-course taught me was to have confidence in my own abilities.
What difference did it make to have a supportive community of fellow students and how important do you think that will be going forward?
To have the support of fellow students was incredibly important. Everyone has been so friendly and encouraging. It’s great to be able to share work and see how others interpret a given brief. I’ve met some fantastic creative people from all over the world and gained confidence and valuable knowledge from them.
How would you describe your style?
I would like to think that my design is unique and distinct. I’m influenced by the 1960s and 1970s. I love to use bold colours and shapes in my work.
What kind of designer do you want to be known as?
I would love for my designs to be instantly recognized as my work and be known for my retro modern style.
What are you working on currently?
I am currently concentrating on building my portfolio. I also have a range of homewares made from my designs that I’m hoping to expand and gain more stockists.
What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?
Keep drawing, doodling and developing your own style. Trend forecasts are an important tool and can inspire new work.
What would be your dream design gig?
My dream design gig would be a range of patterns or homewares for an iconic brand like Liberty or Heals.
Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?
My goals for the next couple of years are to continue designing and building my brand, gain new clients and continue to develop my practice.
If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?
I’d be a groovy, psychedelic pattern.
Gail Myerscough is a Surface Pattern Designer based in Manchester in the UK. Gail creates bold and uplifting surface pattern design using hand drawn illustration and digital techniques.
Gail’s work is influenced by 1960s and 1970s design and pattern.
The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design is the definitive guide to becoming a surface pattern design professional.If you have ever dreamed of seeing your designs on stationery, homewares, fabric or other products, this series of interactive online courses is for you! Thriving surface pattern designer Rachael Taylor will guide you along this exciting path from developing your signature style, to putting a collection together, and from protecting your work to monetising your designs. With a rich combination of design inspiration, practical advice, demonstrations, creative exercises, resources and interviews with leading industry practitioners, this is the go-to guide for anyone wanting to develop their design skills and break into the industry. Our next class begins March 21, 2016 – we hope to be able to welcome you to class!
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