Here at Make it in Design we love to celebrate the successes of our alumni and community whenever possible. Today we are thrilled to bring you a fantastic interview with alumni Andrea Curtis, a talented designer with a passion for colour + colour psychology. Andrea is an alumni of three of our acclaimed online design courses including Module 1: Designing Your Way, Module 2: Creating Your Professional Identity, and Module 3: Monetising Your Designs!
ABOUT ANDREA
Andrea is a designer who designs colour schemes for people and places. She believes passionately that we should all be able to benefit from the positive energy of colour. She believes that by understanding colour and applying colour psychology we can all benefit in our homes, ourselves and in our creative work.
THE INTERVIEW
When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?
I’ve always loved drawing from when I was very young and always knew I would end up doing something creative. I studied textile design for my degree and then many years later did an MA in printmaking. I’ve tried many things but its always revolved around colour and design.
What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?
I’ve done lots of different things! From creating a successful homeware brand back in the 1990’s to painting furniture ( long before it became fashionable ), to painting different paint effects for companies like Joseph, Hunter, Wallis, Topshop. Alongside this I’ve also designed interiors for various clients. The MIID courses helped me focus on creating designs that truly represented me. Sometimes its easy to lose a sense of your own style when you’re always designing to other people’s briefs. I now design colour schemes for interiors and people. I’m passionate about how colour makes us feel and how it can be used to enhance our lives.
What was the most important lesson you took away from our courses?
The most important lesson was to always stay true to yourself and your own design aesthetic!
What difference did it make to have a supportive community of fellow students and how important do you think that will be going forward?
I loved having the Facebook group as it was a safe place to share new designs etc. I always felt it was very supportive when people were having doubts.
Design by Andrea Curtis
How would you describe your style?
Light, bright and a clear fresh feeling. Harmonious ,warm, bright colours and always an element of something hand-drawn.
What kind of designer do you want to be known as?
Someone who understands colour and always creates beautiful, harmonious interiors. I’ve always loved Trisha Guild – her use of colour is incredible and I love the way she mixes all that colour with raw materials like concrete.
What are you working on currently? Can you share on any recent achievements?
This year has been one of change for me as I’ve shifted my focus slightly. My biggest success this year is getting my website up and running and successfully teaching a couple of workshops. This has reinforced my belief that people are fascinated by colour and how it works. So I’m in the process of developing more workshops about colour and colour psychology. I’ve also been asked about creating an online course ! I have an exciting collaboration coming up in the autumn too but its still ‘top secret.’
What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?
Learn about colour psychology ! I think it’s vital to have that deeper understanding of how colour works in the design world. Also I think its a really good reference point to go back to when you get a bit stuck with colour. I would also stress the importance of having a strong, cohesive story and remain authentic.
What would be your dream design gig?
My dream job would be designing the interior of a hotel.
Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?
Sharing the importance of the right colour choices and how colour can help with our well being and help us be our authentic selves. Reach as many people as I can through teaching and running workshops. If I was a pattern I’d be a squiggly.
If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?
If I was a pattern I’d be a squiggly line running all over the page – I think that best represents my thought process most of the time !
FOLLOW ANDREA
Facebook | Instagram | Website
