Alumni Success: Jan Olive

To tie in with the #100daysofpattern project, we are absolutely thrilled to bring you a whole host of alumni success stories over the next 100 days.

Here we’ve invited our students over the last four years to share some of their designs created on our Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design course, and their stories of what they’ve been up to since they completed our course and where they are now. For all those wanting to know how our courses really make a difference to your career – this is the series to watch.

Today we are delighted to share with you the success of Jan Olive who lives in beautiful Somerset in the UK.

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

I gave up art in school to pursue a more academic route but returned to painting about 18 years ago when we wanted some abstract art for our new home and couldn’t afford to buy it.. After running my own studio for several years I took a course in photography, screenprinting and pattern design. It was quite a basic course but I loved every minute and it lead me to embark on a BA (Hons) in Textile and Surface Design. I am in my final year and graduate in 2016.

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

I have tried to be experimental with my work and have used many techniques to create patterns, from basic mark-making, burning wood with soldering irons and my personal favourite: shibori indigo dyeing.

I try and get to as many exhibitions and shows as I can and always find something interesting and inspiring to take away with me.

What was the most important lesson you took away from “The Art and business of Surface Pattern” e-course?

Draw, draw, draw.
Don’t compare your work with anyone else’s – everyone is on a different path.
Don’t be afraid to share your work – the feedback from your peers is invaluable.
Enjoy it! And draw some more.

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

Roughly the same band of students has been on this journey with me through Modules 1, 2, 3 and most recently the Ultimate Portfolio Builder. We share information about competitions, digital tutorials and help each other out if we get stuck or we can’t quite get a colour palette to work.

Because students are spread across the world and in different time zones, there is always someone online with a friendly word day or night.

How would you describe your style?

Although I use digital tools to create some of my designs they always start with hand-drawn images or painterly marks. I think my style is still developing but I would say it is leaning towards loose, free, painterly, colourful and eclectic. I’m hoping this will make me a versatile designer rather one with an identity crisis!

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

Versatile, efficient, flexible, paid.

What are you working on currently?

This week has seen the installation of a body of work designed by myself and another student. It was a collaborative project for the oncology centre of our local hospital that includes signage and artwork in enamel, artwork for interior glass panelling and a way-finding trail on the floor. it has been 9 months since the initial brief was set so made up a large part of my second year at university.
Now I’m in my final year I am working on a range of textiles inspired by rainforest flora and fauna. I am currently experimenting with thermochromic dyes, which will change colour when heat is applied. I aim to produce a range of textiles as well as working with other materials such as perspex and leather – not together, but who knows!

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

I’m not sure I’m qualified to advise other designers as most of the time I feel that I’m making it up as I go along. Although I would say: get involved with live briefs where you can – even if you are not successful, it’s good practice and work for your portfolio. Competitions are good and there are regular ones online.

Seek out established companies or designers and find out if they have work experience opportunities, even if it’s only a couple of weeks, it’s good to make contacts.

What would be your dream design gig?

I would love to design rugs or carpets. Brintons would be perfect – do you have their number?

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

Surviving Year 3 and graduating is pretty high on the list right now.

Exhibiting at New Designers in June 2016.

Establishing myself as a freelance designer would be perfect.

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

I think I would be a paisley pattern. Colourful, fun, busy and timeless.

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I live in rural Somerset with my family and am excited to be embarking on a new phase in my life after a long career in insurance. I have always had a creative streak and been a painter for about 18 years. This has finally lead me to surface and textile design and still informs my work now. I like to work through my inspiration with drawing and painting before bringing the elements together on the computer.

Being surrounded by lovely countryside is obviously a huge source of inspiration and a great excuse to get outside for a walk on the hills or along the coastline. But equally I find myself inspired by odd things: drain covers, peeling paint, bugs, shadows – the list is endless.

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Want to get involved in #100daysofpattern?

Starting on Monday November 16 each week we will announce a fabulous new theme and will be posting daily inspirations on the blog featuring designs from Rachael Taylor, our students, contributors and other amazing industry professionals for 100 days! Dip in and out or create every day for 100 days, it’s totally up to you. Just be sure to add #makeitindesign and #100daysofpattern to the images you post on-line. Watch out for the spot prizes handed out along the way too including Pattern of the Week!