Alumni success: Jessica Hayman

Rosa & Clara Designs was launched by Jessica Hayman after her daughters (Rosa and Clara, that is) inspired her to leave behind her life as a lawyer to pursue her dream of immersing herself in a world of pattern and design.

After taking courses in digital design and screen printing, as well as becoming an ABSPD student, Jessica created a range of quirky, British-made homewares and paper goods, inspired by an eclectic mix of flea markets, architecture and mid-century design.

Here is an article in Jessica’s own words of her recent successes.

As a new designer, the ABSPD course gave me the confidence to design my own textiles for lampshades and tea towels, as well as designing a range of card, notebooks, wrapping paper and coasters.

The course really motivated me to get sketching and find my style – each of the designs is based on one of my hand drawn illustrations.  I did a lot of work on my branding during module 2 and recently completed module 3.  I am sure that this module will be really valuable and will help me develop a portfolio of designs, hopefully for licensing, as well as growing my business.

Since starting the course, I have been selected by Handmade in Britain to have a number of my products included in their pop-up shop at the 2013 Christmas Arcade at Somerset House.  It was a really gorgeous location, showcasing all sorts of fabulous products.

I was also selected by Pop-up Britain to be one of the 50 businesses taking part in their pop-up shop on Piccadilly last November/December (there were over 1600 applications!).  The prospect of selling my products in the heart of London’s West End was very exciting.

I was also pleased that I now sell through Not on the High Street here, as was my application to exhibit at the East London Design Show last year.