UPB Graduate Interview: Olivia Henry

Today we have a designer interview with Australian designer Olivia Henry who took The Ultimate Portfolio Builder in May.

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

I have been creative my whole life, my amazing grandmother encouraged and taught me to paint and draw. Before I started designing I actually went on to become a professional ballerina and one day realized that my passion laid within design. I stopped dancing and went to college to study graphic design. I started my own little design business and focused on small business identity and graphic design. I have always wanted to design for gift, home ware and apparels, however never known how. Australia is a hard place to find recourses and work in this market. When I stumbled across The Make it In Design courses I knew I hade been “led” the way.

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

It has been about a 12-18 month journey to get where I am and find myself. During this time I have taken all three tracks in 2 MIID summer schools to build my portfolio, have just complete the amazingly valuable UPB, I have also done Lilla Rogers MATS A&B and boot camp. I do a little on Spoonflower here and there, and really have just been following my heart.

How would you describe your style?

I can be a bit of a chameleon as I have very strong illustrator and Photoshop skills. My style is still evolving however it seems my signature style is bold inks & watercolor, combined with line work. I also love the results from working this way.

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

That’s so hard!! I want to be known as a designer of beautiful designs! (Haha).

I want to be individual and known for my signature style.

I want people to feel joy and be inspired by my designs.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on building my portfolio. My absolute dream would be to exhibit at Surtex or Printsource next year. So I am busy finding new inspiration for my collections, while juggling my 2 small children and family business.

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

Keep designing, drawing, painting and doodling and keep reading and doing online courses. They are so wonderful, keep you inspired and focused. Share with communities and continue building your brand and portfolio.

What would be your dream design gig?

My dream design gig would be licensing one of my designs for home décor with a company like Anthropologie, or doing a children’s line with Land of Nod. I would also love to eventually manufacture and wholesale my own collection.

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

In the next couple of years I aim to keep building my name and brand, exhibit at one of the shows in New York. Hopefully get a few licensing deals and maybe an agent. I think that will keep me pretty busy!

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

I would be a bright watercolor floral abstract. Because I would be free flowing, easy on the eye, bright, happy and flowers are always beautiful.

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

Time management and self-motivation is so important. Our lives are so busy and the days go so fast that we need to make time for our passions in daily life, for ourselves and souls in order to grown and evolve as designers.

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

It is wonderful to have support from other people who are sharing your journey. Life gets tough and sometimes all you need is someone to say well done to get back on the horse. This industry is rewarding yet full of self doubt, like am I good enough? Is my design hitting the brief? Etc… It is also great to be inspired by other people’s interpretations of the same brief. It teaches you to think differently than you normally would.

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

The live briefs are just so valuable, especially if you are new to the industry. It gives you a brief without the stress, but at the same time pushes you in ways you never thought possible. It makes you think outside the box, and gives you practice in presenting your submission.

The reviews were worth gold! Having that insight from an industry professional was such a wonderful and inspiring thing. I was at a place of self-doubt, and hearing the review gave me the confidence to power on. It also made me look at areas of my design that needed improvement. Truly wonderful!

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I am a graphic, fabric and surface pattern designer based in Brisbane Australia. With over 15 years of design experience I am now focused on bringing joy and happiness to my designs through my daily inspirations. I work both digitally in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and traditionally using watercolors, ink and pen/line work. Design is my passion and I look forward to hopefully inspiring others with my designs and ultimately people buying my work.

• pixelandthread.com.au
• oliviahenry.com.au
• facebook.com/pixelandthread
• instagram.com/pixelandthread (@pixelandthread)

Amazed by what you see above from our talented students? Join our next class of The Ultimate Portfolio Builder which starts September 21st 2015.