The Make it in Design team love nothing more than to celebrate all of the wonderful work, energy and dedication of our Live Hub members. Our members are what make The Live Hub such a supportive, wonderful, magical place and we want to acknowledge that.
Each month we select the “Member of The Month’ so that we can showcase our members work and shine a creative spotlight on them! This month we selected Jane Crossley who has been busy this Autumn experimenting with some gorgeous colourways and mock ups (including a sweater the whole team want)! – congratulations and thank you!
Tell us a little about how you got started in design
I was searching for a new challenge that used my passion for photography and was chatting with a friend who told me about MIID. I joined because it was modular and was hooked from day one. I loved that I could use digital images and can honestly say, sitting at a little table in the corner of the kitchen with my computer, working through the modules was one of the happiest times of my learning life.
What brings you joy?’
Open spaces, silence, my family (including the dogs), friends, nature, TV, books, Photoshop and my Mac – not necessarily in that order.
Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?
Until recently I would have said home interiors and accessories but now, I am moving towards fashion. I feel it gives me a slightly broader and freer design scope.
What are you working on currently?
I am sorting through my 100’s of patterns to gather a body of work together for my design website. I’m also busy with Christmas orders from my alphabet name prints and cards.
Any aha moments during MIID journey you would like to share?
Without a doubt it was when I had finished The Ultimate Portfolio Builder when Rachael reviewed my work and said she could see my work being commercial. It was the first time I thought, I can do this.
What are your key successes since finding MIID?
My online business selling alphabet name prints, which has been gradually building up steam and allows me the time to forge ahead with my fashion/interior designs.
How would you describe MIID to a fellow designer looking to develop their design?
I would say it’s an excellent place to hone your creativity and gain knowledge of the industry as well as a place to get support when you’re having doubts.
What’s your dream design gig?
I would love to find an agent, which I hope would give me the opportunity to work in different markets.
Best tip/advice for MIID students
Keep discovering Photoshop/Illustrator. I keep learning different techniques that enhance my work and make for an easier and more efficient working methods. Most importantly it’s experiment, I often play around and suddenly find I’ve created something unexpected – just wish I’d remember the steps so I could do it again!
How do you stay motivated?
This is easy, I love what I do, I am at my happiest when I am creating and have no problem with staying motivated. In an ideal world, I’d create and someone else would do the rest!
How has MIID helped your work evolve /grow?
The course and Live Hub have given me the confidence to create, it’s the place I go to for inspiration as well as learning about the industry for all the guest speakers.
How do you balance other commitments and work?
I’ve noticed the one thing all the successful people I know have and that’s self-discipline, which is something I’ve struggled with all my life. So, the answer to the above is badly. I do have one hard and fast rule and that’s orders are processed immediately, otherwise I try to get everything done but inevitably the computer wins over the iron!
