Our designer interview today is with Jessie Bayliss, who is currently at the end of her final year studying illustration at Falmouth University.
When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?
For as long as I can remember I have always been a massive daydreamer and being brought up on Disney films, gell pens and jelly shoes .. so I was always inspired. Being creative was always important to me. My parents are so supportive and have always encouraged me to do what makes me happy and I was happy designing…
What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?
I suppose I was fairly lucky as I always knew the I wanted to design and create.. During the summer I finished high school I worked in a really inspiring design studio for a placement, which confirmed this and was advised by the Illustrator there to go to art college and then study illustration at Falmouth Uni… so I did!
As well as the practical side of the illustration, Falmouth is really keen on ‘getting you ready for the real world ‘ which has been superb! During my second year at Uni I began selling my prints in gift wrap and paper goods on my online store.. and recently started printing my designs onto tea towels and deck chair slings with has been fun. Once I finish Uni I plan to expand on this..
How would you describe your style?
Diverse but always with a liner focus.. I’m very influenced by retro magazines, silk scarf prints and the nostalgia that food can give – so old with a hint of brand new!
What kind of designer do you want to be known as?
Being known for originality is important! I love to see illustration printed onto surfaces, products and textures .. Its also important that it does the job well, making things visually appealing – so probably a food/ cosmetic packaging designer. I’m also passionate about fabric print design – again I love to see a design working on fabric, because the texture of fabric can bring something else to the design that paper can’t – so maybe a print designer too!
What are you working on currently?
I’m currently working on an ‘American truck wallpaper’ inspired by a recent trip to New York City..
What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?
As an emerging designer myself.. I think it’s important for your work to always have a context or a story. Flow is also important to keep in mind when putting your portfolio together and only show work you’d be happy to do more of! But mostly just putting yourself out there! Keep up a good online presence, a frequently updated website, meeting companies and creatives and ask for them to review your portfolio. Above all – be persistent!
What would be your dream design gig?
Probably to design packaging for benefit cosmetics, a print for liberty or gift wrap for paper chase.
Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?
To continue to:-
- build on my body of work..
- design my own line of conversational prints.
- create fun packaging for and food and cosmetic brands.
If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?
Definitely something from the 1960s/70s haha! probably brown and orange florals..
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Designer and Illustrator Jessie Bayliss is currently at the end of her final year studying illustration at Falmouth University.
Inspired by her collections and hoardings of vintage magazines, china and conversational silk scarfs, Jessie specialises in Print/Surface Pattern design, Hand Drawn Typography and Food Illustration. She also has a keen interest in Children’s Illustration, and loves designing quirky characters and writing children’s stories.
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