Designer Interview: Joanne Frost Designs

Today’s designer interview is with Joanne Frost from Joanne Frost Designs.

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

My first childhood memories are me and my twin sister drawing with my grandad, he inspired me to pursue a career in Design. At the age of 8 I won my first drawing competition and I was so proud of myself, it has always been more than a hooby to me it is a passion of mine. As my favourite subject as school was art it only felt right for me to study Art and Design at college, and it was there where I was advised to do Surface Pattern Design at University. I am inspired by nature as I love to paint detailed flowers and birds, my Pug puppy has also inspired a card range called Posh Pooches and I take my camera everywhere so when I see something inspiring I can take a photo.

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

Throughout University I was fortunate enough to be given opportunities that increased my knowlage of the design industry, I’ve also done a lot of work experience since leaving University these helped me to see what it was like working in a studio, one of my favourite experiences was working at Emma Bridgewater and meeting the lady herself, it’s great to see how such a successful designer works. Its opportunities like this that drive me to be the best designer possible and push myself to do bigger and better things.

How would you describe your style?

I’ll admit I am a massive perfectionist and growing up I was sometimes told that it is a negative thing however I feel it makes my work unique and I have learnt to embrace it, I love to capture detail. I think It’s really important to be on trend to keep my work moving in unusual directions, i love it when I do something unexpected and it works really well, it’s exciting.

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

I love the thought of inspiring other designers, everyone has someone they look up to… I want to be that person. I think its important to be different and be known for a certain style, that’s why I embrace my Individuality, so I stand out.

What are you working on currently?

I have a couple of work experience placements lined up along side designing greeting cards, gift wrap and bespoke art work. I really enjoy drawing so that’s always my starting point, then I manipulate my motifs into designs using photoshop. It’s important to move with technology and new techniques but I do miss having the workshop at University where I could screen print and be messy.

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

My main advise would be to never say “No” if you are offered an opportunity, take it even if you think it won’t be worth it because you never know what it may lead to, also don’t give up. Always experiment with different techniques and try new things and take your sketch book and camera everywhere … you never know what may inspire you.

What would be your dream design gig?

I love all forms of print so my dream gig would to be a famous print designer, traveling all over the world, having stock in all the big shops selling designs for home and fashion.

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

In the next couple of years I would like to expand my business and have my designs in more shops, I would also like to broaden my range by making furnishing fabrics and fashion prints.

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

(love this question!) I’m a sucker for a classic floral design so I’d have to say a pretty floral repeat as they are always on trend and show my love for nature.

My name is Joanne Frost and I am a passionate surface pattern designer, I have experience in print and pattern and fashion and textiles. I have an eye for detail and love a challenge. There’s nothing I enjoy more than sitting in my studio in my spare bedroom at home, drawing from objects I have collected or photographs I have taken. Art and Design is more than a hobby of mine its my life and a way to express my creativity.