Today, our designer interview is with Kyrah Louise, a textile designer who aims to push the boundaries of design with her unique visual interest in architecture and geometrics.
When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?
My passion for design has extended over the years, particularly whilst achieving a degree in Fashion Fabrics and Accessories. Specialising in such a versatile course allowed me to establish a pathway in fashion print and surface manipulation. I initially became fascinated in this field of design through my love of pattern making and extensive experimentation in visualization. My photography and Photoshop addiction has played a huge role. Although my main focus lies within fashion, I feel my designs are adaptable to be foreseen as an interior or stationery product.
What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?
I have studied numerous courses over the past eight years from which I have broadened my knowledge and enhanced my skills in various aspects of design including communication and presentation. Research is essential in my development as a designer, so I can obtain information on the latest trends, new techniques and inspirational imagery which I can take forward as a concept. Observing High Street trends and well renowned designers in this field has enabled me to understand the conception surrounding repeat pattern and placement. As I am in the very early stages of my design career, there’s a long way to go before I establish my identity on a confident level but this is an ongoing process.
How would you describe your style?
Inspired by structural surroundings, geometric shapes, architecture and emotion, my style would be described as innovative, edgy and playful. My creations derive from primary and secondary sources that allow me to produce a range of samples composing mixes of graphical and surrealist elements. My style is infused with vivid imagination and bold contrasts.
What kind of designer do you want to be known as?
I would like to be known as a designer who is keen to explore placement, scale and shape through vigorous experimentation. Someone who is willing to take risks and push the boundaries of design, whilst producing strong compositions and contemporary ideas in my creative processes. I am an enthusiastic worker with the ability to generate new and existing ideas whilst having the motivation and willingness to effectively meet deadlines.
What are you working on currently?
I am currently looking at new ways of how to portray a pattern rather than just sticking to a 2D format. Capturing interesting shapes as a starting point and digitally enhancing this imagery by scanning in unusual surfaces to work with. Combining materials of different consistencies and transparencies and layering them together intrigues me.
What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?
I feel it is important to communicate your personal strengths and abilities which will reflect your style and who you are about as a designer. I believe inspiration is a journey and with trends constantly evolving, pioneering approaches to design are key. My advice would be to have an open mind and don’t be afraid to experiment with techniques, scale and composition. Do plenty of market research and aim to find a niche in your specialized area. Work with a mix of colours and textures that contrast one another which you may not normally use. Try anything once. And have a camera handy at all times. It’s surprising what you come across unexpectedly!
What would be your dream design gig?
To design and develop ranges for a successful and highly innovative stationery store such as Paperchase or to collaborate with a High Street chain aimed at the fashion conscious. To see people wearing my designs would be such a rewarding and amazing experience.
Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?
To get as much experience as I can and to gain an insight into company culture. I aim to develop my skills and expand my knowledge on both a professional and personal level. Always up for new challenges so if they come my way I am willing to persist them.
If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?
I am absorbed into the world of geometric shapes so I would have to be a bold symmetric pattern with a mix of contrasting colours and sharp line qualities. A design that would exert youth and eccentric vibes. This is the kind of pattern that ‘woos’ me.
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I am a printed textile and surface pattern designer who likes to explore placement, scale and shape on the human silhouette. Image manipulation and digital exploration allow me to produce patterned surfaces aimed at a trend driven market. I aim to push the boundaries of design with my unique visual interest in architecture and geometrics whilst generating strong compositions and innovative concepts throughout my creative process. Keen to persist on this intriguing venture into the exciting world of surface pattern design.
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