Designer Interview: Rachel Parker

Today we are delighted to share with you the success of Rachel Parker a textile designer who counts collecting, cross-stitching, grids and symbols as big influences in her work.

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

I’ve always been drawn to colour and pattern. I studied textiles at school and quickly realised that I needed to work with fabrics in order to be happy.

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

I did an art foundation course which allowed me to experiment in lots of different areas – ceramics, jewellery, painting etc – but it was always pattern and fabrics that I returned to. I went on to study Textiles at Norwich University of the Arts and loved every second of it, graduating in 2012 with a first class degree. I exhibited at New Designers and was lucky enough to get spotted by some amazing people! The Embroiderers Guild invited me to exhibit with them at the Knitting & Stitching Shows which led me to win the Textile Study Group graduate of the year award. I won an internship at prestigious interiors brand Zoffany, and best of all I met Studio Flock who have really helped shape my career so far. Flock work with graduate designers to give them a platform for their work and allow them to print their designs with a royalty paid for each metre sold – a real breath of fresh air! This made me realise how important it was to me to get credit for my own work rather than going to work for a studio. Flock has gone from strength to strength and we’re currently stocked by some amazing places like Liberty and Heals. We exhibited at TENT last year and have some exciting plans for 2016. It’s been a real privilege for me to be able to grow with the company and start working with the next wave of graduates to join the flock.

What was the most important lesson you took away from “The Art and business of Surface Pattern” e-course?

I think the most valuable thing was giving myself the time to experiment, play with materials and just have fun without worrying about what the end product was going to be! When these restrictions were lifted the work just seemed to flow. I also learned a lot about organisation and putting systems in place to make the most of my time and energy.

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 truly makes all the difference in the world. Working as a freelance designer can be isolating at times. I love working at home, but there’s only so much creative feedback that my dog can give me. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut or accidentally stop sewing while watching Netflix and just spend the day watching Netflix. Knowing that there’s a whole community of like minded people out there just a few clicks away is a massive creative and motivational boost. They’re all so friendly, helpful and inspiring! It’s almost like working in a studio again, to be able to create something and say “hmm, what do you think?” and get immediate feedback is just fantastic.

How would you describe your style?

Wild and colourful; geometric cross-stitch; digital craft.

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

An eclectic one! It’s early days for me so I’m still figuring out my signature style, but I’d love to be the kind of designer whose work is instantly recognisable, whether it be a printed wallpaper or a coffee cup.

What are you working on currently?

I’m currently working on the new collection for Studio Flock – we’ve got some exciting things up our sleeves for 2016! I’m eternally cross-stitching. I’m also creating a piece for a charity secret art show (probably shouldn’t say too much about that, seeing as it’s a secret…)

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

Try creating mini collections so that your portfolio has a good sense of flow and isn’t too disjointed. Imagine you’re viewing your portfolio for the first time; are you showcasing all of the skills you have on offer? Pick your favourite piece of work and try and pinpoint what it is about it that screams YOU.

What would be your dream design gig?

I’d love to create an installation at a flagship Anthropologie store (to coincide with the launch of my exclusive product line of course!).

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

Like many emerging designers I still work part-time in the real world to support myself, so I’d love to be able to make that final leap and design all day every day. A more immediate goal is to keep on top of the business side of things and stop waiting until I’m drowning in invoices and receipts before I take action! Allocating a small amount of time each day to keep the business/accounts/number things ticking over would be a marvelous idea, I should probably do that.

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

I’d be a Timorous Beasties toile – traditional roots with an unexpected modern twist.

Rachel Parker is a freelance textile designer working in print and embroidery; she paints, draws and photoshops, but most of all she stitches. When she’s not doing any of those things you’ll find her running around the countryside with puppy Louie. In 2012 she graduated from Norwich University of the Arts with a First Class Degree in Textiles. She’s a member of Studio Flock, a design collective working with recent graduates, whose debut furnishing fabrics collection is stocked by Liberty of London, Heal’s, John Lewis and Studio Four, New York to name a few. She’s also working as a freelance print designer for both craft, interiors and fashion. Collecting, cross-stitching, grids and symbols are big influences in her work.

The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design is the definitive guide to becoming a surface pattern design professional.If you have ever dreamed of seeing your designs on stationery, homewares, fabric or other products, this series of interactive online courses is for you! Thriving surface pattern designer Rachael Taylor will guide you along this exciting path from developing your signature style, to putting a collection together, and from protecting your work to monetising your designs. With a rich combination of design inspiration, practical advice, demonstrations, creative exercises, resources and interviews with leading industry practitioners, this is the go-to guide for anyone wanting to develop their design skills and break into the industry. Our next class begins March 21, 2016 – we hope to be able to welcome you to class!