Hello lovely readers, welcome back to the Make it in Design blog!
Today you may have spotted that we shared the first part of the Top 50 shortlist for the 2019 entries for our annual scholarship with Print & Pattern. In addition to our top 50, to get you super excited about the scholarship winner announcement (and to celebrate her awesome work and success), today we’re sharing a fab interview with one of last year’s winners: the talented Alexandra Michiardi of Tristan & Zoe!
ABOUT ALEXANDRA
Alexandra always knew she wanted to be an artist, but graduated in science. Ten years ago, Alexandra decided to pursue her passion for art. After two business attempts (teaching mixed media and scrapbooking, and owning a small online business with her line of clear stamps), she finally found all she ever wanted in surface design. Alexandra wanted to be able to play with colours, shapes, and textures every day from anywhere in the world (as she and her family have big travel plans), and make a living from her artwork. What could be better than that?! Now, Alexandra has a gorgeous collection of designs in her portfolio, launched a website, and looks forward to her future in design!
THE INTERVIEW
You’re one of our 2018 scholarship winners – well done! How did you find out about the scholarship?
I don’t even remember! It’s been such a long time that I have been interested in pattern design. Actually, I recently stumbled upon the application I sent to the Do What You Love team in 2012. At that time, it was my interest in art journaling and scrapbooking that led me to this path.
The only thing I know is that I had already signed up for all the modules before I decided to send my application for this year scholarship. Almost at the last minute, my husband helped me choose the two designs I submitted. And the day I received the notification I was one of the winners, I couldn’t believe it!
How have you found the Make it in Design Courses?
I haven’t quite completed all the courses yet! But the experience I had with the classes I did complete (and even only read) is really positive. There is a ton of information, and always something new I hadn’t come across before. I particularly enjoyed watching the videos: Rachael is always such a joy to listen to. She really gives us confidence in just being where we are at at the moment and trusting that we have a unique vision that could appeal the right audience, provided we work and persevere.
What advice would you give to any designers thinking of signing up for next year’s scholarship?
Gather courage and be brave enough to send that email! You have nothing to lose and it could be you. I would only recommend that you choose original designs that are truly your style, and not designs you think you should be showing. Trust your gut!
What is the most important lesson you took away from the Make it in Design courses?
There is room for everyone! And there is no right or wrong way to do things. Before I started this course I was convinced that I HAD to learn Illustrator, but I now know it’s OK if I prefer working with Photoshop. Of course, knowing both softwares is always better, but instead of spending time trying to compensate for my lack of knowledge in one area, I had rather spend time doing what I already knew and enjoyed best. So I could really find my style and improve my design skills first.
Did you get a chance to engage / use the Facebook Community? How do you prefer to connect with your fellow alumni?
I didn’t really get to make the most of the community because I’m not a big fan of Facebook groups. But the community on Facebook is always supportive and always gives helpful feedback when needed.
I prefer following some of the MIID designers via Instagram. For me it’s the best way to build closer relationships and have interactions with people. I am trusting that, with time, I will have a supportive network of online friends to help each other along the way and to collaborate with in the future.
What are some recent design successes or achievements that you’re proud of?
Having my website launched by the end of last year was definitely a milestone. My husband helped me build it, and I am very happy with the result. I am now working on my private portfolio (I already have more than 80 designs!). Also, last year, I participated in design briefs for Surtex with Pattern Observer Studio and they were accepted for representation. I felt empowered! I was really proud of myself for being able to create and revise my designs in the short period of time assigned for it.
Can you tell us a little bit about how you create a design? Where do you get inspiration from?
Most of the time there’s a technique I want to explore, like stamping or paper cutting, and an idea of a subject, and that’s how I start! I usually prefer working in black and white at that point and I will add colour later digitally. My choice for a subject is heavily influenced by my own interests and hobbies such as being in nature, traveling, cooking (and eating!), and painting.
After scanning my designs I proceed to create my patterns in Photoshop. I usually don’t decide on a colour palette until the very end, except when I am working on a collection. I really like playing around and changing colours until I find the perfect combo. I also enjoy playing with textures (at the moment, I am using two different textures I created myself).
What is your dream design gig?
Ha! I would love to see my patterns on a roll of MT washi tape, on furoshikis, on notebooks and zipper pouches, and on ceramics. Collaborating with ethical and eco-friendly companies would be the best! (and if they are in Japan, that would definitely be a dream!).
If you could be any pattern at all, what one would you be and why?
I guess I would be an abstract pattern with energetic brush strokes, lots of movement, energy and bright colours. A good fit to my personality!
Hello lovely readers, welcome back to the Make it in Design blog!
Today you may have spotted that we shared the first part of the Top 50 shortlist for the 2019 entries for our annual scholarship with Print & Pattern. In addition to our top 50, to get you super excited about the scholarship winner announcement (and to celebrate her awesome work and success), today we’re sharing a fab interview with one of last year’s winners: the talented Alexandra Michiardi of Tristan & Zoe!
ABOUT ALEXANDRA
Alexandra always knew she wanted to be an artist, but graduated in science. Ten years ago, Alexandra decided to pursue her passion for art. After two business attempts (teaching mixed media and scrapbooking, and owning a small online business with her line of clear stamps), she finally found all she ever wanted in surface design. Alexandra wanted to be able to play with colours, shapes, and textures every day from anywhere in the world (as she and her family have big travel plans), and make a living from her artwork. What could be better than that?! Now, Alexandra has a gorgeous collection of designs in her portfolio, launched a website, and looks forward to her future in design!
THE INTERVIEW
You’re one of our 2018 scholarship winners – well done! How did you find out about the scholarship?
I don’t even remember! It’s been such a long time that I have been interested in pattern design. Actually, I recently stumbled upon the application I sent to the Do What You Love team in 2012. At that time, it was my interest in art journaling and scrapbooking that led me to this path.
The only thing I know is that I had already signed up for all the modules before I decided to send my application for this year scholarship. Almost at the last minute, my husband helped me choose the two designs I submitted. And the day I received the notification I was one of the winners, I couldn’t believe it!
How have you found the Make it in Design Courses?
I haven’t quite completed all the courses yet! But the experience I had with the classes I did complete (and even only read) is really positive. There is a ton of information, and always something new I hadn’t come across before. I particularly enjoyed watching the videos: Rachael is always such a joy to listen to. She really gives us confidence in just being where we are at at the moment and trusting that we have a unique vision that could appeal the right audience, provided we work and persevere.
What advice would you give to any designers thinking of signing up for next year’s scholarship?
Gather courage and be brave enough to send that email! You have nothing to lose and it could be you. I would only recommend that you choose original designs that are truly your style, and not designs you think you should be showing. Trust your gut!
What is the most important lesson you took away from the Make it in Design courses?
There is room for everyone! And there is no right or wrong way to do things. Before I started this course I was convinced that I HAD to learn Illustrator, but I now know it’s OK if I prefer working with Photoshop. Of course, knowing both softwares is always better, but instead of spending time trying to compensate for my lack of knowledge in one area, I had rather spend time doing what I already knew and enjoyed best. So I could really find my style and improve my design skills first.
Did you get a chance to engage / use the Facebook Community? How do you prefer to connect with your fellow alumni?
I didn’t really get to make the most of the community because I’m not a big fan of Facebook groups. But the community on Facebook is always supportive and always gives helpful feedback when needed.
I prefer following some of the MIID designers via Instagram. For me it’s the best way to build closer relationships and have interactions with people. I am trusting that, with time, I will have a supportive network of online friends to help each other along the way and to collaborate with in the future.
What are some recent design successes or achievements that you’re proud of?
Having my website launched by the end of last year was definitely a milestone. My husband helped me build it, and I am very happy with the result. I am now working on my private portfolio (I already have more than 80 designs!). Also, last year, I participated in design briefs for Surtex with Pattern Observer Studio and they were accepted for representation. I felt empowered! I was really proud of myself for being able to create and revise my designs in the short period of time assigned for it.
Can you tell us a little bit about how you create a design? Where do you get inspiration from?
Most of the time there’s a technique I want to explore, like stamping or paper cutting, and an idea of a subject, and that’s how I start! I usually prefer working in black and white at that point and I will add colour later digitally. My choice for a subject is heavily influenced by my own interests and hobbies such as being in nature, traveling, cooking (and eating!), and painting.
After scanning my designs I proceed to create my patterns in Photoshop. I usually don’t decide on a colour palette until the very end, except when I am working on a collection. I really like playing around and changing colours until I find the perfect combo. I also enjoy playing with textures (at the moment, I am using two different textures I created myself).
What is your dream design gig?
Ha! I would love to see my patterns on a roll of MT washi tape, on furoshikis, on notebooks and zipper pouches, and on ceramics. Collaborating with ethical and eco-friendly companies would be the best! (and if they are in Japan, that would definitely be a dream!).
If you could be any pattern at all, what one would you be and why?
I guess I would be an abstract pattern with energetic brush strokes, lots of movement, energy and bright colours. A good fit to my personality!
