Back in June our Co-founder Rachael Taylor had the honour of representing Make it in Design at New Designers in Islington, London as a guest judge.
Whilst at the show Rachael selected graduate designer Elena Nikolic from Solent University to receive our partner award for ‘outstanding innovation and unique design style’.
Rachael said: comments were “A unique, innovative and eye catching collection. Great personal style. Loved the murder mystery subject matter. Commercial with a great signature. Elena is a lovely hardworking and confident student. I was also really impressed by the diversity of designs from Southampton Solent University”.
We caught up with Elena to find out more…
Please tell us a bit about the project you won the award for:
The design I was awarded for was a display of my Final Major Project. I have created a 20 wallpaper collection based on the Wonderful Whodunit World of Agatha Christie. I am a lover of murder mysteries and wanted to create a beautiful/whimsical collection that viewers can really sink into.
The collection is split into three sub collections : The Christie Collection – Based on Agatha Christies personal life, her writing styles and major life events. The Nile Collection – Based on her famous novel and 2022 film adaption of ‘Death on the Nile’ and The Express Collection – Based on her famous novel and 2017 film adaption ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. The collections showcase clues, characters and events that happened in the stories and abstract inspirations taken by the scenery. I wanted my collection to have that immersive storyline feel to it, as though viewers are leaping into one of Christies books. With hints of dark academia, art deco and a vintage style, it is a sellable, yet eye catching collection.
How did it feel to win the award?
It felt so rewarding to win, and I felt so proud of all my hard work! I am so passionate about it and it was such an amazing feeling for someone in the industry to really understand and embrace my designs. All of the girls and lecturers/technicians on the interior design decoration course, as well as the girls that I got to spend the week with at New Designers have all done such an amazing job so I think it felt like a win for all of us.
Tell us a little about how you got started in design
I’ve always been a creative soul, enjoying fine art in secondary school and college before moving to university. I initially wanted to become an architect. It all changed when I went to university. The course I was on allowed me to really enhance my creative flare and shifted my focus onto looking how rooms and surface patterns can affect people. I just loved the idea of creating something unique and watching it come to life. Knowing that I can immerse myself in a space that I had designed!
Can you tell us a little bit about how you create a design? Where do you get inspiration from?
Research research research! As soon as I receive a project brief, I am out and about looking for as much inspiration as I can. Online research is good for that quick and easy secondary resources. But I like to really immerse myself in whatever concept I’ve created. I enjoy spending time in nature (especially the beach), listening to mother natures sounds and finding textures to grasp depth and context. I like to understand how it makes me feel to then try to emulate that in my designs. So viewers are not only looking at my work, but feeling the process and emotion it presents. I also read a lot, so I gather lots and lots of inspiration from my many books at home.
Which is your favourite market(s) to design for and why?
I would probably say at the moment the interior market. I have a real passion for wallpaper and textile design. However, I am very early on in my design career, so am very open to looking into different avenues and seeing what else is out there!
What’s your dream design gig?
I would absolutely love to set up my own wallpaper company, really make a name for myself! Making beautiful bespoke wallpapers with a team of creatives all flowing with passion and love for what they do. At the moment I strive to get as much experience as I possibly can, so working in a high end, collaborative surface or textile design company has been a dream since I’ve been at university. I’m just so ready to create!
Best tip/advice for those new to design
It’s okay if it takes you a while to find your passion, but once you do, allow it to flourish and grow! Before university my design aspirations were completely different, but I always thought there was something missing. Finding my passion took some time, but the joy and excitement I feel now in my work is very special. Make sure that when you find something that makes you feel whole and truly excited, hold on to it and follow it. You never know what paths it will take you down!
How do you stay motivated?
Sometimes when working on projects you can get bogged down and have a bit of artist’s block. I usually find when this happens, I take a break, talk to people who help me feel inspired and give good advice. I also love smooth jazz, so I pop that on to keep me motivated and happy. A cup of tea always keeps me going in my design process!
Finally, what’s coming up next for you?
I am ready to get out and work in the creative industry. I would love to work in the surface/textile design industry as I am so passionate about creating and styling pattern work. However, with my wide set of skills in the interior design sector, I also have other avenues to go down so I will be taking any opportunity I find. I want to carry my passion with me into the working world.
Solent has prepared me immensely. My lecturers and technicians have helped me really promote myself and give me skills not only in design, but in things such as presenting, time management and liaising with clients. I feel like they have really pushed, guided and supported me to be as prepared as I possibly can for my next chapter.
Find out more about Elena here: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
Did you exhibit at New Designers 2023? Get in touch via [email protected] as we have a special discount just for you!
