Surface Design Bookshelf from Susan Niner Janes {part 2}

Here is part two of our five part feature on some lovely Surface Design books by Susan Niner Janes.

Printed Textile Design

By Amanda Briggs-Goode
Laurence King Publishing 2013
ISBN 978 1 78067 1185

Paperback £ 22.50

This brand new title is an introductory text for students of textile design. The author is course leader for BA Textile Design at Nottingham Trent University. It examines the process of design – how to approach it, the mechanics of textile design, and gives a timely overview of the industry. The photos of the manufacturing processes have been specially commissioned – so they are bang up-to-date, not tired library material. (A very good thing, since digital tech is moving fast.)

The section on colour theory is especially strong. Basic instructions on how to produce a repeat design on a computer are provided – although other textile design books go into the subject in greater depth.

The author is attuned to environmental concerns. The concept of “slow fashion” – designing products with staying power, rather than disposable items is discussed. Upcycling of existing objects is covered.

The Design in Practice section is a winner. It is a fascinating look at the professional options for designers, including freelancing, working in a design studio, being a designer-maker, designing for niche markets, and craft production. Each option is accompanied by a case study – a behind the scenes visit with a practicing designer. You get to be a fly on the wall in inspiring environs! A visit with the genius interior fabric and wallpaper designers Timorous Beasties is featured. You learn about the designer’s professional motivation and how they established their careers.

The strengths of this book are in providing an overview of the textile design process and an up-to-date examination of how the textile design industry operates. A good “taster” title.

Digital Textile Design Second Edition
Melanie Bowles and Ceri Isaac
Laurence King Publishers 2012
ISBN 978 1 78067 002 7
Paperback £22.50

Print design has always fascinated me. I studied Textile Design in pre-digital times. Pattern repeats were cut-and-paste jobs and colourways were individually handpainted. Labour-intensive and time-consuming. Digital advances have revolutionized textile design (like they have most other things). Not only are there computer-based techniques and resources for generating designs, there are new manufacturing methods (some of which, like short runs on digital inkjet printers are affordable and accessible to the individual independent designer). These digital methods accelerate productivity and fuel creative innovation, which is why Digital Textile Design, first published in 2009, is on its second edition.

The digital textile design scene is an exciting place to be – and the authors of this book are leaders in the field. Melanie Bowles is a senior lecturer in Digital Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts, London. She is also a textile designer and researcher. Ceri Isaac designs digital textiles. Their book surveys the current digital textile scene, discussing the application of technological advances, showcasing the work of individual designers, and providing practical know-how.

This lavish book has much to offer in the way of design inspiration and how-to info. Step-by-step design tutorials guide you through the mechanics of textile design using the industry-standard programs of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Photo-montage, engineered prints, creating complex layered flowers, sequin effects – there are detailed tutorials on how to achieve these, as well as tutorials on producing pattern repeats. If you are learning how to create digital designs, this book puts you through the paces.

Designer profiles are an important part of this book – and they add warmth and personal interest to the mix.
This book fizzes with enthusiasm and creativity. It will almost certainly encourage you to try something new in your designing – combining photographic and vector effects, embellishing digital projects with handcrafted elements. Learn and enjoy!
Note: I was supplied with a review copy of this title.

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Susan Niner Janes is a craft designer, author, and blogger.