We’re so excited that Surtex is on now! For those of you who are new to the Surtex excitement, it’s the only show in North America solely devoted to selling and licensing original art and design for all types of products.
Each year we bring you a series of Surtex previous / sneak peeks into the collections of those who are exhibiting, and we are extremely proud that many of “The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design” e-course students have and continue to feature at the show.
As well our our very talented ABSPD students, our very own Rachael Taylor is now exhibiting at the show and has been sharing her featured work on Instagram and the Rachael Taylor blog.
We are delighted to share Part 3 in our Surtex Previews on the Make it in Design blog! Today we are showing the talented designers:
- Kelly Kratzing
- Catherine Worsley of Northern Lights Creative
- Mellissa Meeks of Melmee Company
- Solvejg Makaretz of Tröskö Design
Kelly Kratzing (Booth 3017)
- How have you been preparing for the show?
I made the last minute decision to attend myself to really experience the show, meet the buyers and also other designers! It’s a long way to go from Australia but I am very excited! I’m fortunate that because I have an agent, most of the prep work has been completed, but now that I am also attending, I have recently watched several webinars on how to present and sell your work at Surtex, and tips for following up buyers etc. so I hope I am very prepared now. I read all of Stephanie Davies Printsource tips too!
- About the designer…
I am an independent surface pattern designer and illustrator based in Melbourne, Australia. My work is often described as classic with a modern twist, demonstrating a clean design with detail that makes it interesting and distinctive. My background in biology shows through my strong use of nature-inspired motifs, particularly anything distinctly Australian.
- Which ABSPD course(s) have you taken if you’re a graduate?
I have taken all 4 MIID courses which have been fantastic. I wouldn’t be showing at Surtex without them, so thank you!
- Follow Kelly on Instagram!
Catherine Worsley (Booth 3023)
- How are you preparing for the show?
I’ve been really busy finishing off collections and putting together my Look Book, this has now been sent to my Licensing Agent Roaring Brook Art in New York who are representing me at the show, this is my first showing at Surtex so I wanted to get it right! It’s really exciting that my designs will be seen by so many potential buyers and I feel like all the work has paid off.
- About the designer…
I have a background in Graphic Design and Illustration and I live and work in Saltaire, Yorkshire, it’s a really inspiring place to live and has a great creative community. Completing all four ABSPD Modules has really helped me develop as a Designer, when I look back at the patterns I was producing right back at the start I can see how far I’ve come, I used to be a bit wary of experimenting in different mediums and now I love nothing more than playing around with bold colours and textures, taking the course taught me so many things but mainly how to let go and have confidence in my style. I took everything I learnt and started to approach Licensing Agents last Autumn which lead to me signing with Roaring Brook Art and Bridgeman Art Library, I’m now working on getting freelance work and commissions, it’s a very exciting time!
- Which ABSPD course(s) have you taken if you’re a graduate?
All four Modules!
- Follow Catherine on Twitter!
Mellissa Meeks (Booth 3132)
- How are you preparing for the show?
I have been working on artwork layouts, dreaming patterns, colors, textures, and visualizing my corner booth, #3132 in the Design District, of New York! I have literally decorated it a thousand times in my mind. I have also gathered all of my products, and hand-painted mockups to share with the attendees.
- About the designer…
Artist and Designer, Mellissa Meeks, is a self-taught artist and enjoys working in mixed media, acrylic, oil, and experimenting with making art from salvaged and vintage pieces of wood, glass, buttons, fabric, etc. Her artwork reflects warmth, spontaneity, and a whimsical nature and provides a glimpse into her personality which promotes joy, hope, and optimism. Mellissa loves to express her love for vintage and nostalgic themes, her artwork reflects her southern roots, and is organic, fresh and authentic, as each piece created is hand-painted by her in her studio, never digitally created.
Mellissa sees the world through a different lens than most. With each piece of art created, she is looking for everyday items that become her canvas – she sees potential, whether it be a cozy throw, a soft pillow, a home décor mat, and her latest creation from oven to table, her “Artware Bakeware” designed specifically with her signature vintage brand, creating nostalgia, whimsy, and yes, elegance in a baking genre that was sadly colourless, drab and gray.
- Which course(s) have you taken to get where you are?
A Home Décor Course and the Global Talent Search (GTS) Challenge (part of Make Art That Sells). My art portfolio, conceptual artwork, and my opportunities have grown significantly as a direct result of taking those courses and especially the “mini” sessions Lilla Rogers offered. It gave me the confidence to pursue an idea I had, and to actually bring it to reality, and the new “pattern” artwork was directly inspired from the Home Décor Course – and we had manufactured “Artware Bakeware TM” – which is metal bakeware pans that I have my artwork featured on, and the classes helped my artwork to become more about patterns, and visualizing my “pattern” artwork on different “program” products (apron, kitchen towel, oven mitt, tablecloth, dinner napkins, etc.). Really studying the color schemas/palette to pull severa coordinating patterns together for a wide variety of artwork options. As well as we have developed several programs of kitchen products, linens, home décor, Artware Copper Mugs, Stemware, barware and pet accessories! I am also thrilled that I will be going to SURTEX May 2017.
- Connect with Mellissa on Facebook
Solvejg Makaretz (Booth 3017)
- How are you preparing for the show?
For the last 3 months, I’ve been working daily to design new patterns for Surtex. I exhibited at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January in Nerida Hansen’s booth and now I will be in her booth at Surtex. Last year was my first year at Surtex- I had one of the tiny “beginner’s booths”- I learnt a lot and it was exhilarating as well as overwhelming, but totally worth it. This year I’m looking forward to having more time to meet other designers!
- About the designer…
I had worked as an architect for 25 years when in 2012 (due to the recession) I looked to my passion for patterns and fabrics and started my own product line. I’ve had so much fun, that I’m not planning on returning to architecture!
- Follow Solvejg on Instagram!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.