Today our designer interview is with UPB graduate and Yorkshire based designer Catherine Worsley of Northern Lights Creative.
When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?
I started doodling as soon as I could hold a crayon! I always wanted to be Graphic Designer or Illustrator and pursued that goal, then fairly recently I was asked to help on a project with a friend designing patterns for children’s sleepwear which was one of the most enjoyable projects I’ve ever worked on! I knew at that point this was the direction I wanted to go in.
What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?
I signed up for all four of the ABSPD modules which was the best thing I could ever have done, I’ve learnt so much through the course and am now at the point where I’m happy with my style and am ready to approach companies.
How would you describe your style?
All my designs start out on paper, my style is eclectic, vibrant, a little bit retro, textured and bold.
What kind of designer do you want to be known as?
I’d like to be known for producing bold and distinctive designs that make people smile.
What are you working on currently?
Having just completed the UPB course I’m in the process of pulling together all the designs I’ve created into a portfolio to send off to potential buyers.
What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?
Take the ABSPD courses! They teach you everything you need to know, also always keep your eyes peeled when you’re out and about for trends, make lots of notes about the kinds of styles you like, but remember how important it is to find your own style.
What would be your dream design gig?
Designing home wares for Anthropologie or Ikea, or stationery for Paperchase.
Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?
I would love to get some more licensing deals, exhibit at trade fairs and get my work featured in one of the Print & Pattern books, this one would be a dream come true!
If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?
I would be a bold, layered placement pattern with lots of textures and colourful details as that reflects my love of fun, variety and adventure.
What was the most important lesson you took away from UPB?
That you always need to keep an eye on current and future trends, and to keep experimenting with various styles and mediums so that you don’t get stuck in a design rut.
What difference did it make to have a supportive community of fellow students and how important do you think that will be going forward?
The support from the other students has always been one of my favourite parts of all the modules, working alone can be quite tricky as a designer so to be able to get feedback and advice from classmates is invaluable. I’ve made connections with lots of other designers from various parts of the world, one of these connections led to me selling some designs in China which I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own.
Please tell us about your experience of the live briefs and student work reviews.
I loved working on all the live briefs as they’re such a good insight into how the industry works, it was really helpful to be challenged with a variety of different projects and I’ve been able to massively expand my portfolio. The student work review was also a highlight for me and extremely helpful and encouraging, I came away from it with loads of new ideas and even more motivated to carry on developing my style.
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I studied Graphic Design & Illustration at Northampton University (many moons ago!) and went on to work as a Graphic Designer for various agencies before starting up my own business in 2001. I am based in Yorkshire and draw a lot of inspiration by my surroundings. I am also inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design, as well as children’s book illustrations from the 1970’s. I’m happy to work in different mediums but most of my ideas start with a doodle, I carry sketchbooks with me everywhere I go as inspiration can come from anywhere at anytime!
Amazed by what you see above from our talented students? Join our next class of The Ultimate Portfolio Builder which starts September 21st 2015.
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