UPB Graduate Interview: Eva Eliasson

Today we are delighted to bring you a designer interview with Swedish designer Eva Eliasson and graduate of The Ultimate Portfolio Builder (March 2016 class).

When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?

Since I was little I have always loved to draw and paint and make things. Even if I didn’t know exactly in what way, I have always known I wanted to work with color and/or craft.

What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?

I have a background in graphic design and illustration an some years ago I decided to learn more about surface pattern design. I have taken Module 2, 3 and 4, and also Summer school, and I have learnt so much.

How would you describe your style?

Modern, often with hand drawn or painted shapes, a lots of botanic stuff and florals but also strokes, geometrics and texture.

What kind of designer do you want to be known as?

A versatile, modern designer with a strong signature style.

What are you working on currently?

For the moment I am working on patterns for a bolt fabric commission. I also started to work on a colouring book …and I am constantly drawing!

What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?

Be consistent and confident about who you are as a designer. I used to show too many different styles in my online portfolio but since I narrowed it down I have had more companies approaching me for licensing and commission.

Photo Credit: teecrafter.com

What would be your dream design gig?

There are so many dream gigs… Home decor, wallpaper, stationery, fabric, fashion… I can’t choose one!

Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?

To carve out more time for designing and build a solid ground for my business to grow.

If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?

A hand drawn floral with a lot of details, but also some rough brush strokes here and there, since I am both meticulous and a bit impatient.

The Ultimate Portfolio Builder

What was the most important lesson you took away from UPB?

To develop my personal style, narrow it down a bit, to get more recognizable as a designer.

What difference did it make to have a supportive community of fellow students and how important do you think that will be going forward?

We are all new in this business together and it is great to have supportive people to ask and discuss with. I hope we will stay connected even in the future.

Please tell us about your experience of the live briefs and student work reviews.

The live briefs were so much fun. You have to push your design in directions you maybe wouldn’t have taken otherwise. Reviews were so rewarding, to have professional designers to review your work is really, really valuable, as they share their experience and knowledge about the business and the market

I am a designer based in Stockholm Sweden. I have a degree in graphic design and illustration and have worked for many years making infographics and illustration, both as an employee and as a freelancer. I have always been attracted to patterns and some years ago I decided to slowly change my career path towards becoming a pattern designer.