UPB Graduate Interview: Gail Myerscough

Today we are delighted to share with you an interview with Gail Myerscough, a surface pattern designer based in Manchester, UK who took The Ultimate Portfolio Builder in September 2016.

Describing her style as ‘modern retro’ Gail creates colourful and bold designs and produces her own range of homewares, prints and stationery.

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

As a child, I loved colouring in. I once sent a picture to Tony Hart’s Gallery. It wasn’t chosen but that didn’t stop me wanting to be an artist when I grew up.
I studied Surface Pattern Design at University 20 years ago. At that time all work was hand drawn and used colour separation. Computers were hardly used apart from one session a week where we learnt the very basic Paint program. As my skills became obsolete I worked in other areas but really wanted to re-train and start designing again.

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

In January 2015 I started Module 1 of the Make It In Design course and have subsequently taken Modules 2 & 3 and the Ultimate Portfolio Builder. Not only has it give me the much needed skills to start designing again but re-kindled my passion for design.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as modern retro. I love to use bold colours and shapes in my work.

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

I would like to be known as a designer with a distinctive and recognizable style. I would like to have a reputation as being flexible, innovative and easy to work with.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on expanding my portfolio and gaining press coverage for my designs. My work is soon to be featured in a national Sunday newspaper and I have recently produced a new range of prints and notebooks.

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

Keep drawing, doodling and developing your own style. Trend forecasts are an important tool and can inspire new work. Look everywhere for inspiration and design in a style that is yours. Taking classes like the Make It In Design Ultimate Portfolio Builder, Patternmash briefs and entering design competitions are a great way to build your portfolio and try new things. One of my most successful designs, Lido Ladies, came from a Patternmash brief and is something I would never have tried without prompt.

What would be your dream design gig?

My dream design gig would be a range of patterns or homewares for an iconic brand like Liberty or Heals.

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

My goals for the next couple of years are to continue designing and building my brand, gain new clients and continue to develop my practice.

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

The most important lessons I took from UPB is to look everywhere for inspiration, challenge yourself and be confident in your own style.

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

To have the support of fellow students was incredibly important. Everyone has been so friendly and encouraging. It’s great to be able to share work and see how others interpret a given brief. I’ve met some fantastic creative people from all over the world and gained confidence and valuable knowledge from them.

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

The live briefs were a massive challenge and took a lot of hard work but it was a fantastic experience to be able to get your work in front of real companies. My designs were chosen to be published in Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine and I was shortlisted for the Printsource competition. This gave me a massive confidence boost. The live reviews were also incredibly helpful and gave me the belief that I’m on the right track.