UPB Graduate Interview: Jennifer Seymour

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Today we are delighted to share with you an interview with Jennifer Seymour of Sea & Stone who is a graduate of The Ultimate Portfolio Builder which she took in September 2015.

 

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

I`ve been an artist and graphic designer for decades. When I discovered the world of pattern design several years ago, it seemed a natural progression for my work. It brought together my love of art-making, colour and pattern.

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

I took all 4 modules of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design. I`ve also been drawing and painting my whole life.

 

How would you describe your style?

Painterly, printed, textural. I`m still working on establishing a style.

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What are you working on currently?

I`m currently working on creating as many patterns as I can. Drawing, painting, printing and mark-making. I`m also still working on dying and sewing for my existing shibori textile shop on Etsy – Sea & Stone.

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

To keep experimenting and make lots of work. Don`t jump into commercial projects too quickly. Give yourself time to enjoy the process.

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What would be your dream design gig?

I would love to design patterns for Diane von Fürstenberg or Mary Katrantzou.

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

I`m using the first part of this year to build a collection of patterns I feel proud of. In the fall, I will redesign my website to incorporate this new direction in my work.

 

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

Classic.

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

That there`s room for all of us.

 

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

It was lovely to have that support and encouragement. I met so many friendly and talented people online.

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Please tell us about your experience of the live briefs and student work reviews.
The live briefs really forced us to think about our work in a different way. How can the customer use this design? Who is this pattern for? Very valuable exercises. And the video work review was the single most encouraging thing so far.

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Jen Seymour March2016 sm UPB Graduate Interview: Jennifer Seymour

My background is in fine art (jenniferseymour.com) and graphic design. I also currently run a shop on Etsy making hand-dyed shibori accessories for the home and self. When I discovered the world of pattern design several years ago, it seemed a natural progression for my work. I’ve since taken all 4 modules of the Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design, joined the Textile Lab at Pattern Observer and continue to experiment and learn everything I can on this new path.

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MIID_UPB_150PX_LRAmazed by what you see above from our talented students? Join our latest class of The Ultimate Portfolio Builder starting March 21, 2016.


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