03/02/2024
I'm working on something I've been wanting to do for a long, long time - Surface Pattern Design!
Designing patterns for fabric was a huge part of my Textile Design Diploma from that I got, back in 2011. After that, I briefly worked as a Textile Designer for home textiles, with . (You can see some of my work in my portfolio - www.behance.net/shailee)
It had been 10 years since I worked as a designer, so in 2021 I decided to refresh my skills - while the world was dealing with Covid and the subsequent job losses, I took a big leap and quit my sample maker job at Frost Textiles, to go back to studying. The Digital Media and Design certificate from definitely helped with that! However, by the time I graduated, another lockdown hit New Zealand and I was yet again struggling to find a job!
I then decided to take 's free mini class called 'Start Simple in Fabric Design' and it was a great way to get back into textile design. While this course helped me design patterns using Adobe Illustrator, I didn't get to do much with it as I had to start working again - it was my second job in NZ, that wasn't a creative one, but it helped pay the bills and it made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile with my time.
A year and a half later, as I struggle to find a job again, I am currently working on (more because I don't own a laptop with the latest version of the Adobe Creative Suite 🙈) and this is my very first design, while I complete 's 'Procreate Patterns Unleashed' course.