Creating Texture

Own Photo 

Own Photo

These Photos show how I have being using texture, from my drawings to create designs that are unique and will possibly make people want to take a closer look at the designs.

Development

Own Photo

This a close up of a design I produced where I have tried to bleed the floras to make my designs look more contemporary, however I feel this design is weak and unsuccessful as it is not sensitive to my mark making within my drawings. This is something I feel I need to improve upon within my deisgn work for my final collection.

Primary Research

Own Photo

Own Photo

Own Photo

These photos were taken at 1940s war retro weekend and gave me loads of ideas for what I could with my work, as well as ideas for minor project on what to draw. I always loved the idea of combining masculine with feminine and I felt the idea of contrasting war with florals was successful concept because it gave a balance to my work, making it more marketable I felt.

Fashion

http://www.lovika.com

http://www.lovika.com

http://www.lovika.com

This collection by gucci has inspired me because of the bright colors and I what I thought was interesting was the almost contrast between the bright primary colors and the geometric patterns that are so striking.

Fashion s/s 16



http://www.lovika.com

http://www.lovika.com

http://www.lovika.com

Flocking, Deveolpment

Own Photo

Own Photo

These pictures show how I have being using the flocking gun to create another layer to my work , however I feel the flocking technique almost takes away my style of drawing away, as my work is quite naive and sensitively drawn.

Fashion S/S 16

www.gimmiefashion.com

www.lovika.com

These photos have inspired me where I have noticed that stripes are making a moment on the catwalk this is a trend I want to try and incorporate within my work, using my medal stripes as color inspiration.

Stripes




Own Photo

Own Photo

These photos show where I have started to think about backgrounds and layering, however to improve these designs I could paint over the white and further more I could layer these deigns some more. Adding embellishment such as hand embroidery or machine embroidery, then taking them further with digital print. 





FMP, Moodboards

Own Photo

Own Photo

These boards show where I have researched menswear and androgyny, for my final collection where I am designing for menswear and womens wear. As I am using my war drawings I decided to create a camouflage background to make my boards more faun and exciting. I feel the back board does not really fit with the camouflage board, I think the images do, but to improve I could have painted this in a camouflage background too, in a contrasting color to link them together.

Hand Painting , Embroidery

Own Photo

This photo is of a hand painted floral taken from my drawing sheet, I painted this out because it was too rigid and lost its charm when I tried to do a repeat design of it in illustrator, this is where I feel the direction of my collection is heading in a more hand painted  fabric design collection.

FMP Drawings:

Own Photo

This drawing sheet is an added addition to my body of work from minor project, as I felt I was lacking something for a design I was currently working on. This sheet may work large scale as a placement, just all hand painted using procions, acids and a little bit of pigment. 

Buisness Cards:

Own Photo

Own Photo


These cards from vista print are my first set of digitally produced cards, I chose this design as it links in with my colour pallet and final collection. I will be producing some more digitally made business cards, in addition to some handmade cards. An array of these cards will be present at my CCAD degree show.  

Textile Designer, Helen Dealtry: Interview

Helen Dealtry



After eight years working in textile studios in London and New York, artist Helen Dealtry had put in her time — she was ready to design for more than the fashion market. She also knew she wanted to create a line she could pin her own name to.
Enter Woking Girl Designs, the creative textile design studio based in Brooklyn, NY that Helen founded in 2008. At Woking Girl, Helen splits her time between creating art (her Instagram account is a color shot of inspiration!) and managing the tasks with the stresses of being a small business owner. Her hard work has paid off in the form of compelling design collaborations with clients like Loeffler Randall, Bain, J. Crew, Anthropologie and more. And, of course, there’s the pleasure of seeing her artwork on everything from scarves and shoes to wallpaper.
“I’ve cried from sheer frustration many, many times over the years as I struggled to earn my stripes,” she says. “There are so many great artists out there, so I really believe that the best way to find your own unique spot is practice.”

“You have to know the ‘why’ behind what you do. If you ever sell your own line, this is about the most important thing you should keep in mind.”

When did you realize you were ready to launch your own label? What was the most trying part of this process? And, what was the most rewarding or inspiring?

As a textile designer, I was producing 10 to 13 designs a week for others — including potential clients — and there were always one or two in the weekly batch I’d love. I’d imagine it on a dress or a shoe or as great wallpaper and put it in my ‘archive’ drawer.  One day, I realized that drawer had about 20 designs in it. It was time to put them to use.

I decided to launch with scarves because I wanted a format that could showcase my artwork and an accessory that was easy for people to keep in their wardrobes for years. I also liked the idea that a scarf could work as an accent in the home. However, the scarf market is very competitive. Establishing your own line and making it stand out is pretty tough. I didn't have any experience in self-promotion on this level, so that’s been a steep learning curve. It’s made me question every decision I make through the process; from where to produce to how the scarves should be marketed. I’m constantly inspired by the other small business owners working in and around Brooklyn — their support has been invaluable to growing my own brand. Listening to their experiences and learning from them along the way has been a huge help.

How do you organize your day?

That’s a work in progress! My day has changed a lot in the past four years due to the company’s growth. There are many moving parts at the moment, and accordingly, I’m learning how to adjust the way I work. 

Typically, Monday is reserved for talking with the team, setting up the week ahead, following up on emails, market research, press and outreach. Throughout the week, I try to keep meetings to lunch times or later in the afternoon so I don’t split up the day too much. I’m a morning person, so I’ve found that I do my best painting first thing when I have the most energy. 

What is it about your job that makes you feel it’s the right fit for you?

I value that I’m able to be creative in my daily work. I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember, and when I’m in the ‘zone’ I completely tune out everything else. That isn’t really by choice; it’s just kind of a wonderful vacuum. I can’t think of any other way to describe it, but it’s something I love.

I’ve always wanted to collaborate directly with designers whom I admire, and now that I am, I’m finding it just as fulfilling as I’d hoped. There’s nothing like melding skill sets to come up with something totally fresh. When you reach that point in the project where everyone says, ‘Yeah, this is great!’ it’s incredibly rewarding.

What challenges keep you awake at night?

Everything concerning money: spending it in the hope of making it, cash flow, etc. I’m always wondering, ‘Am I working hard enough on the right projects?’ Fear and self-doubt tend to crop up at the wee hours of the early morning. More often than not, I go to bed with too many tabs open in my head. I’m trying to make changes to turn off from work at a reasonable time of night. Right now, no Instagram or email checking after 8 p.m. is my new rule. One day, I hope I get to a place where I can just leave the phone in another room so I’m not tempted to check it when I wake up in the middle of the night.

Is work/life balance ever a problem with you? If so, what is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance? 

Yes, there have been challenging times, particularly in the past year as business has increased. It’s like a baby you feel you need to constantly feed and check on — and I’m a totally overbearing parent! But it takes its toll on other parts of your life if you don’t get a handle on it. Scheduling and time management is key. 

Thankfully, I have a very supportive boyfriend who points out when my obsession is peaking. I also have a dog that has demanding needs of his own. Walking him, taking trips upstate and seeing friends helps to keep me in check and give me a chance to reset. When all else fails, I do love a long bath!

Was there ever a moment in your career where you’ve thought, “I made it!” What was it? 

For many years, I worked as a textile designer doing spec work for textile studio collections. That meant that I often didn’t even know who bought my artwork unless I saw it in a store or magazine. However, I did see one of my prints going down the catwalk in Paris on a couture gown, which was super exciting as a young designer. 

It’s been so gratifying to have designed for and collaborated with brands like Urban Outfitters, Ralph Lauren and GAP. That said, it’s easy to get lost in the process of designing and deadlines and forget what an honor it is to work with these names that have global reach and that people wear on the street every day.

More recently, I’ve been lucky enough to do a lot of work with Loeffler Randall, a label I’ve always admired. I collaborated with them to design the prints for their bags and shoes. I think sitting in their NYC office with creative director Jessie Randall and her team was my moment of ‘Wow, this is the job I always dreamt of—I’m actually doing this!’

Tell us about your more about your wallpaper collaboration, expected to launch next year. How do you anticipate balancing the two brands? 

I’m really excited about the wallpaper line I’ll be launching with my partner Warren Corbitt. We’d designed together in the past on a few projects and felt our skill sets worked really well together. Recently, we collaborated on branding for a real estate development, which included custom wallpaper. The response to the design was so great, we thought, ‘Hey, maybe we’re onto something here!’ 

This is a business that will have to run alongside our current jobs, so we’re approaching things in a very considered, grassroots kind of way. I’m planning to delegate most of the sales and marketing responsibilities that I still have at the studio, which will free up more room for design and product development. I’m finding that handing over parts of your business to somebody more specialized is the best way to keep things manageable.

What are some of the rules you live by?

Try to be kind. If there’s something you can do to help someone else out in a way you yourself were helped, do it. Strive to listen and give honest answers without putting yourself first. Share your talent and encourage others who look up to you. Work hard, always try your best, but also know when enough is enough.

What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work? 

Self-motivation is key. When you work in a typical textile studio, the normal expectation is that you complete two designs a day. Inspiration can run pretty thin when you’re trying to produce at those numbers. You have to find ways to keep yourself excited by what you’re designing, because I think that always shows through in the work. Get out to museums, see plays, meet other artists, go dancing and travel when you can. Inspiration can come from the most unusual source.

Determination is also crucial. I’ve cried from sheer frustration many, many times over the years as I struggled to earn my stripes. There are so many great artists out there, so I really believe that the best way to find your own unique spot is practice. Through practice, you will find your own style and voice. Keep at it!

Finally, you have to know the ‘why’ behind what you do. If you ever sell your own line, this is about the most important thing you should keep in mind.

What one piece of advice do you wish you could tell a 21-year-old version of yourself? 

I look back and give myself credit for taking a risk and moving across the world to try something new at age 20. I’m not naturally an adventurous person and I remember being pretty freaked out by the pace of work and city life. I think I’d say, ‘Trust in your talent, be patient and don’t sweat the small stuff so much, Dealtry!’

http://www.iwantherjob.com/your-career/interview/helen-dealtry 

Current Bay

Own Photo

This photo shows my work half way through FMP, I have been busy in the print room, handpainting with inks, procions, acids and have been trying various backgrounds such as the old newspapers, which I will scan in at a later point.

Hand Painted florals, bohiman vibes with added embelshiment

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Mood boards # Minor Project

Own Photos 

These boards show my Minor project ideas , thinking about childrens wear and womens wear for my chosen market , I have chosen a bright color pallet with this being my final collection. I am inspired by artists such as Yves Klein for his bright blue tones, Bobbie burgers for her amazing floral designs and abstract art.

life Drawing

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These drawings from a life drawing class at the beginning of fmp, I found this class helpful, in terms of line drawings, shape and shading for the rest of my drawings in minor project.

Website Creation

Screenshot 

This is the start of my brand new website, where I hope in the future I can open my online shop so I can begin to sell my deisgns/ products. I hope this website will also inspire and enlighten people as I post about all things that personally inspire me such as art of fashion ect.

#Art, #Experimental, #Design ,# Embroidery, Creations

Own Photo

Own Photo

These photos show where I have begun to bring texture into my work this is something I hope to build upon, bringing layers of different elements into my designs, adding more texture and detail into my work. This embroidery is successful I feel because its detailed and brings out my naive charm to my work, being carefull not to lose this style.

Social Media

Own Screenshot

This image shows how I have been documenting my FMP progress, using
a mix of handpainting , digital and embroidery for fashion.

Own Photo

Reblle Programe

These screenshots show part of my camouflage design taken from my tank drawing, using the rebelle programme and using the hue/ saturation tools on Photoshop.  

Own Photos





Making Screens

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Own Photo

These photos show my first attempt this year at making screens, as for final major project I am focusing on print, using different techniques such as miner foam and flocking.

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rose_glitter_textiles/ Follow me on instagram !

Work Bay

Own Photo

This photo is from second year, showing drawings from my concept, which was Fashion for Interiors with an Oriental Twist, inspired by timorous beasties.



#Embelshiment

Own Photo

This photo shows my print and embellishment board for final major project, this has helped me to think about fabric choice as well as combining print with embroidery instead of just having them separate.  I have focused on the top end of the market, researching evening wear for A/W 16 to help market my own designs.



Florals

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This is a close up image of the florals, which were drawn from primary research I had gathered from various garden centres and botanic gardens.  

Work Bay

Own Photo

This photo shows my work bay from first year, the concept was ethereal which made me start to think more deeper about colour pallet, such as shade and depth. I thought my drawings were successful in this project because I invested more time in the sensitivity of the drawings, something I am keen to keep working on in third year.

 



# Print # Fashion # Bright

Own Photo

This photo shows my print research, focusing on fashion for evening wear such as military prints, which relate to my current project. To improve I could have gathered my research from journals and magazines instead of just the internet.