I’ve been a fan of Beck’s designs for years. But after getting to know her inside Pitch Your Portfolio last year, she’s earned my respect as well. Not only is she an absolute delight to chat with, but her persistence to develop her career is inspiring. And I know you’ll enjoy learning more about her as she’s this month’s spotlight designer.
Please Introduce Yourself
I’m from Melbourne, Australia and have been designing for a long time! I probably found my way into surface designer (although I didn’t know it was called that back then) 9 years ago.
Tell us a little bit about your design journey.
My journey started in web design, then I worked as a graphic designer and still do. During my years working as a full-time graphic designer, I was yearning to create away from the computer and enrolled in a couple of screen printing courses. We learned about printing a repeat pattern and I was totally fascinated! It led me to study a textiles course, which I never finished, but it set me up on the path to surface design.
What advice about the surface design industry has been most helpful to you in your career so far?
I’ve come to realize that being persistent in this industry and having the desire and determination to keep creating will get you somewhere. I’ve read a lot of advice, but I feel it comes down to those things.
What has been your favorite client collaboration to date and how did you find them?
I am very fond of my first collaboration that I found myself with Australian business Apiary Made. I approached them at a market and have worked with them on their collection of beeswax wraps that are sold locally and internationally. I was using beeswax wraps prior to this collaboration, so it was wonderful to work on a product that I not only use myself, but is both high quality and sustainable.
When you look back at your design journey so far, what are you most proud of?
The ability to create and share my work to a wider audience through collaborations and my own products; and bring a bit of joy into their lives.
What advice would you give to surface designers who are struggling?
Struggling is part of the process and can set you on a path to experimenting with something different.
It could be as simple as trying a different colour palette or style that you don’t normally do. Or maybe you might try a different avenue to get your designs out there (print on demand sites or your own products). Even it they don’t work out, you’ll learn something from giving it a go.
Where can we find you?
Website: www.fabricdrawer.com.au
Instagram: @fabric_drawer
Facebook: /fabricdrawer
P.S. If you’d like to be featured on the SDR blog, you can always submit your story right here!
