Make It In Design Interview!
In August I was interviewed by Make It In Design! I was thrilled to have been selected for this designer feature on their website and blog. For those who missed seeing my designer interview and would like to know more about me and read my interview which was published on 31st August, here is the link - Kirsten Katz Featured Designer
Designer Feature with Make It In Design Blog
When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?
I have always had a love for patterns and textile design since my early childhood. Growing up I was always artistic and I loved art and craft classes, everything from pottery, sculpture, drawing, painting, copper art and even macramé and string art! I learned how to sew, knit, crotchet, do cross stitch and embroidery from my mother and grandmother. So I was always making things to either wear, display or to decorate in some way. In 2012 I decided to study Textile Design and it was during this year that I discovered my love of surface pattern design.
What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?
I have taken a very long roundabout way in pursuing my dream to become a designer. When I left school I continued studying ballet fulltime and went on to become a ballet teacher and aerobics instructor for several years. I then went into the jewellery industry with my husband for over 25 years running our own wholesale and retail businesses.
When my youngest child was in his final year at school I decided I wanted to study something as a personal interest. When my daughter was studying fashion design at The Fashion Design Studio she told me that there was a course in textile design and fabric printing which I may like to do. I decided to apply and I had to submit a portfolio of original art work as well as submit design patterns for three different products as part of the submission process. Nervously I waited for about 6 weeks until the letter came and I had been accepted!
What followed was an extremely intense full time year of study, design classes, drawing classes, colour theory, marketing and business classes, learning to screen print and also learning to design for digital printing. There was so much to absorb accompanied by endless assignments and design briefs. However I loved it and I dreamt pattern designs and worked day and night and most weekends whilst studying.
Since completing the textile design course I have set up my own design studio. I have completed further study and various other design and illustration courses and I am continuing to hone my design skills and signature style.
How would you describe your style?
I would have to say my style is bold, graphic and stylised. I do a lot of hand drawn images for my designs which I combine with vibrant and contemporary colour palettes to create striking patterns that are on trend and modern.
What kind of designer do you want to be known as?
Ideally I would love to be known as designer for the interior and home décor markets. A designer that creates quality products in a sustainable and ethical manner. I would love my designs to stand the test of time.
What are you working on currently?
I am currently working on two collections of designs. One collection is a small range of designs for a bolt fabric collection and the other are some new designs which are aimed at the children’s market for girls and boys clothing and bedding. I am also planning a new collection for the interior market.
What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?
Always design in a small collection with a main design and a couple of coordinating prints because it will save you time to create several patterns and designs at the same time when you are on a flow with that theme and style. I would also advise to design for your strengths, natural ability and what really inspires you and be mindful of showing a variety of work and subject matter.
What would be your dream design gig?
My dream design gig would be to be able to design seasonal collections for the interior and home décor market each year and have my designs on items like wallpaper, curtains, upholstery, bedding, soft furnishings, table cloths, linen, kitchen and dinnerware products which would be sold via a major retailer such as Anthropologie, Ikea and Crate and Barrel.
Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?
My major goals for the next couple of years are to focus on building my portfolio of designs for the three market areas I want to focus on and approach companies to work with on a license basis. The markets areas that I want to focus on are Home Interiors, Bolt Fabric and textile designs for Baby and Toddlers.
If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?
I would definitely be a floral pattern. Not a ditsy or country garden style floral but a bold and dramatic floral with edgy and stylised flowers that celebrated being unique.