UBD BlogBack to inbox

UBD Network meets Charlotte Williams

Previous Next

Charlotte Williams first came to our attention when she scooped The New Designers Graham and Brown Award for her detailed fabric designs. We wanted to know more so we met up with Charlotte to ask some questions about her work and what the future holds.

Q1 How would you best describe your style of work?

My designs have a hand drawn style incorporating textures, which can be frottage, polka dots or graphic textures found in envelopes. This makes my drawings have another dimension by adding definition and accents, for example picking out petals can make an object look more 3D on a 2D surface. When printing onto fabric or paper, I aim to make some pieces more textural by using fabrics such as linens and rough silks to give it a screen printed feel when something is digitally printed. This drawing technique is represented on paper through Collaging which I also replicate digitally for application of fabric into commercially useable designs.  Colour is important in my designs as I look at future trends and adapt them to themes of my project. I feel I am experimental with colour and try to create collections with a more unusual colour palette.

Q2 What is it that inspires you and how do these inspirations reflect within your designs?

I am really inspired by 1950’s textile design and the graphic qualities which were dominant in textile design during this period. In particular, Lucienne Day’s designs which incorporated textures with graphic style shapes.  More recently, I like the work of Orla Kiely and the textures used which also gives a retro feel.  Over the past 2 years at university I have had a chance to really explore and refine my style and develop it with these designers being some of my main influences to reach this.

Q3 Could you describe your creation process  and what methodology do you use to create such inspiring surface pattern designs? 

The creation of a project usually comes from looking at future trends in the interior textile market along with looking at what is selling at that time, making a visit to a gallery, country etc and interpret a theme through what is seen.  I start with initial drawings and source textures that I can use that would incorporate my theme, further communicating it. Then I would experiment further with repeats and layouts.

Q4 UBD Network noticed that you won a national award at this year’s New Designers. Could you tell us a little bit about the award and how you think it will help you move forward as a textile designer?

The award was The New Designers Graham and Brown Award and this included a 3 week work placement and a £1,500 cash prize. Over the next couple of months I will be working on interpreting some of my designs and coordinates for wallpaper.  It has made me more confident to know that my designs have been recognised and having the incredible opportunity to work alongside their designers in a studio.  It is my ambition to work as part of an in-house studio and because of the award it attracts attention from employers and allows me to experience what it will be like to work within this environment.

Q5 Having recently graduated what are your plans for the future?

My plans are to complete my work experience and take every opportunity I am offered and to apply and go to interviews for in-house or freelance jobs either in interior textiles or card/gift wrap design.  Having gained a 1st in my degree in BA (Hons) Textile Design, Printed Textiles, I intend to explore my design capability further through creation of new collections.  As mentioned above, I would like to work at an in-house design studio in either interior textiles or card/gift wrap. In the meantime, I have been exploring some freelance opportunities in order to gain some valuable experience about the industry as a whole.

Charlottes portfolio can be seen here!

by Sasha
Tuesday 10th August 2010