J.L.W Illustration: 08/27/12

Monday 27 August 2012

ABSPD FEATURED DESIGNER - A Side Project

Welcome to Monday mornings blog, and another fabulous feature from one of my ABSPD classmates, Jessie Macaw. Jessie is the owner and creator of 'A Side Project', a design division of 'NineteenA Design' focusing on craft and surface pattern design. Her creations are so fun and diverse, and her branding is so strong, its an absolute pleasure to have her featured on my Blog.

Can you tell me a little bit about your background in Surface Pattern Design?

To be honest I had no idea of what surface design was until I stumbled upon a 'Do What You Love for Life' web ad. I have been working as a graphic designer for the past 7 years and have always loved both pattern and repeats so I was really excited when I found the course.

What made you apply for the ABSPD course and what have you gained from it so far?

At the time that I applied for the course I had been working at the same job for over 6 years - producing more or less the same kind of work. Because my degree is in communication I had missed out on a lot of the important 'inspiration' and 'sketching' lessons that most designers study and cover so for me the ABSPD course offered all this plus more. The course has been amazing and not only have I discovered a lot of happy 'accidents' though sketching (something I previously rarely did) that have become some of my favourite patterns but I have also become part of a large supportive, surface design community (I love you girls!)

Can you describe your style and what methods you use to create your designs?

My designs are quirky, bright and predominately hand drawn. I consider myself a bit of a storyteller so a lot of my designs are character based.

Where do you see your work progressing in the next few years, and what industry would you say you are aiming at?

Surface design is more or less non-existent as an industry in New Zealand so over the next few years I will continue to create patterns more as inspiration than income. I have a small part time apparel printing business so I imagine the pattern will naturally gravitate into these designs. I also have a small range of cards and tea towels which I plan to launch later this year.