After completing this unit, I have successfully developed a form of good practice
in the sense of how I work; from taking an original idea, through to visual
research, and then a successful realisation of the idea in the form of a print.
In addition, I think I have successfully realised my place in the world of
design as a digital print designer that utilises technology to develop
conceptual prints that can be adapted to be used on a variety of garments, for
a customer market of girls around the age of 17-28 that like to experiment with
fashion and enjoy bright prints. This unit has helped me contextualise my work
realistically for the outside world for when I leave university, which is what
I originally set out to do.
For a successful project I found that having primary research is essential
for beginning any design work, and that it is okay to look at ideas that have
done before to inform a path of research. For example when I got stuck with realising
the theme of death in what I wanted to do, going back to what I enjoyed doing
and exploring a past interest of cells helped create a
healthy starting point to explore printing
cells onto fabrics, to be made into garments, to come up with my idea of
'Wearing Death'. It is also very useful to go back to primary and previous
visual research, and laying all my work out, when I get stuck on what to draw
as sometimes looking back over things with a new frame of mind can spark an
idea.
Market research has also been important to inform the development of my
prints, as being aware of what is already out there and who buys what, made me
realise what makes a successful print. This in combination with trend research
has made me realise that I prefer working with a predicted theme to make my
work relevant and successful to the right customer. After choosing to not to do
the mature collection, I found that I preferred, and worked best, creating
prints for girls around the same age as me, because this is the market level
that I am most familiar with, and can relate to.
Artist research has also made me more aware of what is out there already and
who works in a similar way to me, so I can improve on my own practice. It has
also raised my awareness of how I could advertise my prints and my skills as a textiles
practitioner, which are essential skills for when I leave university. Entering
competitions, and work experience research has also helped prepare me for life
after a student, as seeing my prints in context, highlights what works in a successful
digital print for certain garments, and market levels.
For the next unit I look forward to further exploring the use of technology
in creating textiles for fashion, by using more applications to create prints,
and applying them to garments to be made into a collection.