A few weeks ago I found a job advert asking print and graphic designers to work from home by submitting two pieces of artwork that could be printed onto a t-shirt. Then two people would get chosen and their artwork would be sold on t-shirts online.

I thought why not? What else have I got to do? 

So I spent the day drawing and design and finally submitted my work, expecting to not hear anything back. Well, guess what? I was chosen! It was a very unexpected surprise, but also some good news and positivity in theses worrying times. What is also great is my name and a little but of info about me is featured on the website, which is great for self promotion. 

Below is a link to the site, please take a look and support self employed designers!
Many thanks and take care x   

​https://societal.store/collections/new/products/its-been-a-long-day-short-sleeve-unisex-t-shirt-by-jess-westwood

We are living in some crazy and uncertain times, who knows when life is going back to 'normal'. So today, on World Art Day, I have decided to turn the negatives into positives.  

While being stuck at home indoors I'm using my time wisely designing more, painting more and reading more. I was given a very 'Jess present' for my birthday earlier this year, a book called 'The secret Lives of Colour' by Kassia St Clair. This book goes into detail about the history of different colours and how certain shades of colours have been used in art and fashion over time. I finally have the time to sit down, relax and read it through properly and actually learning something! 

I am also spending a lot more time designing prints which I am fortunate enough to be able to do from home. However, given the current situation sales are very low as the fashion industry has come to a halt. Until further notice I shall be producing more and more artwork, doing what I so best. I am so hopefully that when this nightmare is over everything will come back bigger, stronger and better than ever.

Just hang in there. 


Happy World Art Day!

I have recently been offered a great temporary opportunity designing, based in Wolverhampton a small company which a large client profile called International Insignia. Where they purely design placement prints for apparel. Featuring brands, museums, zoos and merlin entertainment attractions on mainly t-shirts and hoodies for the gift shops. I was responsible for the designing from start to finish through to the placement, colour, scale, print and logo. 

This has been a great insight into different brands both large and small from all over the United Kingdom and I have been extremely privileged to design for them. Being a print designer my work mainly consists of AOP repeats, so working on something that is only placement was a bit different. However, anyone in this industry knows well enough, you need to gain as much experience as you can and this has been a great new challenge that I am very grateful for. 

Hopefully later in the year I'll be able to show you some of my designs on finished garments, but for now let's see where the next adventure takes us next. 

I've recently started to freelance from home for a new company called Hello Hector specialising in Kidswear designs. My designs are taken to trade fairs to be sold and has just been to the London Print Design Fair. Conversations with big companies such as Debenhams, JoJo Maman Bébé and Jasper Conran and many other independent brands happened at the show which were well received, and welcomed, in an Industry that is lacking our specialism. It's a great step for people like me looking to gain experience within the industry and also to get paid for your work! 

Hello Hector have now set up a online portfolio where you can purchase designs anytime online. To have a look just email hello@hello-hector.com to request access. 

​https://www.hello-hector.com/

Interning for a month at an award winning company who specialises in supplying trend-setting commercial prints and work closely alongside the fashion teams from mass market high street brands such as Topshop, ASOS, Urban Outfitters, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Tesco and most other UK retailers. I am responsible for researching current and future trends and creating a range of different designs. Also for making deliveries around London and preparing artwork for meetings and clients.

I have really enjoyed this placement, designing for different high street brands and getting to know other clients. It has been a really great and valuable experience. I have learnt knew techniques on photoshop and illustrator that I can know take forward into other roles and for my own use. I would highly recommend this company if you are looking for experience in print design, it's a great place to start out and learn new things. 

For the second time while freelancing I have found one of my designs on the front page on Patternbank. It it extremely rewarding when things like this happen after struggling to find work and gain experience. It makes you feel like not giving up and that you are doing some right for one of your prints to get featured. 
I usually design 6 months to a year in advance but this is a trend that could potentially be around for another 2 years. I am always looking ahead for new trends and I do really like this new trend story, as not very often do I get to create a conversational design.  

I have recently been given the opportunity to gain some experience working in a print design studio, it has given me a huge insight into the day to day running and working within a fast paced studio and also into the fashion and textile industry. I throughly enjoyed my time there and I am looking to gain more internships like this. 
Working in a studio gives you a lot of freedom on designing and offers a wide range of clients you can sell to. Many often sell to well known high street brands but also sell to different countries worldwide. They also highly encourage hand drawings for your designs, which is something I really enjoy.
I really recommend gaining lots of different experience to help gain more of an understanding of different parts of the industry. 

I can't wait to start my next Internship in August and onto the next adventure!

I have always had a big passion for sustainability and recycling and today its more relevant than ever. I have combined this with my other passion for arts and crafts and have started making with goods using natural and unwanted materials. This is helping prevent more unnecessary mass production and decreasing the amount of waste we produce. 
Helping save the environment that one small step at a time. 
I am going to be continuing making this crafts using these empty unwanted glass jars as well as other materials and maybe even possibly selling them. 
I'm also going to encourage you to do the same!  

As a designer it's always a great to see you work somewhere, whether it's printed on fabric or just online. I came across not just one but TWO of my prints on Patternbank in their new trend story. 

Minute details is a trend for Spring/Summer 2020 containing lots of delicate ditsy florals. Below in the red circles are both my print available to purchase just in time for Summer. 

As a designer looking to gain experience within the industry your biggest goal and dream is to get just one of your designs in store. After casual shopping I noticed something very familiar. It's an extremely proud moment and one you feel the need to tell everyone. 

So here's something I helped work on while at my time with George at Asda. I am so pleased the print was used on a number of different products and colourways.