Surface Textile Designer Business Start Up

Story

https://www.typingthreads.com About: After graduating in 2001 with a graphic design degree at Camberwell College of Arts and a textile master's distinction in 2022 at Norwich University of Arts, I have worked as a surface pattern designer specialising in printed textiles influenced by nature and urban structures. Currently, I work for the NHS part-time, and this funding would allow me to take the risk of transitioning to becoming a full-time creative. I extract information and interpret new forms of surface design for well-being using science and data to inform my practice. I have developed my practice by working with individuals suffering from diseases listening to their needs and responding creatively. For example, by providing a flexible, changeable environment aiding well-being through bespoke textile designs. I also like to share my skills and knowledge by delivering workshops which also supports me to develop an understanding of others in the community. Aim: To set up a studio space for designing and making. In order for me to do this, I will need funding for equipment, hire of studio space, fabrics, inks, and makers festival fees to provide exposure to my business for further development. I create my own contemporary fabrics through screen-printing, dyeing, devore producing tactility to alleviate diseases such as migraine and support general well-being. The fabrics are then produced for interior and conceptual contexts. Recently I have made quilts which are dyed, hand screen-printed and hand quilted which have been in several exhibitions regionally including Norfolk, Doncaster, and London. I hope to develop more quilts, using a variety of techniques and sell these at specialist design and maker markets. At present, I cannot afford to have a studio, as I am a single mum and work part-time. I have been making things at home however I am not able to make things to the quality I want because I don’t have the space or access to specialist equipment which I need for creating my textiles pieces. This funding will support me to develop my practice, by working more large scale, and by also giving me access to specialist equipment. It will give me the chance to see if I can make the leap from working for the NHS for the last 13 years to being a full-time creative which is my dream! Outcome: I have been given the opportunity to showcase my work at 'Handmade Britain' recently on the BBC programme called 'Make it to Market' supporting creatives to leap their craft/design into a full-time career. This is what I want to do! Handmade Britain has offered me a space in their Chelsea Festival in November 2023 and to do this I need to make more unique and exclusive products whereby your support would be massively appreciated. My aim is to reach my goal with this funding within the next two years and have my brand in the industry and specialist shops such as Anthropologie, Conran, Liberty, Heals, Zero Living and Heals and Scandium. Expenditure if achieved funding Textile printing table £2000 Screens £600 Screen printing exposure unit £5000 Washout Booth £690 Open Access at East London Printmakers for one year £1000 Material Consumables fabrics, threads, dyes, pastes, inks, draft paper, Posca pens and pencils £1000 Rewards £20 – receive a limited-edition zine. £50 or more receive a limited-edition tote bag.