It’s been a while since I updated my blog, so I thought it would be nice to reflect on my 2013 and update you on how this year is ending for me and where it is leading to in 2014.
A regular lunchtime sight during the final weeks before the deadline. Eating, standing, working.
I can’t believe how much can change in a year and this has been the biggest one of my life to date (I hope and imagine there will be even bigger years!). This time last year I was banging my head on the kitchen table, attempting to write my dissertation.. So much has happened since!!!
Even in my third year, I still made some incredible friends on the course (and surrounding courses) at MMU, who I’d never been close to in the previous years. I think without them, and they know who they are, my time during final year would have been much different. At times I am my own worst enemy (and my course mates were often the same), with an extremely self critical eye. As a group of friends, we were able to identify when one of us were emotionally punishing ourselves for the tiniest imperfection in a design, or where we clearly weren’t seeing how incredible something was because we had become too close to it.. We would help each other out by taking the other away for a 5 minute coffee break, re-gathering our thoughts and going back into the studio to try again. Sometimes a light smack in the face was a little more beneficial, and I’m pretty sure this did happen on occasion!
My advice to anyone in their final year now, do make sure you’re not alone when the pressure is on. I used to be awful for hiding myself away, thinking I was better working alone. I really have learnt how important it is to take a step back, re-evaluate, and not be too proud to ask for advice or help from a friend, and more importantly, to not take criticism personally. The final 8 weeks of University were definitely a test of character and discipline! My determination has always been there, but it went to a completely new level, I’d even consider the word obsessed! It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I think sometimes you need to know when to stop.
At New Designers I made contact with some great studios and have been approached by companies since then, such as Designers Guild. Next and Oliver Bonas. I spent time designing on a placement at Designers Guild in London during August, which was a great experience and I learnt so much.
Since then I have also been offered a job in Mumbai, however I turned it down as I didn’t feel the job role was going to make the most of my design skills. I also felt confident that there were still opportunities for me in the UK. It was a risk worth taking, as a week later I found myself being interviewed by the Design Director and Print Design Manager of the prestigious textiles company Romo. I’ve been working in the design studio of Romo almost three months I think and I am absolutely loving it. I am learning so much about the industry and also about myself as a designer. It is forcing me to design in ways I wouldn’t normally, which is really strengthening my skill set and knowledge.
A quote I had highlighted and stuck on my bedroom wall in Manchester
I think what I’ve learnt this year, is if you want something enough, you’ll make it happen no matter how hard it is. If these things were easy, everyone would be doing it and that’s what sets people apart in any industry. My contract at Romo is only until the summer, and come then who knows what will happen and where I may be..? My future is still very uncertain, which is a little unsettling at times but very exciting all the same, and I know that I am definitely on the right track!
Thank you to everyone who has put up with my endless tantrums and laughed and celebrated with me through the best bits! Couldn’t be much happier :)
#soppy
