INTROducing...PATTERNITY

With our last INTROducing for 2012 and probably for a good few months we've decided to share a truly exciting and inspiring interview- thanks to everyone who has participated and enjoyed our series- Happy New Year from Light & Dew! xx 

How are you guys??

Good thanks, a touch busy so looking forward to a week or two off at Christmas!

Give us 3 words that describe you best:

POSITIVE. PATTERN. PERCEPTION. 

So, can you tell us what Patternity is all about?

Patternity is a creative organisation that's driven by the certainty that pattern is everywhere from the mundane to the magnificent. Our projects and innovations go beyond the surface, using the application of pattern to add substance and relevance to the aesthetic

Our clients range from high-end fashion houses, interior and architecture firms, media and publishing companies, to retailers, government bodies and universities. We believe a shared awareness of pattern positively engages us with our environment and each other.

Nice! How did this all come about?

We met through a shared love of pattern and drive to work across boundaries without limitation. Though we were from different backgrounds (Art Direction and Surface/textiles design) we were united by a shared drive to put our past experience working for global brands to good use, creating something different, relevant and worthwhile.

What’s the most exciting thing you've done in your career so far?

Our Shift table was one of our most exciting projects to date. Here we worked with marquetry craft specialist Toby Winteringham [who is also Grace Winteringham's father], using our addition of bold geometric patterns shifting from light to dark. This piece referenced the passing of time, acceptance, and change. It’s apt, then, that this project should win us our first Wallpaper* Design Award [in 2011] for our innovative approach to a long-forgotten technique. Bringing a new lease of life to Toby’s practice was the most rewarding aspect of the project.

What’s been your dullest job?

Entering binary code at a bank during the summer after my graduation. Good for patterns of 1's and 0's. Terrible for expanding my brain.

Where do you hope to see Patternity in 5-10 years from now?

Patternity is coming to define a way of seeing the world, and also a way of bringing people together. We hope to not only have expanded our range of pattern design collaborations and products continuing to innovate and blur boundaries between disciplines but also to be using pattern to educate and inspire on a much larger scale. Growing our educational/events arm of Patternity is key to the future of the company, promoting a deeper engagement with our environment and each other through real life patterned focussed experiences.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be??

We'd like to explore the connection between patterns and health, so working with the world health organisation on improving hospital interiors so surrounding patterns actually positively affect the wellbeing of patients.

Where do you look/go for inspiration?

We’re about finding inspiration absolutely everywhere: from spectrums of colour swirling in diesel-doused pavements under our feet, to the neat geometry of the high-rise architecture above us. The process of looking up, down, around and beyond – and noticing the patterns that surround us – helps us gain perspective and remember our place in the now. It’s a way of positively engaging with our environment and each other. Everything Patternity does is a celebration of this. It extends to exploring the patterns that often go unnoticed. For us the research and exploration of pattern is endless, and ranges across eras and fields. The natural world is becoming an ever increasing source of inspiration to us. We are looking into how we can learn from nature as the ultimate efficient and sustainable designer-engineer.

What’s taken the most balls?

Leaving our part time jobs to concentrate on Patternity full time (9months ago) There came a time when we both just knew we could either carry on working for other brands forever or just fully power forward with Patternity. It was a scary but exhillarating decision and we've not looked back since. We've both made a huge amount of sacrifices, and it's not the easy path to take but it's been extremely rewarding.

Tell us a bit about your exhibition coming up-

We're currently working very hard towards our first annual Patternity exhibition which will be taking place in April 2013. PATTERN POWER / SUPERSTRIPE is the first of in an ongoing series of annual pattern events which will see the core Patternity ethos on “seeing pattern everywhere from the mundane to the magnificent” move boldly into the real world - with a focus on Stripes. 

And lastly, the best advice you have for new graduates is....

In a world where there's so much 'stuff', consider how your creativity and fresh ideas can help innovate and assist the world at a what is historically and economically a difficult time. Stay inspired, be aware, work hard but take time out to enjoy the journey along the way. Don't worry too much about what's around the corner, don't be competitive - it's useless, be kind to people, and if you're new/doing work experience (a must if you want to get a taste of different ways of working) always offer to make the tea - it goes a VERY long way!

PATTERNITY

Exhibition Info

INTROducing..... Colette Crespin: Advertising Agent

Oh Hey! How are you??

Great thanks, how are you doing?  Looking for a new assistant actually…  ;)

Great, thanks! 

Give us 3 words that describe you best:

Determined, Devoted, Loving

So, can you tell us what it is you actually do?

I run and own an agency called Tangerine that I set up just over two years ago within the world of advertising. Within this agency I represent global production companies and their directors who specialise in filming tv commercials, online content and music videos. I offer innovative ideas to companies to help them generate New Business Procurement and offer Public Relations and Event Management also. The idea being that with a tailored and personable services companies can reach out to people that they want to target using a variety of platforms and communication generating awareness, work and publicity.

...and you're how old?!?! 

30! Shhhhhhh!!!

Nice! How did you get into this?

Then I started off as a ‘Director Rep’ in 2006 for a company called Draw Pictures.  They only made music videos and were one of the best in London at that time.  They wanted to start making commercials as well so I took on the challenge.  I set up a variety of different ways for the company to get noticed, including ‘ADMA’, a one off, charity commercial competition to raise awareness of Carbon Footprint.  With a host of industry judges including Trevor Beattie and some great press support, this was a brilliant platform to introduce the music video company into the commercial world.

What’s the most exciting thing you've done in your career so far?

Travelled all over the world, meeting some of the most inspiring and influential producers, actors and directors in history.  Including Rutger Hauer, Sir Ben Kingsley, Jonathan Glazer, Tim Burton to name just a few…

What’s been your dullest job?

Within my company, putting together spreadsheets, guest lists or writing meeting reports at 2am on Sunday. I am one assistant down and a deadline is a deadline. Otherwise, I have always had pretty interesting jobs.

Where do you look/go for inspiration?

I look for inspiration everywhere, everyday, in human nature, interaction, behaviour, people, other companies, my competitors and of course - facebook.

What took the most balls?

Setting up alone.

The best advice you have for new graduates about to go into the 'real world’ is....

Talk to everyone. EVERYONE. 

www.ilovetangerine.com

INTROducing... Maddie Rix: Food Stylist, Writer & Recipe Inventor

Oh Hey! How are you??

Great thanks

Give us 3 words that describe you best:

Creative, determined foodie

So, can you tell us what it is you actually do?

I have worked as a food stylist’s assistant for about a year now with the aim of becoming a freelance food stylist and recipe writer myself within the next couple of years. My job involves cooking and preparing food for photographs in editorial magazine spreads, cookery books, adverts or anything that requires a photo of food really.

I also do some freelance work at foodie events or festivals to improve my cooking skills and generally learn about putting on and coordinating events- every day I learn something new. I’m actually putting on my 1st pop up food event on 4th of August at the Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton, which I’m really excited about. It’s a ‘British Eccentric’ themed afternoon tea and will be lots of fun and great experience.

...and you're how old?!?!

26

Nice! How did you get into this?

Well, until about a year ago I was a “musician” but I was actually a waitress that played the odd gig in a shit venue. The only thing other than music that I felt really passionate about was food- but after years of working in the hospitality industry, mainly as a waitress, I knew I couldn’t hack the long, antisocial hours and low pay that comes hand in hand with being a chef. Cooking in a restaurant is a labour of love and I have the utmost respect for chefs, I think it is one of the most demanding and undervalued jobs going.

I have always bought shit loads of food magazines and read recipe books like novels, then one day I thought ‘who makes all this beautiful food in these photographs?’ After discovering that food styling was an actual job, I started researching food stylists who’s names I found in magazines or books- most have their own websites or online portfolios. After sending hundreds of emails asking for work experience I finally got a job offer and it just so happened to be paid! I loved the work so much and made a good impression so was booked again and again. The industry is small and friendly and once you’re in, your reputation can spread via word of mouth. A year on I have tons of experience under my belt and have just secured a 2 month job working on the Christmas supplement for Woman & Home magazine.

What’s the most exciting thing you've done in your career so far?

Probably doing work experience whilst travelling in Sydney and Melbourne in February this year. Australia is the food styling capital of the world and I got to work with some incredible stylists on some amazing jobs. It really gave my career a boost when I got back to London.

What’s been your dullest job?

Probably being a pizza hut delivery driver when I was 17- although I loved it at the time, I just drove around listening to music and eating pizza…

Where do you look/go for inspiration?

I’m obsessed with food magazines - Donna Hay and Jamie magazine are my favourites, I spend a small fortune on them and mark the pages I like. I do the same with cookery books; I could look at pictures of food all day.

I go to restaurants, markets, street food stalls, foodie events- basically anywhere I can eat- that’s what gives me inspiration.

What took the most balls?

Badgering and pestering people into giving me a job. You have to just bite the bullet and call and email until you get a response. The worst that can happen is that they say no, but it requires balls and tenacity.

The best advice you have for new graduates about to go into the 'real world’ is....

Enjoy Uni, but do try and think beyond it. I didn’t, and spent 4 years struggling and doing fuck all with no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Prepare yourself for life without the safety net of University, because in reality it is not a safety net.

Check out more of Maddie's foodie treats on her website x

INTROducing: Samantha Morgan.....Advertising

Oh Hey! How are you??

Tired.  Work is relentless.

Give us 3 words that describe you best:

Driven, geeky and hungry

So, can you tell us what it is you actually do?

I’m a senior account manager at an advertising agency.  I work with a variety of brands as the ‘suit’ – this means that I’m the link between the client (a brand’s marketing team) and my agency (the creative and strategic departments)- collaboratively we work to develop creative business solutions.  These solutions could range from a 60 second TV spot, to an augmented reality treasure hunt – nothing is out of the question.  It’s my job to make sure we present and produce ideas that will answer the client’s challenges and that my agency can be proud of.

...and you're how old?!?!

26

Nice! How did you get into this?

I went to a careers day presentation by a planner at BBH who gave a talk on the ad industry.  I always wanted to work in a creative industry and loved the idea of solving strategic problems so began to research how to get involved.  I came across a ton of graduate programmes and applied to them all…  Eventually I got a place at a digital boutique agency.

What’s the most exciting thing you've done in your career so far?

I’m about to go on tour with a Mariachi band around the UK – should be fun.

What’s been your dullest job?

Data entry… zzzzzzzzzz

Where do you look/go for inspiration?

Here are a few sites which I like to peruse…

http://ffffound.com

http://ideasareawesome.com/

http://www.itsnicethat.com/

http://bbh-labs.com/

What took the most balls?

Leaving a really comfortable role in a small but wonderful digital agency to go travelling, without a job to come back to and bills to pay.  I knew it was time to move on and play with the big dogs in TV, but it was definitely a big risk during a recession.

The best advice you have for new graduates about to go into the 'real world’ is....

Take it seriously and work hard.  I treated looking for a job/placement like a job itself – interviews are tough – make sure you have a ton of references up your sleeve and have an opinion on them all.  In my job, you’re employed for you point of view – speak up!    

Also, never leave before work before your boss – if they’re still there, then so should you be.

INTROducing.....Katie Greengrass: Costume Designer & Fashion Stylist

Give us 3 words that describe you best:
Hardworking, creative, intense!


So, can you tell us what it is you actually do?
I am a Costum Designer and Stylist working in music, editorial and film. My main clients are the director, songwriter and musician Plan B and singer, model and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon


...and you're how old?!?!
31


Nice! How did you get into this?
I started out doing unpaid work experience as a fashion assistant in magazines and newspapers and as a tv runner, I built up my contacts and experience doing that and then worked my way up.

What’s the most exciting thing you've done in your career so far?

Working as Costume Designer on Plan B’s first feature film “Ill Manors” was a personal highlight, the cast and crew were all relatively unknown but we all worked really hard and felt very passionate about the film and I am really proud to have worked on it. Ben Drew (Plan B) is an amazing talent and I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to have worked with him on so many inspiring projects.


What’s been your dullest job?
Working in a gift shop to pay my rent whilst I was doing work ex wasn’t the most exciting. It was crosswords, gift wrapping and listening to XFm 8 hours a day!


Where do you look/go for inspiration?
Anywhere really, paintings, history, iconic images, people I admire, sometimes music, packaging or billboards or pages from magazines I tear out. I do a lot of online picture research too.

What took the most balls?
Dressing 70 odd musicians/actors/dancers for the Plan B on stage riots at the Brits was an amazing but hair-raising experience. I had two cracked ribs and thirty riot police to contend with and had to live quick change Ben Drew in 22 seconds on national television!

The best advice you have for new graduates about to go into the 'real world’ is....
Work hard and always be nice to everyone, you never know who you might meet again on your way up or down as the case may be…

**http://www.katiegreengrass.co.uk/**

INTROducing....Jocelyn Lloyd: Designer for i-D Magazine & Florist!

Oh Hey! How are you??

Excellent, really very good, thank you.

Give us 3 words that describe you best:

Patient, Persuasive and Pedantic.


So, can you tell us what it is you actually do?

I’m the designer at i-D magazine. I am also a partner in JamJar Flowers, my sideline project.


…and you're how old?!?!

29

Nice! How did you get into this?

I studied graphics at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design and worked my way through a string of graphic related jobs trying my hand at allsorts, before meeting Art Director Kate Law, during a work placement at Elle. She had been i-D’s Art Director and was returning to the position and asked me to go with her. It was a great opportunity and now I get to work with the one and only Mr Terry Jones, who was and still is one of my graphic heroes. The rest of my colleagues here are fantastic and incredibly talented, so I feel very lucky to be part of such a creative team. 

The flower business came from my love of the garden and being outside. I couldn’t sit in front of a Mac everyday and working with flowers delivers the same satisfaction as design – it’s an extension, working with shape and colour. So I split my time between the two, which is exhausting but more rewarding.

What’s the most exciting thing you've done in your career so far?

i-D’s amazing, because you arrive at work in the morning and some one will ask you – do you fancy going to this… there’s a screening of this… can someone go to this opening? Which if you have the energy after a (very) long day is very cool. But some of the highlights have been meeting my creative heroes, Tim Walker, Neville Brody, Nick Knight, Paolo Roversi, Kylie…


What’s been your dullest job?

You don’t just walk into an Art Department, you have to put in the laborious work of scanning, resizing etc for the people that you want to work with. I worked at a model agents for a couple of years, running their art department which was great, but I did so much scanning, I have a phobia of it now.


Where do you look/go for inspiration?

I find that I have a few key books that I always go back to. Wink – by Terry Jones, Flora by Nick Knight, anything by Richard Hollis. But inspiration comes from absolutely everything. Galleries and online are great but everything around us has been designed, a book, a chair, a phone, a piece of packaging. To coin an i-D phrase ‘Open Your Eyes’.


What took the most balls?

Moving to Switzerland with a boyfriend, to live in the mountains and edit ski films for schools. It was a bit of a blag as I had never edited or snowboarded before, so definitely a gamble. But it was brilliant.

The best advice you have for new graduates about to go into the 'real world’ is…

Work experience! Try everything and make an impression, at i-D we always remember the people who ask questions and take an interest. Offering to help and doing things without being asked will get you far.

Arrogance will make you more enemies than admirers and manners are everything and retaining them under pressure is a skill. Working on a magazine, the art
department is the last stop before print, so if others haven’t kept to their deadlines,(which happens constantly), it effects you massively! 

Also when designing, always assume there is a mistake in your final piece. This sounds negative, but it forces you to check and check again and I guarantee you will find something. Perfection is key when it comes to print as it’s expensive to rectify.

**Make sure to pick up the latest copy of i-D & checkout some beautiful floristry here.**

INTROducing.......Jane Bowler: Fashion and jewellery designer

Oh Hey! How are you??

Im good thanks! Just preparing myself for the stress leading up to fashion week at the mo! But I have some cracking interns and amazing design team working with me.. so stress levels are quite low right now! 

Give us 3 words that describe you best:

Bright red hair… (I feel naked without my bow), obsessed with plastic, determined!

A bit more than 3 words but thats ok! 

So, can you tell us what it is you actually do?

I am a fashion designer based in London. I guess you could say that I am up and coming.  I am represented by an amazing PR company called Blow PR.  My work is regularly used in magazines like Dazed and Confused, Anotherman, Garage Magazine and gets borrowed by the likes of Jessy J and Lady gaga.  

I make plastic fashion! Transforming mundane materials into sophisticated and fun garments… full of texture, playfulness and colour!

...and you're how old?!?!

Erm..28… I had to think about that for a moment there!

Nice! How did you get into this?

I studied Mixed Media Textiles at Uni, and graduated from the RCA two years ago.  I have always loved being creative... but tried to resist the pull of fashion for years! 
It wasn’t until I got offered a job at textile/fashion design company called Taylor Mcardle (after I graduated from my BA) that I actually realised that fashion was the way forward for me... After two years in this studio (designing for companies like Topshop and actually learning how to use a sewing machine!) I decided to return to education to study my MA at the RCA, where I threw myself into fashion fully!

What’s the most exciting thing you've done in your career so far?

My garments were borrowed for a Nick Knight shoot which I was lucky enough to watch, it was amazing! More recently, seeing my fringed dress being beautifully worn by the talented British singer Rita Ora at T in the park! 

What’s been your dullest job?

Hmm…. I dont think I have ever had a dull job really… I have always had a job since I was 15 and they have not always been that great but there always seemed to be a story to tell.   My first ever job was as a Chamber maid in a health spa… whether it was cleaning a hot footballers room and seeing them naked or nearly taking Frank Bruno out with a hoover it was never totally dull!  You have to do all the rubbish jobs to afford to pay for Uni and build up to the point were you can run your own business I guess! And as my mum would say.. its good for the soul!

Where do you look/go for inspiration?

Materials are always the starting point for all of my collections.  I love playing with unusual materials and processes and allowing them to define my making, it’s a really fun and experimental way to work! You never know what you will come up with!

What took the most balls?

Quitting a full time job at WGSN to take a leap of faith in setting up my own lable! Scary! 

The best advice you have for new graduates about to go into the 'real world’ is....

Just go for it! If you love what you do then that’s all that matters!! Nothing worth having comes easy!

Can I also say that I am running some creative workshops for students during the summer! They are proving really popular so far! I want to give people the opportunity to explore new materials and processes to bring something exciting to their portfolios and hopefully inspire people! To find out more go to the workshop page here: ‘Jane Bowlers Creative Workshops’

**to see her complete collections visit her website here**