Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be a surface designer.
I've always been passionate about creativity and, after A Levels, did an art foundation course at college. From there I went on to study textiles at university. My love for design and patterns naturally drew me into surface design, where I could express my creativity in new and exciting ways. It's been a journey of learning, growing, and developing my unique style, all while staying true to my commitment to hard work and consistency.
2. Who or what influences your art?
My influences come from a blend of nature, art, fashion, and trends. I'm lucky enough to live in Devon and I'm often inspired by my daily walks with my dog. Designs from amazing brands like Stella McCartney Kids and Zara Kids also inspire me, particularly in how they balance creativity and fun with functionality. I'm drawn to bright colours, playful patterns, and the emotional connections that can be made through design.
3. What mediums do you use to create your art?
I primarily work with digital tools to create my designs, but my process often starts with sketches on my beloved iPad Pro. I love experimenting with different brushes on Procreate and love the immediacy of drawing on the iPad and also the ability to quickly amend and correct illustrations. I also love the way you can take your iPad anywhere. It makes art so much easier!
4. Tell us a little about your full-time design manager position that you held until last year.
As a Design Manager for a UK ceramic tile manufacturer, I oversaw the development of collections, from initial concept to final production. My role involved not only managing creative projects and designers but also working closely with production teams to ensure the quality and integrity of the designs were maintained throughout the manufacturing process. It was an invaluable experience that taught me a lot about leadership and the intricacies of design execution on a larger scale.
5. Can you tell us about how you got started licensing your work or doing freelance design work?
My freelance journey started during Covid. I was lucky enough to be furloughed for a few months and it was then I used my creativity to escape from the stresses of the pandemic. I started with an Instagram account to showcase my work and it took off from there! After receiving inquiries from companies interested in my designs, I began by licensing a few of my surface patterns to smaller brands, which then expanded into working with larger companies. It was a step-by-step process, and I made sure to learn from every collaboration to improve and grow as a designer.
6. Do you work with an agent, or do you approach companies on your own?
I currently approach companies on my own. I enjoy the direct relationship that comes with managing my own client list as it allows me to have more creative control. However, I remain open to working with an agent in the future, especially as I look to grow my brand and reach larger international markets.
7. You also offer much-needed design services for preparing artwork for manufacturing. If someone is interested in that service, how can they contact you and what will you need from them?
Anyone interested in my design services can contact me via email (hello@ivylemon.com) or through my portfolio website. I'll need a brief from them detailing their project, including what they envision for the final product, any specific colour schemes, or design elements they want, and the manufacturing process they are working with. From there, we can discuss timelines and tailor the artwork to fit their needs. Also, if the client already has artwork but needs help getting it ready for production I'm able to guide them through the process to make sure it goes to plan!
8. Would you like to share any advice you have for designers who are considering going out on their own and leaving a full-time, steady job to pursue a freelance design career?
My advice would be to plan thoroughly before making the jump. Freelancing comes with a lot of freedom, but also its own set of challenges. Consistency is key - you need to stay motivated and manage your time effectively. It's important to learn from your mistakes, as they are inevitable in the early stages. Build strong relationships with your clients, and always be open to evolving your design craft.