Exciting news! Michelle Fifis who runs the textile design blog, PATTERN OBSERVER has a brand new surface design course, The Sellable Sketch. The next on-line next class starts 7th November 2011.
Here is a link to a little introductory video and a few details about the class.
http://patternobserver.com/the-sellable-sketch/
Michelle very kindly agreed to do a mini Q&A session with us below:
Please tell us a little about your background?
Sure! A defining moment in my career happened when I started my internship with fashion and textile designer, Zandra Rhodes. I was a fashion design major at the time, and I honestly knew very little about the textile design industry. Well, after one day on the job I was in love with the world of textiles and knew it was something that I would do for the rest of my life. It was a fantastic experience!
In the ten years since that internship, I have had the opportunity to work for some of the top apparel manufacturers in the business and I have loved every minute of it. I currently work with manufacturers and designers to develop print collections that balance the latest print trends with the lifestyle and desires of their end-use consumer. I work with clients in a variety of industries, but I specialize in and have a passion for the fashion industry.
What made you decide to run the course?
When I left my corporate job I felt lost and struggled to stay motivated. After several unproductive months, I figured out a systematic way of developing print collections that starts with identifying my ideal customer. Once this customer was chosen I then tailored the collection to his or her wants and needs. It gave my work the direction, clarity and focus that I needed to stay motivated. After I launched Pattern Observer, I started receiving emails from designers asking for advice and it just seemed like a system I should share with others!
Who do you see the course being most suitable for?
This course is perfect for designers, illustrators, and artists who want to learn a step-by-step guide to developing an irresistible print collection. The purpose of this course is to create a print collection that a designer can either sell or use in their portfolio, so it is very results driven. I talk a great deal about the surface design marketplace, trend research, and identifying one’s ideal customer. A student’s desire to research, learn, share and grow is more important than their level of experience.
Best words of advice you've ever been given?
The best business/ design advice I have heard is: "It’s not about you, it’s about the customer."
Make sure you check out the course now!
