done and dusted.

The stress of doing a twenty minute presentation is finally over. To my surprise, I am a little bit sad. I have learnt so much, managed to conquer my fear of public speaking although I'm defiantly not an expert. Made better friends with the girls who are in my class. I will really miss working with them all.
James Donald was an amazing help, he gave us all badges for good luck from his own collection and lent samples of his work to show at the presentation. We could not of asked for a better artist to research.
This weekend I visited concrete wardrobe and the shop lived up to my high expectations, it was full of little, unique trinkets and beautiful craft pieces. Including James' stunning PickOne textiles.

Here is a photograph of James with my lovely group, don't need to tell you which one he is because he is the only man!

james donald.

Seventeen years teaching, a first in constructed textiles, the largest craft facebook page in the UK, co owner of a leading craft shop in the capital, not to mention his own weave label, PickOne. James Donald is an expert in Scottish craft. Graduating in 1993, with a "work hard and play hard" ethic, James has achieved most dreams an aspiring textile designer has today . In 2001, Concrete Wardrobe was opened, sharing the best in Scottish craft at an affordable price. AND if anyone wants to learn how to manipulate the internet to use it for your own benefit, this is the man to talk to. James has managed to brand himself using the free advertising offered to anyone. You just have to use it in the right way. Connections is a big part in becoming successful. I can wait to speak to him tomorrow and hear his tales.

#designandmkt

http://concretewardrobe.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=577150300

James Donald is the designer my group has chosen to focus on, we decided to choose him because he is such an influential designer and uses a traditional method of weaving to create his fantastic designs. James Donald and  Fiona McIntosh opened their own shop in 2000 called Concrete Wardrobe. Concrete Wardrobe based in Edinburgh concentrates on selling primal Scottish designers specialising in crafts which are quality and affordable, including ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewellery and fashion. 


"Concrete Wardrobe has a solid reputation for innovative collections and designs covering the worlds of fashion, textiles and furniture. It's an eclectic mix, including high quality knitted clothing, woven scarves, bags and purses from local designers. A range of interesting antiques from the 20th Century Antiques section (with pieces from the 1920s to the 1970s) complements glassware and soft furnishings and includes design names to excite from Britain, Scandinavia and America - think Eames and Panton."

DIY Pen from FRASER ROSS on Vimeo.

PickOne: A One Minute Video ...

PickOne: A One Minute Video ...: For what it's worth here is my little video that I put together for Prof. Mike Press to present to all his shiny new students at Duncan of...

lindsey gardner.

"Quietly Eccentric

I LOVE dogs, I love drawing and I love textiles!

Although better known as children’s book author/illustrator, I have returned to my screen printing design roots to launch my textile label, Quietly Eccentric. Inspired by my love of dogs, products feature hand screen printed quirky drawings combined with graphic florals on cotton bags, woollen dog shaped cushions and wooden wall panels.

These are a must for trendy dog lovers everywhere! All my dogs have their own personality and attitude.I try to bring them to life in a quirky and colourful way, making them a unique and unusual gift. Everything is hand screen printed.

Humourous, quirky and loveable dogs for every aspect of your life... without the vet bills!"

It was a very enjoyable experience listening to Linsey, is was easy to relate her journey from student to being a successful designer. Her passion for what she does shone through every aspect of her work. 

Lindsey told us some useful websites for reference and that could be possible buyers (fingers crossed) for the future. 

notonthehighstreet.com

anthropologie.com

Here are some samples of her work: 

paddy hartley.

Face corset? Sounds very strange and very intriguing. What an earth is a face corset? In our lecture today, Paddy described his experiences of being a working artist in the industry today. What I found really inspiring was that Paddy held the same project for years, twisting them to compromise with his needs. Paddy's enthusiasm for face corsets was so strong that he changed and manipulated them to be fresh (and occasionally shocking) throughout the years. Evolving to fit into new situations, adapting for new faces.

#designandmkt

"Make a job, dont take a job." - my new moto.

"Design and the market aims to introduce you to enterprise culture and terinology and to place the practise of design within a buissness context."

The start of a new project with Mike Press and Christina Hurst. We are going to learn how to brand ourselves correctly so that we stand out from the crowd. Invent yourself when you are successful, keep the enthusiasm going, always be one step ahead.

The first project we are splitting into two groups of six, sticking in our classes. First week, we are choosing an artist/designer/company to research as a team. It is harder than you think as there are so many inspiring people who have the skills to brand themselves creatively yet still with a competitively business like mindset.

I will be posting on my blog once a week so get ready.

Here are a few of our ideas:

http://www.isolated-heroes.com/ is a Luxury Unisex Street wear label by Samantha McEwen.

http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/ a household name and a main stream textile designer.



http://www.taisirgibreel.co.uk/index.asp "Taisir moved to Scotland to pursue a degree in textile design. She graduated from Duncan and Jordanstone as a textile designer specialising in print and weave. Shortly after graduating Taisir embarked on her mission to embrace the bold and abstract. Come with me on my never-ending journey of discovery as new influences inspire my designs; at time unpredictable, but always exciting and compelling"

©Taisir Gibreel 2011


http://www.timorousbeasties.com/maintenance/ "Timorous Beasties is a design led manufacturing company based in Glasgow, who specialise in fabrics and wallpapers. Timorous Beasties was founded in 1990 by Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons. Winners of the Walpole Award for 'Best Emerging British Luxury Brand' in 2007 and 'British Luxury Design Talent' in 2010, they have branded showrooms in London and Glasgow, and export their luxury products and design talent worldwide."