Starting in Surface Design: Our Creatives Reveal Their Origins

Want to know how our talented team at Longina Phillips Designs launched their careers? Check out this post for inspiration and insights to begin your journey.

Meet designer, Camilla

From: Argentina

Where did you train? I did a bachelor's degree in textile design, which took about five years. I also took some side courses in finance while freelancing, to learn how to charge clients. 

What was your first job in the industry? I started working, but it wasn't as a print designer. I worked at a fabric wholesale company for about two years. I realized I needed something more creative. I met a designer who was starting her own studio and needed assistance. She took me in and trained me. While I knew how to create prints at university, it wasn't like real life; university doesn't fully prepare you for what you have to do when you start working.  

Meet designer, Sara

From: Sydney

Where did you train? I studied fashion design at East Sydney. It was a three-year course. We did have a portion of textile design within the course, but it was mainly screen printing with a squeegee, using one screen, not even any sort of yardages. 

What was your first job in the industry? I got a job at Apparel Group, for a company they owned called Saba, in the menswear section, because I was really interested in tailoring. 

Meet designer, Ellen

From: Yorkshire, UK

Where did you train? I went to Leeds Art University and studied Textile Design for three years. We often had Leeds students come here to do work; it's such a good course, especially in the UK. I feel like a lot of people are drawn to it because it's an art college as well. But yeah, it was amazing—I loved it.

What was your first job in the industry? I worked for another print studio. I spent three months working in America and then continued working from home for the company. I worked there for about a year and a half before coming here.

Meet designer, Natalia

From: Brazil

Where did you train? Well, actually, I was trying to enter the industry as a textile designer on my own, having previously been a fashion designer. I loved the fact that I could use my drawings in a different part of fashion. I had worked at a textile company in the past, but not as a designer. I fell in love with it and decided to give it a try. 

What was your first job in the industry? I worked at a company specializing in women's garments. 

Meet designer, Lyndsay

From: Scotland

Where did you train? I studied at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh College of Art, majoring in printed textiles. In Scotland, you do four years of studying, with the first year being a general course. I explored different areas, initially thinking I would pursue painting, but here I am. 

What was your first job in the industry? My first job was at a creative design studio where we did prints for public art, interiors, fashion, and more. It was very broad and was based in Glasgow. 

Meet designer, Lauren

From: North Queensland

Where did you train: I trained at RMIT in Melbourne, earning a Bachelor of Textile Design. After taking a gap year and working, I realized I always loved fashion and art. One day, I was looking online and discovered textile design. It seemed like the perfect fusion of my interests. 

Meet designer, Neha

From: Mumbai, India

Where did you train: I've done a lot of different things. I started at university studying Biology. One of my teachers recognized that I was really good at drawing and that studying was challenging for me. She suggested I consider a career in something artistic. So, I studied fashion design afterwards. That's where I discovered textiles and fabrics, which had always been a part of my life. In Sydney, I also studied a bit of fashion design and learned from various artists and designers about painting techniques, teaching myself along the way. 

To start your journey and learn from our experts, our Beginners Course for Surface Pattern Designers is the perfect choice. Check it out!  

And if you'd love to hear more from our team, keep your eyes peeled on our community page, Studio.

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