Evaluation and my Final Bedding Collection

Below is my final collection. I have shown them in a visualisation so that I can show the duvet and the pillow design. I am happy with my collection as I feel I have refined them to their full potential, as well as including a reversable design. I think my final collection shows my starting point well and I have lots of variation, showing the different aspects I looked into whilst researching the theme. I think my final collection has quite a few graphic elements to it; this shows the way I always seem to incorporate a very illustrative feel.

 

(Reversible Duvet)

On reflection upon this project I feel that overall I have enjoyed aspects of this Brief. I really appreciated visiting the studio of Diane Harrison; it gave me a real insight into how working in a studio would be. I also learnt from this trip that is important to keep developing my Digital skills and learn to use as many design programs as I can before I try to make it into the industry. It has also reassured me that going into Interiors is the best choice for me. I did however expect a more of a collaboration aspect of Unit X.
 I enjoyed working within a group as I feel it was the best way of communicating lots of ideas. Although I definitely think there could have been more collaboration opportunities. I feel I could have benefitted from visiting more than one professional studio, as most of the project involved independant study which I dont think was any different to any other project.
I also found implications with printing on such a large format; it wasnt something I had done before and I would  have appreciated help within this area. I think I have learnt a lot from photoshop and Illustrator in previous projects but further workshops within Unit X would have been highly beneficial.
 I am glad I designed Bedware as it was something that I had not designed for before. I think that I answered the brief well, and researching other companies really helped towards the development of my work. I realised that designing for Bedware meant a lot more work; it wasnt just designing for the duvet but it also meant designing for the pillow which meant a different design. I also appreciate a new element to put within my portfolio. I think my patterns reflect my starting point well and I have tried to use different aspects within each design to show my variety of work but I still think I need to learn more about a repeat pattern. In future I need to work more with scale, and trying to ensure some patterns are simple at times. I also want to make sure I always explore different media and continue to develop my digital skills.
I have also learnt within Unit X how important it is for me to to ensure I get some work experience within the Digital Interior Print market over the summer. I have been applying to companies but I am yet to secure a position. I realise the importance of learning how to work within a company and experience is the best way for me to move forward within my practice. I will take the skills I learnt from working in a group within the first few stages of Unit X and apply this within my work experience.

Developing my prints towards a final collection.

After working predominately on photoshop over the last week or so I have designed quite a collection of work. I have been using all aspects of my drawings to create contemporary busy patterns. Below are the first few designs I created. I have decided to only use sections of these patterns as my final collection. I feel the other designs that I have are more suited together. I think even though I have six designs that have not made my collection it shows refinement within my work. I wanted to make sure my final collection reflected quality and not quantity. I definately have realised that working with bedding the best patterns often are the simplest. 

I have also been looking at more bedding companies to ensure my patterns are following the current market. Again I have seen a lot of simple repeats, these seem to work really well as a duvet print. This is common within Ikea, they may be designing for a very broad market but it shows that repeats are very adaptable to lots of customers. They also tend to offer the customers lots of colour options. I wouldnt like to design for the same market but I appreciate their variety of choice.

 

(Malin Rund,Ikea)

I also like the way Ikea show their bedding designs; it is very clear and you can see the whole design, I want to show my final design visualisations in a similar way.
Sanderson Bedding is definately in keeping with my own patterns; their work is very bold and simple which is what I am aiming for. I love their work and love how they make the bed the main focal point of the room. I like this characteristic which I hope portray in my final collection.

(Dandelion Clocks,Sanderson)