I am back from the land down under!
So I am now back from Australia! I have been back almost three weeks and I am slowly getting used to the cold weather again.
Australia was an amazing experience for me, not only did I get to explore Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney and see what they had to offer, I was also able to do two brilliant work placements with two highly known companies out there; Ink&Spindle and Sparkk. From both of these placements I learnt a lot about my industry and about the different jobs within it. Here is a brief run down of my experiences with both of these companies.
Seeing how Ink&Spindle, a screen-printing company based in Melbourne, worked and how they had built there business up over the last five years and what they aim for in there design ethos, was very inspiring. It made me consider how I produce my work and how although I may chose to use computer based processes at times, how the final printed results can still be eco-friendly. Such as by choosing a printing company who use water based printing inks and who recycle wasted fabric, and much more. They also enabled me to look at how I produce my designs, that actually simple can often be best, but how I could also layer my designs together to give them a newer look. Along with looking t what colours I use.
Sparkk a family run digital printing company based in Sydney, was as equally fascinating. I was working for them for three months and so was able to see the full production line and work on several parts of it. I added a lot more knowledge to my Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign skills which will be and has already been very useful. I learnt how they work with there designs and feature designs along with clients to produce designs and colour ways to suit each individual. It was interesting learning how they built there business up over the last few years and to see how it is rapidly growing. Working with them has again enabled me to understand more of what goes on at a digital printing studio and has enabled me to look at how my designs are put together, to make successful repeats and colour ways.
So now that I am back from Australia what is my next step?! Well obviously to find a designs job. I am also currently working on an exciting licensing project with a firm in Perth so I shall reveal more on this when it is complete. I am also looking into redesigning my website, there may end up being a few changes on her to! Along with some other exciting shop prospects… so keep your eyes open and we shall see what happens.
Ellie