Design Practice III//Negotiated Briefs//BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Course Information.

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As part of the design development and research for the BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern degree prospectus collaborative brief, I decided to start from the very basics, in terms of finding out more about the nature of the degree programme, what it offers throughout the three year course, and the accolades which have been achieved by the students throughout the years. Below, written information direct from the Leeds College of Art University website, which offers more insight into the degree programme.

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LEEDS COLLEGE OF ART
HIGHER EDUCATION

BA (HONS) PRINTED TEXTILES & SURFACE PATTERN DESIGN
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"This very prestigious programme produces outstanding graduates who go on to exceptional international careers. Even while still at the College, students regularly sell their work to textile and surface pattern design industries, and they win some of the world’s most esteemed design awards. This year our students undertook internships in the studios of companies such as Liberty, Abercrombie & Fitch, Alexander McQueen, Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY, Miss Selfridge, Paul Smith, Rob Ryan, River Island, Timorous Beasties, Topshop, Designers Guild, Tigerprint, Hallmark, Zandra Rhodes, Deborah Bowness, Rob Ryan, Oilily, White Stuff, Vogue, Claire Coles, Drawn in Light, Mary Katrantzou, Next, Fromental, and many others...

This programme has an outstanding global reputation. We look for talented, hard-working people who will develop their own ‘handwriting’, both anticipating and setting future trends. In exchange we offer incomparable tuition, experiences and opportunities.

As a student, you’ll have the significant advantage of your own permanent studio space. We place major importance on drawing, but you’ll also translate your ideas into digital formats. You’ll use cutting-edge computer suites plus professionally equipped workshops for dyeing, screen-printing, heat-transfer printing, digital printing and laser-cutting. The emphasis is on originality and innovation, and the highest standards of work and professionalism.

Whilst on the programme students are given opportunities to sell their work at trade fairs. We have exhibited for many years at Indigo in Paris, a leading fashion fabric fair, and also at MooD in Brussels or Maison et Objet in Paris for those specialising in interior fabrics.

We also show student work at international book fairs, and the New Designers Exhibition, London, is an opportunity for our graduating students to present themselves and their work to a professional audience and to meet potential employers.

First-year students have a week-long study trip to Amsterdam or other cultural capitals while second-year students have a choice of two visits to Paris. A further visit to New York is scheduled every three years, open to students on all three years.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

Year One you will explore drawing, colour and design and a range of print methods both ‘traditional’ and digital for paper and fabric. We will help you find, develop and express your own personal interests and approach to designing.

Year Two innovation is the focus and striving to develop a personal ‘handwriting’ that you can apply to your choice of design contexts.

Year Three you will plan your own programme of work in your chosen area of specialisation to give you the experience and professional portfolio you require to confidently present yourself to the design industry.

The Textile Fellowship some students stay on after graduating and use our facilities to do professional collaborations and/or set up your own business with the support of course tutors.

WORK PLACEMENTS

Our students are in high demand and very quickly secure work placement opportunities with top studios.

Accolades

In 2012 our students have won the following national and international design awards;

Tigerprint Award, New Designers 2012, Winner
Harlequin Award, New Designers 2012, Winner
Texprint Winner 2012
Surtex, New York, 2012, Winner
Worshipful Company of Dyers Award, 2012, second and third prizes
Prestigious Textiles Award, 2012, second and third prizes
Clothworkers’ Foundation Award for the fashion market, 2012, Winner
Clothworkers’ Foundation Award for the interiors market, 2012, third prize
Association of Fashion and Textiles Award, 2012, Winner, second and third prizes
Ideal Wallpaper Design of the Year, 2012, Finalist
SDC International Design Competition, 2012 North of England, Runner up
Zizzi’s Fresh Talent, 2012, Winner
Print Odyssey, 2012, Winner
Beta –fashion.com Scarf Competition, 2012, Winner
2 Travel Bursary Awards to Premiere Vision and Indigo, Paris 2012
Bradford Textiles Society Grand Prize Winner
Muraspec Wallpaper Competition 2012, Winner

Destination careers

Graduates of this programme are highly sought-after, joining the design studios of influential companies. Many find jobs in fashion prints and interior products and furnishings; wall coverings; cards and gift wrap; media and publishing; fashion marketing; styling; buying; and interior design. Others set up their own businesses, producing work for private commissions or major brands."