I'm delighted to also share with you an Interview with Chloe Mullen discussing her passion for design, career goals and her advice for new students.
When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?
I would say my interest in design came about in school. I had always loved to draw since I was young, but if I am honest I didn't know where I could apply my skills in drawing to my advantage. Nobody in my family were very creative so I had to find my own pathway and it was around 5 years ago I decided to begin my journey learning textiles.
What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?
From leaving school, I attended college for two years obtaining by HND in Fashion and Textile Design in Glasgow, in which it granted me a direct entry position into Year 2 at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen. Along the way there has been various competitions I've competed in, live projects with Designers (such as Anthony & Alison based in London) and fashion shows my work has been part of. There was a period I was actually interested in lingerie design and I had a placement learning corsetry however once I moved to Aberdeen to be part of Gray's I knew I was definitely more suited to being a print designer for fashion.
How would you describe your style/work?
I would describe my work as very bold and chaotic. Shape, colour and texture are all very important to me. Texture is something I really explored in my graduate collection, everything was quite expressive in my prints. My prints individually give something different, they do not go unnoticed. I used a diverse number of fabrics, some which I coated myself. I like that people cannot work out what my fabric is because I've changed its texture.
Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?
I would say I need to gain a lot of work experience. Once I have figured out what I truly enjoy in industry, I feel I would be willing to move anywhere for a job, whether I relocate in London or as far as Germany or Belgium. My true goal is to get the recognition I deserve as a graduate, everyone works so hard for years and then hear nothing in return. My goal is definitely to be recognised.
What would be your dream design gig?
My dream design gig would probably have to be located in America, I would say I would like to work for a big brand but I cannot say I would. Working for someone less known then bringing the company out on top would be the dream. I would be overseeing the print designs for a menswear fashion company. With this recognition, I would then have my own brand in the states.
If you were a pattern what kind of pattern would you be and why?
I would be a striped pattern because I actually really enjoy stripes. Everyone likes stripes, there unisex and they always return as a trend.
What advice would you give students who are interested in a career within the design industry?
I would say work experience is so extremely important so take any chance that you get. I have to say networking and social media is even more important. You need to get your style seen and pollute social media until you are sick of seeing it. Continue to do this even when you are sick of seeing it. Keep in touch with your fellow designers, you never know when they might know of a job opportunity or a collaboration.
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