Meet the designer: Izzy Beecham

Izzy's graduate collection was incredibly eye catching at New Designers 2016. Intricate and delicate illustrations meet with a pastel hue palette to create an oriental inspired collection. Cascading birds fly into bursting blooms to generate a femminie interiors range of ravishing patterns.

I'm pleased to also share with you an interview with Izzy Beecham, where she discusses 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?

Some of my earliest memories are of my Dad taking old items and creating something new – and this was long before ‘upcycling’ became fashionable. I loved to help him, even from a very young age and I think this must have been where my interest in design sprang from.

What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?

Fine art was always my ‘thing’ at school and I always knew an art-based career was where I was headed. It was when I took a textile and pattern design course at college that I knew I’d found my specialism. A college tutor was really instrumental in nurturing my motivation and confidence as she encouraged the freedom to create in such positive ways.

How would you describe your style/work?

There will always be elements of the precision and intricacy of fine art in my designs, blended with my love of colour and structure. That’s one reason I like to introduce architectural touches, so I can add other forms of balance. I always try to produce a mature piece of work; I love achieving a finished product rather than an abstract piece, even if it takes a lot of work to get there. That’s when it’s most satisfying for me.

What kind of designer do you want to be known as?

 

My passion is for home interiors – to create designs which work across genres and universal tastes. Sophisticated, yet populist designs.

What are you currently working on?

 I’m undertaking a wallpaper project for a private commission. It’s geometric in form, with a Scandi vibe which I’m relishing because it’s a style challenge I haven’t tackled before.

What would be your dream design gig?

 

To be commissioned to produce a collection for a commercial or domestic space. Then to walk through and see it in situ.

Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?

To undertake individualised commissions so I can explore and develop my style and skills as a designer.

If you were a pattern what kind of pattern would you be and why?

Bold, linear with a sharpness of colour. To make an impact and have a modern edge.

What advice would you give students who are interested in a career within the design industry?

 

Don’t dilute your dream.