Designer Interview: Holly Graham

Holly is an eccentric 3D textiles designer who I instantly spotted at New Designers. Holly uses a mixture of vibrant colours and crazy textures to create a modern range of textile prints and sculptures that generate exciting outcomes in a 3D perspective. Tactile aspects of soft and hard surfaces construct together to create beautiful handmade embellishments.

When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?
My family is a pretty arty family, that as wild child I was pushed to be creative, make things, draw ect. So its probably came through that. I loved dressing up in my Nanas vintage clothes when I was younger so I always knew I wanted a career in fashion.

What kind of designer do you want to be known as?
A crazy 3D eccentric designer with lots of crazy colour and crazy handmade embellishment....YES I love the word CRAZY!

What are you currently working on?
Trying to find a design job...its harder than it seems after graduating, following up a few leads from  New Designers 2016...(Its a must if your in the design career, go to new designers, it helps to get your name out there and make connections). A few interviews, here and there, However today I've been at an interview at Stella McCartney. Talk about going straight into the kill!! Aim High.

What would be your dream design gig?
A crazy coloured festival on a roof top, with lots of vintage velvet chairs, fake grass, floral inspired large embellished sculptures for display hanging with lots of rainbow lights.

If you were a pattern what kind of pattern would you be and why?
A mixture between a paisley print and a leopard. A little bit ditzy and striking.

What advice would you give students who are interested in a career within the design industry?
To be determined to be yourself, make sure you do what you want to do, because you have to remember that not everyone will love your work but there will be people out there that does its just finding them. It takes time to get your name out there but do not give up and have patience. Follow your dream...You can do it.

Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?
To get my life back and enjoy design again...hopefully get the job at Stella McCartny, maybe do a bit of travelling here and there, explore crazy fashion all over the world then maybe set up my own brand clled Crazy. The last few years have been hard work, but I got the result I wanted when I graduated. Hard work does pay. Just be true to yourself as a designer.

Links to Holly:
-www.hollygrahamdesigns.com
-H.Grahamtextiles- Instagram