Designer Emma-Jane’s Background

Designer Emma-Jane has been designing Pattern Designs for a number of years. Graduating from Leeds University of Arts in 2012 after studying Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design. Emma gained a wonderful start into the world of Surface Pattern design straight from University

Where it started: I have always been creating artwork, even as a very young child, I was often found with a paint palette and brushes painting patterns. Throughout School I focused mainly on my Art & Design and after gaining A* I knew this was what I wanted to study further. During this time I was very interested in black and white Photography so started studying Fine Art Photography with a Printmaking Elective at College. As well as attending College in the day, I would then study A Level Textiles at my old Secondary School as an extra qualification.  From combining the two courses together, I was creating interesting artwork and imagery with mixed media to work with. From this I knew that pattern design was what I wanted to do as a career, even with my photography I was creating art prints with natural finished and texture using chemicals and the dark room. From textured royal blue  floral Cyanotypes in the photography darkroom,  to Illustrating and mark-making printing in the print room.

This was only the start, University introduced me to the wonderful world of Surface Pattern Design.  Specialising in illustrative imagery and inspired by natures  textured forms and botanical studies I was screen printing on wallpapers and fabrics. Emma-jane graduated University with a strong portfolio. 

Emma-Jane's Wallpaper designs are recognised for their strong illustrative style and texture. Wallpaper 'Feathered Onion' Won a Timorous Beasties Award in 2012 and was exhibited in Imago Gallery in Mayfair London. It also hang in one of the rooms in The House Of Lords for a winners reception evening. Emma-Jane's was also selected amongst others to represent the 'Best Of British Talent' with International Wallpaper Company Graham & Brown. Her Wallpaper 'Fossil Leaf' was featured in The Telegraph Top 20 Spring Trends and magazines like Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home.

She then did a placement with John Lewis and designed a Range for their Kitchen and Dine which sold well through all stores and online. After this Emma worked freelance for a couple of years and also sold and licensed designs to larger outlets and companies overseas.