Printed Textile Design
By Amanda Briggs-Goode
Laurence King Publishing 2013
ISBN 978 1 78067 1185
Paperback £22.50
From time to time I like to look in on textile design titles
because surface pattern design is of great importance to the papercrafter. In
fact, in the opening paragraph of the intro, the author mentions cards and
stationery as being within the realm of the textile designer.
This book is intended as an introductory text for students
of textile design. The author is the Course Leader for BA Textile Design at
Nottingham Trent University. It examines the process of design – how to
approach it, the mechanics of textile design, production methods, and gives
a timely overview of the industry. The photos of the manufacturing
processes have been specially commissioned – so they are bang up-to-date, not
tired photo library material.
The section on colour theory is especially strong and is
useful for any designer. Basic instructions about how to produce a repeat design on a computer are provided, although
other textile design books go into the
subject in greater depth.
The author is attuned to environmental concerns. The concept
of “slow fashion” is a current buzz word – designing products with staying
power, rather than disposable items. This idea is, perhaps, not so relevant
to papercrafters from a practical standpoint. But – the idea of upcycling an existing
object can be applied.
The Design in Practice section is a winner. It is a
fascinating look at the professional options for designers, including
freelancing, working in a design studio, being a designer-maker, designing for
niche markets, and craft production. Each option is accompanied by a case
study – a behind-the-scenes visit with a practicing designer. I was delighted
to find the genius Timourous Beasties, interior fabric and wallpaper designers
featured. You learn about the designer’s professional motivation and how they
established their careers.
The strengths of this book are in providing an overview of
the textile design process and an up-to-date examination of how the textile
design industry operates.
Note: I was supplied with a review copy of this title.
Note: I was supplied with a review copy of this title.
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