Hi Davinder what drew you to the world of surface pattern design?
I have always been interested in Art since I was a kid. It really began when I got to Art college in Winchester that I discovered my love for pattern and Textiles. We would experiment with textures and drawings and found that it was this that drew me to surface pattern. I then applied to the University of Brighton to do a B.A Hons Degree in Fashion and Textiles. Which then drew me even closer to pattern especially print.
What inspires your creative work?
My creativity comes from various sources really, from music, art, but especially nature and flowers. Most of my work is inspired by flowers and nature which bring me great joy and peace. It really is a connection with nature and organic forms predominantly flowers, which I am drawn to.
There are many markets for surface pattern design. Why did you choose fashion and homewares?
My degree was in Fashion with Textiles and always loved Fashion. For many years I designed for Fashion especially womenswear. It was only by chance that my first boss was working in the same company as me and asked me if I would design a Tropical pattern for bedding. My first design actually went on many products from cushions, towels, stationary, melamine to outdoor picnic set. I have also designed prints for childrenswear and menswear but womenswear is my first love.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your patterns or adorn their homes with your homeware designs?
I want them to feel happy. I want them to know that what they have invested in purchasing a design brings them joy and a smile to their face. Whenever someone says to me that they ‘love’ my work then I know that I have done my job.
Your review of my work was hugely helpful – essentially an aha moment. I got so mired in trying to learn how to use Photoshop and Illustrator that for some reason I felt I had to reinvent a whole new style to apply to my surface pattern designs. It didn’t occur to me that as you said, “The computer is just obviously another tool…but I feel like you could really go to town with some of the work you actually have on your website.” It sounds obvious now but at the time it wasn’t clear to me at all. Since your review of my work, everything suddenly clicked into place for me. I took your advice and began to approach my surface pattern designs the way I approach my canvas while painting, so a huge thank you! Having someone review one’s work is tremendously helpful. Sometimes, just a few well placed words are just what someone needs to hear to open the door to a whole new way of perceiving. It can be a source of tremendous encouragement, when that person might be on the verge of giving up. Pushing through the difficulty, I’ve found, is very rewarding. What words of support can you give to those who would love to do something creative but feel they don’t have what it takes to make it in design?
I think you have to keep persevering, you have to keep challenging yourself. It’s not always easy but keep trying and surround yourself with people that are going to support your dreams. Keep positive and when you have those moments of doubt just remember that any career takes time.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I think if I had any advice is to ‘ask’ and I have found this to be true in the opportunities that I have had. Ask if you can work for someone or ask for advice on your work. We have each other for that. I even ask my kids if they like my work or what they think about an idea and their answers often surprise me.
To learn more about Davinder follow him on Instagram HERE. If you’d love to pursue a career in this field check out MAKE IT IN DESIGN.
