I applied for 'The Colorfield' at the end of Unit X last year in order to get an insight into the Industry of Print Design. Having previously had experience working at Oxted Interiors, it gave me a small insight into the Interior industry, but I wanted to specifically see a fashion side of Print. How diverse it could be, and how malleable I would need to be when entering Industry after University. Previously in Level 5, I completed a work placement at 'Keeler Gordon', they specialise in exactly the same way, targeting the same market. However, 'The Colorfield' is specifically digital print, where as Keeler Gordon has a wet print studio designers. The studio environment was naturally bright, and untarnished. It was obvious as a company they consider it high importance to spend money on studio space, keeping their in house designers in a clean and comfortable space. Having recently just moved studios across London, and they are now based in the hub of London Bridge. Their correspondence with me was very professional from the beginning, the studio manager was consistent with contact and I felt immediately at ease, prepared and professional for when I arrived. It was a more mature environment then my previous work experience, they come across strong incredibly productive. On the first day i was at an advantage of it being the bank holiday so they were a day behind, not many menial jobs for me to do but just help with the finalising and packing up the delivered prints for shipping to New York (there sales office base) that afternoon. Thrown immediately in at the deep end, the buzz was great. During the two weeks, they had a designer that was away on holiday, leaving slightly less work for me to get on with. Luckily during my placement the owner of the company Adam Read who is usually based in New York, asked to see some of my own work. Commenting saying I had a 'strong hand' I was given an added opportunity to create a small collection of basic designs while the designers didn't need my help. The development board of my work is above. Unfortunately not being able to take any of the art work with me I did manage to take a few photos just for my own records. Once I left the company, I had more correspondence with the studio manager who informed me they had sent some of my prints to their printers as a test to show other interns. The difference in how they produce prints was insightful, obviously on continuous deadlines theres a need to cut corners in order to make increased profits, minimal art work is completed in order to scan in and manipulate on screen. When work in a University studio environment we are obviously encouraged to cover all bases of assessment objectives, in order to gain your credits. I found myself when working on photoshop in their environment shortcutting and working from very minimalistic imagery. Directing my work to trend forecasts, and working from their most recent compiled cat walk shows imagery. It was a leap for me experience wise and plunged me into a professional side of compiling a small collection.
Being present within the studio environment was so key for my career decision process. Feeling slightly underwhelmed by Keeler Gordon's placement I did approach my two weeks at 'The Colorfield' with a little trepidation, however I had a much more enlightening experience and introduction to the industry, then previously. It gave me the chance to soak up the print for womenswear environment and the speed at which these designers perform at. I could immediately acknowledge the production of designs and if I am honest the disregard for previous work, this continuing need to be on trend. Clients of 'The Colorfield' will remember prints that have been shown in each collection, if they see a print twice there is a definitive loss of faith in output of the company. Hence the need for 8-12 prints being produced each week fresh by each in house designer. 'The Colorfield' also has a team of freelance designers that specifically come in to use the facilities on shipping day but otherwise are based at home. The company did recommend to me not to consider freelancing until you have worked in house to gain a feel for how the company works. Understanding this side of industry has been a key deciding point, whilst at 'The Colorfield' I spoke to Mirren a designer, about my work usually being Interior directed. She mentioned a course friend from Edinburgh College of Art who is a current designer for Cole and Son Wallpapers, gave me her contact details and said she would pass on a reference from her. It has clarified to me how much I want to work in print but for an interior design direction. I would enjoy a slower more team work heavy environment, creating a collection that could be potentially around for years and not just for a season. Overall the introduction to industry was so key and it thoroughly delivered to me, what the live project was supposed to open our eyes to.
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