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Q&A with Lou Collis
Q&A with Lou Collis
What is your job title?
What is your job title?
I’m a freelance interior textile designer and illustrator
What does your job involve?
What does your job involve?
Working with various clients following a brief, often creating designs for interior fabrics and wallpapers, working on interior projects and room schemes, creating illustrations for packaging and bespoke designs for kids’ interiors. I also have created a brand for gifts aimed at children and nursery decor.
What is an average day like?
What is an average day like?
I work up design ideas for clients
Paint artwork commissions
Work on various projects such as working on developing my Arthur & Bear brand
Managing stock for Arthur & Bear and packaging sales
What qualifications and experience enabled you to achieve your current position?
What qualifications and experience enabled you to achieve your current position?
I have a BA (Hons) degree in Printed Textiles. I presented my final major degree project at New Designers which led me to meet Harlequin interior textile brand. I ended up gaining a paid placement with them which then led me on to working full time for 8 years. During this time I was able to design for fabrics and wallpapers, work on colour and manage the print production process for both fabric and wallpaper. After 8 years’ experience I decided to give freelance a go and am thoroughly enjoying it!
Any advice for aspiring creative students?
Any advice for aspiring creative students?
Experiment with many techniques and keep learning new ways to create, draw and paint as much as you can. Develop your skills and find your own style. Show your drawing and development by building up a portfolio. I would say if you have the opportunity to go to university and study a degree, work your hardest and stick to it! Especially in your final year; it definitely pays off.
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