First year BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design student Laura Stothard has won the Tigerprint ‘Make your Mark’ competition which saw over 900 entries! Tigerprint design the greeting cards and gift wrap range for Marks and Spencer.
We caught up with Laura to find out more…
Tell us about the competition brief?
The brief for the ‘Make your Mark’ competition was to use a variety of tools and techniques to make marks and lines to create a surface pattern design swatch. The winning design could be used across the Tigerprint range of wrap products including gift bags, wrapping paper and tags for M & S.
They were looking for an exploration into different techniques and medium, thinking about how different lines and mark making can be applied to create exciting patterns. They wanted us to experiment with colour and take inspiration from Spring/Summer 2016 trends. It was also important for the design to have a commercial feel that would appeal to both male and female customers.
Winning image - Laura Stothard
What designs did you submit?
We were allowed to submit a maximum of five designs. I entered three images (see below) into the competition. The designs were taken from my Design for Digital project where I explored mark making both through collage and on photoshop. My initial inspiration came from my research into, and photography of, modern architecture, exploring its shape, form and texture. I began collaging with my photography, creating marks using pen and stitch. I brought this into photoshop and also began creating marks using photoshop, incorporating grids, lines and blocks of colour to create layers and depth.
You can see why Tigerprint chose one of my designs as the winning design in their blog here
How do you feel about winning?
As a first year student I am still experimenting and exploring my own design style, so it was such a surprise to have won a competition by the prestigious Tigerprint design company at this stage! There were over 900 entries, so to be chosen as their winner is an absolutely amazing feeling! It is also very exciting to think that my design may be put onto products for sale in M & S stores all over the country. It is a fantastic end to my first year here at Leeds College of Art and to the start of my career in design. I can't wait to see what my 2nd year will bring!
