Design Life: Katie Gillies

Katie Gillies has recently graduated from Leeds College of Art with a First Class Honours Degree in Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design and was one of the standout exhibitors at this years New Designers show.

Her projects are conceptually and process driven, influenced by Modernist architecture of the 20th and 21st Century, focusing on the form, structure and proportions of the building. From this she begins to start combining new materials and modern technology to develop and create contemporary surfaces that fit within the concept.

What three things can't you be without when designing?

"Concept, geometry, raw material and sorry but there’s a forth, my sketchbook! I can’t be without my sketchbook when designing. By jotting down my ideas, it really helps me develop the concept and its where the journey starts! My practice is conceptually driven around very simple design principles such as structure, ratio and proportion, however its still all about experimenting with different process and material."

If you had to pick one, what is your favourite material and why?

"A tie between jesmonite and copper!"

What project are you most proud of?

"I have recently finished a collaboration with Canadian apparel company, Kit and Ace. Its a project that I am really proud to be a part of.  I can’t disclose too much information about the product as its yet to be release but as a newly graduated designer it was truly an honour to work with them, especially as they seemed to fit my design ethos perfectly."

What project do you wish you'd been involved with?

"I would love to implement and develop my skills towards the product and furniture design world. I have a huge passion and interest in contemporary Scandinavian design. Collaborating with a company of Scandinavian design would be an absolute dream of mine. I admire and would love to be involved in this industry.

"I’ve been busy developing and getting used to the freelance profession, especially after taking part in MoOd Brussels only a matter of weeks ago. It’s been an interesting couple of months since gradating but I’m just taking every opportunity as it comes. I’ve had a few interesting collaborations reach their deadlines recently that have been with a variety of different clients and professions. I have a variety of prospects on the horizon in undiscovered areas of design ranging from retail design to fashion fabrics! Its all been very exciting and pretty overwhelming."

Find out more about Katie Gillies here.