DESIGNER Q&A - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER LUCY SWANN AND DISCOVER HER UNIQUE CREATIVE JOURNEY AND FASHION DESIGNS

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17 Jan

Written By Debbie Mckeegan

**What’s next for Lucy Swann?**
“As I have recently moved, I have started to design a range of homewares - such as cushion covers, wallpaper and I am looking at recovering a 1930's cocktail chair in one of my fabrics. So the plan is to bespoke design for my own home and then these designs will be incorporated into a new collection.” - Lucy Swann - Freelance Textile Design

Meet Textile Designer Lucy Swann.

Lucy has been designing beautiful surface patterns for the Fashion Industry for many years and has an extensive knowledge of the sector, particularly Childrens wear. She is living the dream - and doing what she loves. Having recently diversified to launch her own scarf collection, here she shares her inspiring creative journey and what the future holds!….

How did you begin your design journey?

I always wanted to work as a fashion designer, and for as long as I can remember I was always drawing stick people with ornate, patterned dresses. I dabbled in graphic design for a bit, but realised that it was fashion I wanted to do.

What inspired you to focus on Childrenswear?

I actually wanted to specialise in kidswear at Uni, but I was discouraged to do so, so I opted for Womenswear. I remember working on a project for Mothercare, while I was studying, which was such fun, maybe this is where the inspiration to go into kidswear began.

I was approached at my fashion show, to work on womens leisurewear and outerwear, and this was my first job. I was there for 12 months, before I then got my first kidswear job, and then continued to specialise in that area throughout my career.

How has the manufacturing industry changed?

It has changed enormously! The days before computers were an everyday essential! . Sketching my designs by hand and colouring them in with markers! We also had our own sample rooms, so we generated alot of designs in house - and we had our own UK factories - so everything was done locally - we did our own patterns too. Then sampling / manufacturing was switched to overseas - I remember faxing my designs to the factories and sending swatches out - it was a longer process for sure.

Then computers came in and our lives were made so much easier and quicker. Its continuing to evolve, and I am really excited about what 3D technology can bring. The great thing is that the industry is now very mindful of waste and working smarter, much more than it was when I started out. Long may this continue.

Can you tell us how you create your designs?

I always start with comparative shopping - looking at ladies and menswear , seeing what trends are coming through from there and seeing how they can filter down into kidswear.I then work with mood boards and create looks from there. Like most designers these days. I work with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to design.

How has the design process changed over the few years when working freelance?

The design process does vary from client to client, the same basics though. I sometimes work with a tight design brief, and other times I am given a free range from the beginning. I do find working freelance more liberating and overall it allows me to be more creative.

Has digital technology (both design and print) accelerated your creativity?

I think digital technology has accelerated my creativity when it comes to print - during lockdown I decided to brush up on my photoshop skills and it has revolutionised the way I design printed textiles . I just started to experiment with it and I loved what I could do with it!

Tell us about your new Scarf Collection?

My scarf collection really came about through loving what I could create with Photoshop. I have always been interested in Textile design, but never pursued it. It really just came about through expanding my photoshop skills. I have always loved a scarf - I always wear a lot of black and found that adding a splash of colour in a scarf , really did help to compliment an outfit. Also they make a great face covering .My scarf collection itself is inspired about what is around me - from graffiti on a wrought iron bridge on the Regents Canal, to formation of shapes in nature, such as trees, fauna and flora, in the countryside around me.

Why did you decide to diversify?

I accidently diversified really, it wasn't particularly conscious, I just wanted to do something that I loved. I have recently moved to the countryside and there is a factory which has been printing scarves for over 100 yrs , 2 minutes from my home , so I also took this as a sign that I should be doing this. I still love working in kidswear, but I find designing my scarves liberating.

What’s next for Lucy Swann?

As I have recently moved, I have started to design a range of homewares - such as cushion covers, wallpaper and I am looking at recovering a 1930's cocktail chair in one of my fabrics. So the plan is to bespoke design for my own home and then these designs will be incorporated into a new collection.