Georgia Wilkinson is a designer of fabrics and readymade products working from her own design studio, in Yorkshire. In 2001 Georgia studied Contemporary Crafts for a BA at Manchester Metropolitan University and in 2004 achieved a Masters in Surface Pattern Design at UCLAN. Since then she has created fabric collections and created an e-commerce site to sell her designs online. She then developed her ready made product range, specialising in lampshades. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Georgia Wilkinson.
Image Credit: 1) Not On The High Street 2) Little Blue Budgie 3) Radiance Lighting 4) Georgia Wilkinson 5) Georgia Wilkinson
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My creative style is influenced by the clean lines of 1970s surface pattern and wallpapers, I love the simplicity of it.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I always start with a sketchbook and pencil, keeping it loose and free. I then move onto painting with black gouache, often overlaying and reworking areas with layout paper. The artwork is then scanned into the computer where I interpret the designs and patterns in Adobe photoshop and Illustrator.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I am currently working on a collaboration with a local lino artist from York, Gerard Hobson. He has created 4 designs for lampshades and cushions and I have scaled, coloured and manufactured. I love his design style, it’s quite different from my own, but is a great addition to my own collection.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I find that my inspiration comes from everywhere! There is nothing better than taking a walk or run in the countryside around my studio, it really clears my head and ideas often pop in when I least expect it. I also love to look through my favourite art books, namely those designs of Escher and Charley Harper.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
A lot of hard work, but thankfully I enjoy my job 99% of the time! A piece of advice I received from a lady in a coffee shop 6 years ago has also stuck with me; talk to everybody. You never know where conversations will lead, it’s the best way to spread the word about your products but also receive some valuable feedback.
