Lucy Simpson is a textile designer and founder of her own company, Lucy Simpson Materials-Led Textiles, which she runs from Edinburgh. Lucy creates experimental textile and fabric designs, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in order to create an explosion of tactility and colour. She adores working with unusual and unexpected materials, and is passionate about texture, colour, collaging and knolling. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Lucy Simpson.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
At the core of my style is the need for exciting colour combinations and mishmashes of texture. The balance has to feel right and when it does everything just clicks.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Endless researching from magazines tear-outs I’ve collected, trend websites or even a pattern I see on the pavement is where I begin. I like to open my mind to everything and see what happens.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Collette Paterson, a textile/jewellery designer and tutor, has been a great support to me throughout my studies and I couldn’t thank her enough. She is such an inspiring designer, always so enthusiastic when talking about design and her work. She has definitely helped to instil the same outlook within me and shown me that you always have to keep designing and doing to stay motivated, constantly looking at your work with fresh eyes.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I usually begin experimenting with many materials and seeing how I can manipulate each one, exploiting their properties to create fresh and exciting tactile surfaces.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I think hard work and believing in what I’m doing has brought me to where I am now. Staying motivated is sometimes an impossible task especially when you have setbacks but these have to be overlooked. Also, always keeping on top of new developments within your craft is vital!
