Sally Payne is a freelance surface pattern designer and illustrator, working in the industry for over 10 years, from Cheshire. Sally focuses on children-themed designs and patterns, as well as surface designs for childrenswear. She works with a number of mediums, including collages, paper and fabric. She has worked on ranges for Tesco, Sainsburys, Next, Lakeland and Heals. Sally also has a degree in printed Textiles and is a part time graphics teacher. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Sally Payne.
Image Credit: 1) Darling Clementine 2) Ercol 3) Orla Kiely Bedding 4) Paper Chase 5) Miss Print
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Whimsical, colourful and eclectic. I am fond of mixed media and enjoy working with paper and fabric, then use digital processes to further develop my ideas.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I begin by gathering images relevant to the brief or theme then start sketching and drawing. I scan most of my hand rendered work and use both Photoshop and Illustrator.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Working freelance can be fairly lonely at times. My agent is a constant support and gives me great guidance and inspiration, this is vital when working independently. Social media also gives you the opportunity to share your work with fellow creatives and this can often provide great support and inspiration!
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Everywhere. Social media can be very addictive, I spend a lot of time on Pinterest and Instagram. Aside from this just everyday things, shops, blogs, magazines, visits out etc. I am constantly on the look out for inspiration.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Being creative is massively important to me and I hugely enjoy what i do. I have so many things I would like to achieve in my creative career and that’s what provides me with the self motivation to do the job I love. My advice is persevere, work hard, push yourself and most importantly enjoy what you do - it will show through the work you produce.
