Designer insights with Kate Farley

Kate Farley is a fine artist and designer, with her self-named design studio based in Birmingham. Kate’s work can be found in the Tate and the British Library, and she has been known to explore image, pattern and visual language within her work. Kate graduated with a First class degree in Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern from Leeds College of Art and an MA in Book Arts from Camberwell College of Arts. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Kate Farley.

Designer Insights - Kate Farley

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I aim to create original designs that play with traditional pattern structures mixed with contemporary interpretation. I have a modernist aesthetic, and lean towards geometrics over florals.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

Usually I begin in the studio with paper, pencil, scissors, printing inks etc. I’m fairly traditional in how I play, but many avenues are left under-explored while I pursue the one that excites me as a new adventure.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

That’s a tough question; I’ve been lucky to work with many inspiring people. Those people with a can-do attitude, up for a challenge, but with integrity and a commitment to quality results make life sweet.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I tend to live with ideas that stem from drawings or prints, usually something practical that meets the brief, whether that is set by me or a client and I prefer to give it time to develop. Fighting with creativity is not a pleasure… sometime necessary, but not ideal. I enjoy the mulling it over stage too.

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’ve been on a long journey of discovery, through textile design, book art, drawing, printmaking, gallery residencies, public art commissions, academia and trade shows and I am still learning every day. It’s not an easy path, but there is so much to learn about so many things I’m delighted to be here. Always strive for original ideas, and do what is right for the present.