Rachael Taylor - Surface Pattern Designer
Rachael Taylor is a fun, enthusiastic creative designer and textile artist with over several years industry experience in a variety of fields. Since leaving university this young designer has achieved so much in such a small time span working for a number of prestigious clients worldwide.
Rachael's bright range of oven gloves and matching pinnys!
Originally from the Wirral, Merseyside (UK) Rachael graduated from the University of Leeds in 2005, with a BA (Hons) in Textile & Fashion Design. Her first job was as a print & design technician whilst also working as a part time freelancer in the textile industry. She then went on to progress with her textile and stitched screen printed pieces and held her first solo exhibition called ‘stitched’ in 2006 at the Brahm Gallery Leeds. Later that year Rachael was awarded 1st prize in the Janome creative competiton for a layered paper skirt design.
Rachael's much loved cow parsley design tea towel in sea green
Then specialising in surface pattern design, she developed her early signature style of layering, textures and quirky hand drawn linework. This style is present in both her screenprinted pieces and digital work. Wanting to obtain further experience and technical knowledge Rachael applied for a job with one of the greetings market leaders, where she worked as a mac designer for two years specialising in surface pattern design. She then set up her own design studio in May 2008 (based in Leeds) where she now works as a freelance surface pattern designer and textile artist.
One of Rachael's greetings card designs
Rachael has recently had over twenty pieces of her work published in four renowned designs books including ‘Print and Pattern’ by Bowie Style (LKP Publishing), ‘Patterns‘ by Drusilla Cole, (LKP Publishing and ‘The Exciting World of Pattern Design‘ by Zeixs Feierabend (Unique Books)’ ‘Patterns’ by Maomao/booQs publishing. She is also featured in the keenly awaited ‘Print and Pattern 2’ by Bowie Style (LKP Publishing). Her unique web styling and design attracted the attention of ‘by Zeixs Feierabend (Unique Books)’ as they showcase her website in their brand new book ‘Websites 3’. Rachael regularly receives design commissions from trend forecasting companies and has had work published in trend books for Trend Bible & Mudpie. Her designs and products are regularly featured in the press and have made appearances on TV and more recently has attracted a celebrity fan base.
Books Rachael is featured in
Rachael likes to bring her own personality to her work and creates fun quirky designs ‘patterns to make you happy’. Her positive & energetic approach was recognised in 2009 as she was awarded the title of ‘the happiest person in Britain 2009’ from her excited and happy twitter posts. Her patterns are spontaneous as Rachael loves to draw with her right and left hand and sometimes even with her eyes closed. This way her patterns are unique & full of energy, she takes inspiration from everything around her and a lot of her motifs come from her own mood & personality.
Three of Rachael's new designs on tea towels just arrived at Heart Gallery, yippee!
Three of Rachael's new designs on tea towels just arrived at Heart Gallery, yippee!
Rachael is also actively involved in education. She has delivered a number of workshops and career presentations in schools, colleges & universities throughout the UK. Rachael played a huge part in the Liverpool Design Stars challenge for 2011. She was commissioned by the Design Initiative to oversee the surface pattern category. This involved writing the brief, presenting and running workshops in schools, judging entries, selecting winners, presenting awards and delivering a masterclass weekend for select nominees. Rachael was invited to speak at the renowned Do What You Love art & creative enterprise retreat (held in May 2011) in front of an international audience.
Brand new box of 20 notelets by Rachael have now arrived at Heart Gallery
My favourite notelet would make a fab birthday card and there are 4 other designs to choose from
Full set of notelets in a gorgeous box now in at Heart Gallery
Rachael has recently launched a groundbreaking new e-course called ‘The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design’ where the successful designer teaches and shares her expertise and knowledge in surface pattern; from sketch through to product combined with business tips along the way. The course is a collaboration between Rachael and award winning entrepreneur Beth Nicholls of ‘Do What You Love’. It has attracted a global audience and has received fantastic support from industry leaders.
Rachael on her stand at BCTF April 2011
Rachael with some of her textiles in Heart Gallery September 2011
Read Rachael’s interview on the inspirational Do What You Love for Life website here folks and call in to Heart Gallery soon to see her range of textiles and stationery, thank you.
Group of 6 of Rachael's latest tea towels at Heart Gallery
Heart Gallery Blog 