The Make it in Design Podcast

Rachael Taylor is an award-winning art director, creative mentor, and print and pattern designer and now author. She is best known for her quirky style, daring use of colour, and unique innovation. She regularly takes on design commissions for various companies and has created prints and patterns for almost every part of the marketplace. She is a trademarked brand with a number of licensed products worldwide. Rachael is also a much-loved coach and creative mentor who is well-known for her friendly, honest, and motivational teaching style. As the co-founder of Make It In Design, she has developed a ground-breaking educational platform and taught more than 25,000 students across 100 countries. Rachael has been featured in many print and online publications including House Beautiful, Red, Mollie Makes and Homestyle, and on ITV, BBC and Channel 4. She is also a member of the UK government’s Anti-Copying in Design Sector Council, and a regular speaker at design industry events. This special interview is in celebration of Rachael's book, Power up your Creativity – available now! After so many conversations with our much-loved Make it in Design community, Rachael has developed a keen insight into what obstacles stand in the way of creative success for so many of us and has turned her guidance into a stunning book. Episode includes: · Where Rachael’s passion for design and colour began · Discovering what resonates with you · Creativity is about taking risks, breaking rules and having fun · The value of teaching and passing on your experiences · Dealing with adversity and how to make it positive · How to deal with rejection when it happens

Alexander Wills is a digital textile printing expert. He is devoted to helping designers gain financial freedom, while doing what they love, through the Maake ecosystem. He works with 100’s of company’s daily from small brands to big names including Alexander McQueen, Dior, Burberry and BBC and his belief is ‘all designers should be treated with the same respect, no matter their status, as creativity is unique’. After 15 years in textile printing, Alex and his wife Artemis were tired of seeing talented people left behind in their industry. Massive minimums and complicated ordering processes made it impossible to run a profitable small or medium-sized business. Outsourcing abroad only presented unsustainable practices and lengthy wait times. It was time to shake up the textile industry. Fashion Formula (soon to be Maake) gives ordinary people the opportunity to bring their extraordinary visions to life. A simple, uncomplicated ordering process. Made in London, so no more long lead times. No more large orders needed, no more waste, and no more broken promises and giving your business an edge. Alex has had huge success since launching Fashion Formula which has expanded above and beyond the realms of fabric printing as they are just in the process of launching their brilliant NEW platform Maake. Episode 7 includes:

Simion Hawtin-Smith is the Creative Director of Reloved Upholstery and Design in Manchester. He started Reloved Upholstery in 2014, and specialises in giving iconic chairs a new lease of life, using a combination of traditional and modern methods. He is an upholsterer for the BBC One TV show, Money for Nothing, and has a monthly column in Reclaim magazine sharing the inspirations behind his work. Simion is an incredibly diverse and multi-disciplined creative. He also works as an interior stylist and as a workshop host and loves nothing more than teaching and passing on his skills and love of all things upholstery. At Make it in Design we are thrilled to have Simion on board featuring as an expert guest tutor in the “hands on” Make It In Design interior masterclassess: Surface Pattern Design + Cushion Making and Pattern Creation + Chair Upholstery. Perhaps starting his creative career later than some as he changed up his path, but since the beginning Simion has completely owned his specialism all whilst diversifying his skill set and being a lovely, inspiring and generous person in the process. Episode 6 includes: · Giving yourself the time to explore what you are passionate about and then doing it · Growing your own business and brand and sharing your creative goal with others · Working with independent designers with an authentic narrative to their work · Absorbing inspiration from other creatives and channelling this into your own work and creative development · Restoring and reinventing interior pieces whilst retaining their sentimental value · Passing on the joy of upholstery with others whilst connecting with them

Terry Runyan is a visual artist, illustrator, creative encourager and cat lover living in Kansas City with her adorable cats Rylee and Tucker who she credits for being huge inspirations to her work. After working as an in-house illustrator for 30 years at Hallmark, Terry took the leap back in October 2016 to explore her own art and creative processes. With an Instagram following of over 340K, Terry also creates video tutorials and lessons on watercolour, mixed media and collage. Seeing creativity as a means to connect, communicate and share with others - Terry loves to encourage people to explore their creativity for the pure joy of it. Most recently Terry has released a new book Painting Happiness - Creativity with Watercolours which is a simple and vibrant guide explaining the art of watercolour through mindfulness and providing inspiration, practical advice and step by step projects. Focusing on the creativity that is revealed in each new moment, overcoming perfectionism and freeing yourself from the inner critic, terry encourages us to explore, experiment and play. Episode 5 includes: · Working as an in-house illustrator for over 30 years and knowing when it’s time to change it up · Exploring mixed media and creating for the pure joy of it · How creativity is ever present and that there is no such thing as creative block · Making a pact with yourself – Creating on a daily basis · The creative process of writing a book · Exploring the ‘hate it’ phase and moving forward

Nerida Hansen, is an Australian pattern and fabric guru based in Victoria, Australia and first embarked on a career in textiles in 2008 with her own sporting label for men and women. Followed by a two-year stint as a junior buyer of licensed bedding for a major retailer. In this role she was introduced to manufacturers in South Korea and India and as a result unleashed her passion for licensing, design and fabrics. It was during this time that she pitched her idea to support independent artists and designers to a big name store, but they were not interested. Believing in herself and her vision, Nerida left her job and started representing emerging artists. She turned her dream into a reality and launched her first collection of digitally printed fabrics back in 2017. Nerida Hansen Fabrics was born and it was a sell out! That does not mean it was an overnight success. Slowly, Nerida has built her team of designers, some are longstanding whilst others are fresh and up and coming. Fast-forward to today where she is at her best in the textiles market and building a stand-alone business. Nerida continues to work closely with local and international illustrators and surface art designers to support, license and represent, whilst ensuring they are the right fit and look for her brand. At the age of 48, she was diagnosed with ADHD. Not allowing that to slow her down she is in the process of developing and preparing to launch a world first surface art-sourcing platform called Patternfield App revolutionising the way buyers and artists work with each other. It is the first platform to connect artists and designers with art buyers around the world. Episode 4 includes: · Finding optimism and joy in nurturing creative talent · Knowing the market and selling your work to the right clients · Discovering your uniqueness · Revolutionising the way buyers and artists connect · Defining a successful business when faced with adversity · Recognising your success metrics and balance between work and life.

Kieron Lewis, a freelance graphic designer from London, specialises in Branding, Editorial Design, Social Media Marketing and Graphic Design. Kieron is also an experienced public speaker having spoken at Adobe MAX as well as a host on the Adobe Live Series, Creative Pro and Create Leicester and at numerous universities and colleges where he shares his wealth of experience and knowledge. Over the years, Kieron has successfully implemented several self-directed and client-based projects, ranging across digital and print. One of Kieron’s most recent projects was a collaboration with Harper Collins and Harper Inspire on Still Breathing: 100 Black Voices on Racism, 100 Ways to Change the Narrative in which from cover to interior, Kieron designed the entire 300 paged hardpack publication. This publication focuses on 100 Black Voices from across the British community. Everyone featured has voiced their lived experiences to help us set up a true conversation about racism in Britain. Those featured include Beverley Knight, David Lammy, Kwame Armah and Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin. Episode 3 includes: · Speaking with your inner self and empowering your next move · Creating a routine that works for you and your creativity · Making every client your dream client · The power of social media for a freelance designer · Creative projects that spark sincere conversations · Being proactive and retaining your authentic voice

As Sales Director for Cinnamon Joe Studio,Paul spent around 8 years exhibiting at shows like PV in Paris, Heimtextil in Frankfurt, and Surtex in New York. Over the years he noticed a decline in numbers attending these big trade shows, but the yearly rising costs to exhibit. In May 2014 the feeling was there was definitely a need for change and that made up Paul’s mind to do something about it. However, being based in Northern Ireland, it was always going to be a challenge organising a new Surface Design Print show. Que finding the right venue and organising furniture, lighting, sound and wi-fi in a big city like New York. Paul said “None of us knew what to expect, would anyone turn up? But much to our surprise we had a busy three days and it felt like the time flew by, and Blue Print was born”. Blue Print brings together a fantastic collection of studios and designers that are producing a print show by themselves for their clients. The boutique type feel of the show, and the fun friendly atmosphere has been maintained even though the number of Exhibitors has grown year by year. Episode 2 includes: · Recognising the need for change and how to get your plan moving · The world of trade shows - a walk-through of what to expect · Knowing when the time is right for you to make the investment to exhibit · The birth of the virtual show and it’s place in the future · How to be proactive and not pushy in getting your work in-front of Buyers and Art Directors · Finding your place in the design industry and the market for your work

Marianne Shillingford is the Creative Director at AkzoNobel Dulux and founder of the “Colour in Design Award”. Dulux is the UK’s leading paint brand, with a wealth of products and services designed to help consumers find the colours that they’ll love in their home. Dulux have most recently worked in collaboration with UK TV station, Channel 4 as partners for their DIY makeover show “Changing Rooms”! Describing her role as Creative Director of Dulux as a dream job which involves working closely with many creative disciplines from designers, architect’s photographers and videographers to new design talent, global colour experts, professional decorators, and the media. With over 30 years industry experience colour has been at the heart of everything Marianne does whether it be painting traditional fairground rides, running her own interior decorating company, Artistic Director of the National Design Academy or TV presenting. Marianne has also channelled her vast experience and love of colour into the launch of “The Colour in Design Award” – creating a meaningful and lasting legacy. Marianne created this award to encourage a new generation of creative talent to discover their own colourful path in the world. The “Colour in Design Award” recognises and rewards new designers who are working with colour in inspiring and exceptional ways. Episode 1 includes: Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate, and control colour from inspiration to realisation and to achieve colour consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion and product design. Vice President of The Pantone Colour Institute, Laurie Pressman believes that The Colour Conversation is one that touches nearly every industry. From the clothes we wear to the way colour makes us feel, the language of colour is one that is universally shared. Episode 9 includes: New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

Creative powerhouse Katy Cowan is a renowned journalist, writer, podcast host and founder of the phenomenal platform Creative Boom. Launched in 2009, Creative Boom supports the creative community, particularly those who are underrepresented. Today, the site has six million readers and over 320,000 followers on social media. From artists, graphic designers and illustrators to photographers, filmmakers, and animators her platform supports creatives at every stage of their careers, from leaving education to employment, freelancing, or leading a team. Katy especially loves to champion emerging talent and give a voice to the underrepresented. Her wonderful platform has been a great source of inspiration, comfort, and support to many. Episode 8 includes: New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

Oliver Bonas is a British High Street and online lifestyle store. The company vision is to create inspiring Home and Gift collections, allowing self-expression and to encourage creativity. They believe that their designs go beyond the products to represent a lifestyle and offering Oliver Bonas as an experience. Kate Butler is the Head of Home and Gift at Oliver Bonas – alongside a team of designers with an exploratory spirit who successfully channel it into their fashion and homeware collections. With creative roots stemming back to childhood, Kate always knew that she wanted to do something creative as a career, but her route into the design industry was not a standard one as she isn’t a trained designer. However, creativity is intrinsic to Kate. She has a natural affinity to make all things creative part of both her professional and personal life. She has 15 years’ experience working with aspirational high street lifestyle brands starting with Conran in 2006, and then moving to Anthropologie and then Habitat before Oliver Bonas. Her other passions in life are travelling and creating crowd pleasing recipes! Episode 7 includes: · Early creative roots and exploring these in education · Following your own path, accepting challenges and learning and growing along the way · Listening to your instincts and knowing what opportunities to grasp · Insights into how a commercial design team works – from drawing to the final product · Trying something new, pushing innovation in design, products and the materials we use · The benefits of slowing down, giving yourself permission to rest and breathe and recharge New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

The Quarto Publishing Group creates a wide variety of books and intellectual property products, with a mission to inspire life's experiences. Produced in many formats for adults, children and the whole family, the products are visually appealing, information rich and stimulating. Winnie, the SVP and Publishing Director for Quarto, has been working there since 1993 and has had various roles starting as the North American Marketing and Sales Manager for Rockport Publishers a global design book imprint based in Rockport Massachusetts. As Quarto Publishing Group USA grew, she more recently took the role of Group Publisher for a diverse list of imprint published out of the Beverly, Massachusetts office including Rockport Publishers, Quarry Books, Fair Winds Press, Cool Springs Press, and Harvard Common Press. With a focus on category driven, illustrated non-fiction including Art, Craft, Cookery, Gardening, Mind/Body/Spirit, Self Help and Hobbies. Winnie is also responsible for a list of 175 new illustrated titles a year! Episode 6 includes: New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

For over 30 years Adobe has been changing the world through digital experiences and has been transforming industries, starting with the print industry. Mike Scrutton, Print Director at Adobe is leading a team focused on developments in the textile printing space. With 25+ years working with print, his knowledge and understanding of creative production workflows is extensive. Mike has been with Adobe since 1997 and has been responsible for many new and advanced technologies in the field. At Make it in Design we’ve been fortunate to have Mike and his team providing some amazing insights and opportunities for our community of designers in The Live Hub. Including winning gold standard awards, exhibiting their work around the world and getting to test brand-new Adobe software. In episode 05 Vic and Mike discuss: Adobe Max runs October 26-28th, 2021 https://max.adobe.com/ New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

Oliver Bonas is a British High Street and online lifestyle store. The company values are work hard, play hard, be kind which are at the core of all they do. They believe in the magic of great design, innovative thinking and that design has the power to positively affect how we feel, allowing self-expression and to encourage creativity. Dan Silby, Art Director is a creative at heart, a visionary and spontaneous art director with almost 20 years’ experience directing and styling photoshoots and producing all the imagery you might see on the Oliver Bonas website and social platforms. With extensive experience working across the company, Dan also supports all of the in-house visual merchandising team, store design and graphics team to bring to life this aspirational brand. In his free time, Dan is a vintage fabric obsessive and a furniture restorer and finds joy in collecting vintage children's books and wooden building bricks. New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

Janine Vangool is the publisher, editor and designer of UPPERCASE, the quarterly magazine for the creative and curious and celebrates the process of making the commitment to craft and the art of living creatively. Published since 2009, UPPERCASE has an enthusiastic and loyal readership of designers, illustrators, craftspeople, creative entrepreneurs and paper lovers around the world. A creative explorer, Janine has worked as a freelance graphic designer in arts, culture and publishing and has also taught typography and publication design at the college level. Janine has a particular fondness for playing the piano and typewriters, a passion that has inspired a book about their graphic history. She lives in Calgary, Canada with her novelist husband and curious 5-year-old son. Episode 3 includes: New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

Elizabeth Olwen is a renowned Canadian Print and Pattern Designer who lives in beautiful Lisbon. Inspired by the world around her—from dense Canadian forests, to the colours and tiles of Lisbon, and her abundant spiritual and travel adventures in the life in between—Elizabeth’s meaningfully-made artwork is driven by the desire to leave something beautiful behind with every step she takes, while being gentle on this beautiful planet that nurtures and inspires her so much. Elizabeth’s work oozes style, joy and colour confidence. She collaborates with companies from all around the globe, on feel-good, intentional products from home decor to stationery, from fabric to bedding, from swimwear to jewellery, and so much more. Not only is she an in-demand designer, she’s a brilliant online teacher and is also Founder and Director of Field Trip, a curated annual Art & Licensing Show in New York formed and completely run by established artists offering clients a fresh, fun, and lively space to interact and connect. Episode 2 includes: New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com

Make it in Design is one of the longest running online design schools in the world. Co-founders Beth Kempton and Rachael Taylor have been business partners and friends for over ten years. During that time, they have helped creatives from across the globe to thrive in the design industry. Together with the rest of the team they love nothing more than to inspire creative people to follow their dreams, grow sustainable design businesses, and do what they love. Rachael Taylor is a renowned surface pattern designer who is most known for her quirky style, daring use of colour and unique innovation. Besides being a prolific print and pattern designer for almost every market you can imagine. She also has her own label and is a much-loved creative mentor to emerging designers. Rachael is the lead tutor on the Make it in Design courses and as taught over 20,000 students for more than 100 countries. Rachael has a real passion for travel and most recently a love for Cuba with it’s breath-taking colour, culture and people. In this very first Make it in Design podcast, Beth puts Rachael in the hot seat to discuss how it all started, how to stay motivated and creatively inspired. Episode 1 includes: New episodes every week. Remember to subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop! Find out more at makeitindesign.com