Shop update

etsy.com/shop/jadeevansdesign

15 sales on Etsy! No, that doesn’t seem like much at all, but it can take a long, long time to get noticed online. I’m pretty proud of myself for how much determination I’ve put into my little business! Promoting yourself can seem very tedious after a while but you have to stay at it to get somewhere in life – Facebook groups have helped a lot with views and getting noticed, and Instagram has been a good platform for sharing work and gaining fans.

I’ve been making more wooden patterned decorations since Christmas – these seem to be a nice, affordable way of getting my designs out there. After working in a gift shop, I realised just how popular these hanging decorations are. They’re not exactly to my taste, that’s why I’ve put my own twist on them and jazzed up the usual wooden hanging bird shapes. They can add a bit of colour and pattern to your walls – I think people are often afraid of having too much colour in their homes and this saddens me.

Alongside having more decorations for sale, there are small patterned pocket mirrors available, a recent addition of an abstract patterned pencil case, something I was v. pleased with, and a collection of small notebooks:

 

Things have turned 80s

I was already aware of the fact that discovering The Memphis Group, an Italian design and architecture group founded in Milan in the 1980s, had had a significant impact on my work as of my final year at university. I’m not sure, however, where my sudden recent 1980s, postmodernist influence has come from. I always thought I was more interested in mid-century modern design from the 1950s and 60s, yet I’ve found myself creating really large, bold designs with a heavy use of black as an accent colour. It can get a bit confusing which direction to take sometimes when you have so many influences!

Some recent designs:

Back to work

It’s January 1st and I’m ready to get back on Photoshop! I’m so grateful for everyone’s support over the past few months. I’ve managed to sell items through lots of networking, promoting and getting involved in arts fairs – first steps towards getting somewhere! (The extra dosh also helped towards Christmas expenses so thank you v. much).

The Etsy shop is now open again and will be restocked with new items within the next few weeks!

etsy.com/shop/JadeEvansDesign

Also, here’s the layer I designed for New Future Graphic’s Instagram Christmas tree, you can view the whole tree at instagram.com/treemassive!

PZYK

Back in late September, I entered a world of psychedelia for two days…which was heaven. Music, colour, pattern, art and fashion all combined to make it one of the best experiences. This is Liverpool’s International Festival of Psychedelia I’m talking about. Why have I not been before? I know I definitely won’t be missing it next year.

I immediately got inspired by the light installations which were displayed in each of the venues, the most impressive being created by Innerstrings (see images on his facebook page) which consisted of colourful liquids moving around the room and live projections of the bands themselves performing.

This is my collection of designs inspired by the event, featuring fragments of my photography:

More notebooks for sale

I recently, finally, made my first two sales on Etsy – out of the blue! So it’s given me a bit of a confidence boost to create more items to sell. I’ve listed two new notebooks, consisting of typically bright patterns! Postcard packs are still available too.

etsy.com/shop/jadeevansdesign

Notebooks for sale

Due to recent lack of funds since finishing university, I haven’t yet been able to start producing many products for my Etsy shop, but as a small experiment I had one of my latest designs printed onto a notebook. I have now listed this and would really appreciate a sale right now!

UPDATE: sold.

etsy.com/shop/JadeEvansDesign

Geometrics

I recently got a version of Photoshop – yay! I also recently got lots of free time on my hands so I’ve started making patterns again. As a big fan of geometric designs, I know I didn’t explore this style enough during my degree so I’ve been creating some simple digital designs, focusing on shapes, colour and layering. They’re not my finest work but it’s good having the freedom to not have to stick to a particular theme! At the moment I’m just enjoying getting creative again.

Postcards for sale

I recently set up an Etsy shop in which I’d like to start selling small products using my designs. To begin with I’m just selling packs of postcards featuring some of my final collection samples but would like to add more (all depending on success).

Find my shop at: etsy.com/shop/JadeEvansDesign

Set of 5 Postcards:

Degree Show

It’s all over (sad face) but I’m happy to let everyone know I’ll be graduating with a 2.1! I really enjoyed exhibiting work and seeing how everyone’s collections came together. I feel I chose my strongest designs to display and they seemed to make a good impact on the visitors – I wasn’t left with any business cards or postcards by the end of the weekend! As well as my final collection, fabrics from the Dawn French collaboration project were exhibited, showing full length samples of the woven fabric and my tartan lining. My space all set-up:

Final Major Project update

I was hoping university would never end. Another three years on the course would be great! With one week left to go until the final deadline, there isn’t much time to reflect with all the stress building up. Thankfully I have finished all of my samples at this stage and I’m pretty happy with them. I managed to fit in a bit of time for dyeing fabrics and screen printing for my development work, making use of the facilities before leaving. Out of everything about the course, I’m going to miss the beloved digital printers. If only I had £10,000 to buy myself one after leaving. Here is what I’ve been up to: