New Designers12: Q&A with Jessica Hogarth, One Year On exhibitor

ARTS THREAD starts a new series of Q&As with designers and makers who will be exhibiting at New Designers One Year On this summer. We speak to Jessica Hogarth who will be in Part 2 running July 04-07 2012.

ARTS THREAD: Tell us a little about your background?
Jessica Hogarth: I am a freelance illustrator and surface pattern designer, based on the North Yorkshire Coast. After studying Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design at Leeds College of Art, I got a job working for a commercial design studio. My job was to both draw and colour design layouts. After 8 months, I chose to leave my position to follow my dream to one day launch my own range of prints and products. 11 months later I showed my first collection at the British Craft Trade Fair (April 2012). I am now continuing to work on new product ideas for my own brand, as well as working freelance on a variety of projects.

AT: What will you be showing at One Year On?
JH: The products displayed at one year on will be largely paper based. I have a number of greetings cards, some wallpaper and limited edition screen prints. My collection also includes bone china mugs and tea towels, both of which feature my ‘Coastal Cottages’ design.

AT: Can you tell us the inspiration behind the collection?
JH: A blend of Parisian life and the historic buildings and seascapes of the North Yorkshire Coast have inspired my collection. Many trips to Paris provided me with the inspiration for my final degree collection, and some of the ideas touched upon during my time studying have translated into products I am now selling commercially. My rural upbringing has also had a huge influence on my own body of work. The higgledy-piggledy buildings that make up the village I live in feature across my entire range of products, as well as the boats belonging to local fishermen that litter the village.

AT: What are you looking forward to most at OYO?
JH: After having such a great time at the British Craft Trade Fair, I am very excited to meet more other designer-makers and also to have further contact with people working in the industry. Working freelance in my own studio can be lonely at times, and exhibitions such as this one provides the opportunity to meet people you have perhaps had contact with online, as well as making important new connections.

AT: What do you hope to gain by exhibiting at OYO?
JH: I see One Year On as an opportunity to meet potential new buyers for my collection, but also a way of extending my network of freelance contacts. It will be an excellent chance to gain press coverage, as well as getting invaluable feedback on my work.

See Jessica Hogarth‘s collection at One Year On Part 2 July 04-07 2012; Part 1 runs June 27-30 2012.