Graduate delivers colourful workshop for Textile Design students
12 January 2021
Textile Design graduate, Poppy Purchase returned to Falmouth to offer current students expert advice. We spoke to her about her experiences of studying at Falmouth, what she’s been up to since she’s graduated and why she was so excited to come back and work with today’s Textiles students.
During her workshops with the Stage 2 Textiles Design students, Poppy shared her expertise in, and passion for, colour. Together they explored how to use colour referencing to broaden their natural colour sense and discussed colour preferences for different clients and different parts of the world. “My main aims were to help the students understand how important their use of colour is, encourage them to explore interesting colour choices and help them make sure they're picking the perfect colour palettes for individual clients.”
The chance to come back to the course and engage with future graduates was one she simply couldn’t pass up. “I was excited to come back and do the workshop with the students. I thought it was a great opportunity to evidence how what they are learning now is used in the industry and encourage them to continue practicing these tools in their future projects.”
Textiles Design course leader, Sally-Ann Gill says, “It’s vital that our students gain insights from industry professionals like Poppy. Students were interested to see how much Poppy had progressed after graduating from the course.”
Specialising in print during her degree, Poppy has gone on to work as an assistant for a Fine Art Printmaker – editioning the works of internationally renowned artists, as well as working as a freelance textile designer for a collective and continuing her journey as an independent artist.
Her big break came in her final year, when she exhibited her Final Major Project at New Designers in London. "I was approached by a textile design studio called Circleline Design Ltd. who design non-trend driven printed, embroidered and woven fabrics, (predominantly print)," says Poppy.
"I worked as a Freelance Designer for Circleline for two years, creating artwork for digitally printed textiles and embroidery. In this time, I gained experience in sales and magazine and film shoots. What was most important for me, however, was having the freedom to practice and grow in my artistic abilities on a daily basis.
I love that my career is my passion. I love that I am constantly learning and growing. I love the freedom, the variety and creativity."
Since leaving Circleline, Poppy has continued to pave a successful path in the design industries, collaborating with print studios, on residential murals and even securing commissions from the likes of Ted Baker. "One of the most exciting opportunities I've had so far would be when I was commissioned to paint murals in four of Ted Baker's new stores in the UK. I painted imagery to be used on vinyl wall stickers, posters, wallpapers and marketing material, as well as attending each of the stores to paint murals."
Poppy believes that her experience at Falmouth built the foundations of her career. The lessons she learned from her tutors, in theory and in practice, have left a lasting influence on her professional work today. "I chose the course for its Bauhaus-esque approach and loved that textile design was taught as art, without boundaries. It was such a fantastic period of time to experiment and explore, whilst being encouraged and supported. All while living in such a beautiful place. I graduated with confidence in my knowledge and abilities."
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