The first couple of years after graduating can be the most challenging so we caught up with our ‘Ones to Watch’ to see what they’ve been up to since they were spotted by the CIDA judges. In our next few blogs they will tell us how it really is – from highs to lows and their biggest challenges in pursuing a colourful creative life
“Some of the best moments since winning the colour and design award have been firstly attending New Designers and getting further recognition and positive feedback on my work as well as gaining a work placement and being featured in the Journal of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers magazine. Also being selected to attend an interview at Johnston’s Of Elgin; the finest Cashmere producers in the world”.
Josie Beevers, BA (Hons) Textile Design, Birmingham City University. Josie was spotted at the 2018 awards
What was the first big thing you did after becoming a CIDA ‘One to Watch’ (new work, exhibition, show, event, meeting, pitch?) Soon after winning the award at my degree show I showed my work at New Designers. After the show I had a sample selected by Colour Hive and Material Lab to be shown at MOoD Innovation Platform in Brussels.
How successful was it and what did you learn? I learnt a lot there about how events such as New Designers run - being the first I have participated in - and I made connections, leading to a work placement in London with Majeda Clarke, the winner of one year on (2018). What have been the hardest creative obstacles to overcome recently and do you think you have overcome them? Currently my challenge is learning to work independently whilst volunteering in Sri Lanka, managing the production and quality control of a local charity’s textile and fashion work. This has been a great new challenge for me, to share my passion and make sure the women here are making products to a high standard that can be sold locally and overseas.
What have been the best things you’ve done since winning a CIDA ‘One to Watch’ award and what have you learnt as a result? Some of the best moments since winning the colour and design award have been, firstly, attending New Designers and getting further recognition and positive feedback on my work, as well as gaining a work placement and being featured in the journal of weavers spinners and dyers magazine. Also, being selected to attend an interview at Johnston’s Of Elgin, the finest Cashmere producers in the world.
What’s next? Once home from Sri Lanka I will begin new adventures with all my previous experience gained, searching for my career within the textile industry.
Oh yes – and is your favourite colour still orange?
Yes! Contact:
See more of Josie’s work:
