The first winner of 2021 is Amy Williams who is in her second year studying textile design at De Montfort university. Course tutor Nick Rodgers invited the Colour in Design Awards to set a project which explored the role colour might play in a post COVID world. The response from all students who participated was amazing but Amy’s work stood out amongst the exceptional submissions and won her a ‘One to Watch’ award. Her work is based on broken sleep patterns and a return to nature in which we find peace and solace. Its dynamic and can be enjoyed on many levels – from decoration to therapeutic relaxation. We will be following Amy as she continues in her career – find out more about her and her design journey here.
How did you feel about winning a Colour in Design Award?
When I entered, I was never expecting to win, and I was shocked and over the moon to find out that my entry did. It has been a great boost to my confidence because you never know how other people are going to take your work, so this recognition is really rewarding. I now feel excited and motivated to see how far I can take this and future projects.
How do you choose a palette of colours?
I try to pick a palette that will fit the style and mood of my designs and I often go through many iterations and changes at the beginning of my projects. I use testing and sampling to help narrow down my choice of colours, I don’t find this the easiest process, but once I find the right colour scheme to bring my designs to life, I find the whole project starts to come together.
What inspires you?
I find my biggest inspiration lies in nature and I’m often drawn to flora and fauna as well as the sea. I like the natural movement and flowing lines of plants, flowers, and water. By contrast I am also drawn to the clean straight lines and symmetry of man-made structures such as bridges and cityscapes.
What makes you happiest/most fulfilled in your creative process?
I am happiest and most fulfilled when I get that eureka moment in the project when, after having tried many different designs and combinations, I find the one that makes everything click and start to come together.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my final second year project based on fast fashion waste and everyday waste. Turning the focus to myself and people close to me and looking at our own waste, I was shocked to find how much there is and how we have all grown accustomed to it. I have used this as the inspiration and drive behind my designs, in which I am exploring the properties of plastic and using them in my designs.
Where do you want to be in 3 years’ time?
In 3 years’, time I would like to be exploring my skills within interior textiles design wherever that may take me. I would like to increase my knowledge and experience in areas such as wallpaper design and furnishings.
Creative Highpoint?
My creative highpoint has been winning the Colour in Design Award and using the confidence it’s given me.
Creative low point?
My creative low point, as for many people, has been during the covid restrictions when I was unable to get into the studio to print my designs. I found it difficult and frustrating to have to do everything online and not be able to see my designs come to life int the studio. However, I am also grateful for this as it has allowed me to improve my digital skills massively.
s there one person during your studies/life who has really made a difference to your creative development?
There have been many people they have hugely influenced my creative development but one key person in my life who has always pushed and inspired me is my mum. I have had many ups and downs creatively over the years and she has always been there to support me, whether that be bringing me food when I am pulling an all-nighter or just giving me the confidence to keep pushing when I get stuck. I know that no matter how hard things get she always believes in me, even when I might be struggling to believe in myself.
What is your favorite colour?
Within my work I am always attracted to various shades of blue, but my favorite has to be a dark turquoise blue shade.
Email: Amywilliams987@gmail.com