How I Became a Print Designer

From Pants to Prints…

It’s taken a while to get over my print design imposter syndrome (do you ever get over it or just get used to it?) and that’s because I never actually trained as a print designer. My degree was in lingerie design, which is also where most of my work experience had been.

The thing is, to be a good lingerie designer, it’s also helpful to know how to do tech drawings, present designs, understand garment construction, communicate with factories, I could go on.

So with that, plus dipping my toe into the world of branding and marketing at times, graphics accidentally became a massive part of my work and print design kind of just opened itself up as an opportunity.

The knicker designs above were my first print that got put on a product and sold. I wasn’t meant to be designing a print, but somehow I found myself deciding to stay late in the office on a Friday night to sketch a floral idea. I expected it to just be an example of what *could* work in the range.

Come Monday morning, I was told to put the sketch into repeat and make a spec (which with a lot of trial and error I somehow worked out how to do!). So it’s a big thanks to Arinda @skill.place, for being one of those bosses who just makes things happen, that set me on this path.

I’ve come a long way since a last minute floral on some knickers!

I still do underwear design too (side note – if anyone is after an amazing sports bra, head over to Pebe), I just don’t shout about it or go looking for that type of work anymore.

If you want to know more about how I got into print deign or would like to work together, drop me a messgae. I’m always happy to chat 🙂