Zoe Attwell is a surface pattern designer, working from her eponymous studio based in London. Zoe has previously worked in editorial design for newspapers, however she decided to pursue a more rewarding career by working with colour and patterns instead. She loves designs from the 1950’s, as well as fresh Scandinavian themes. She creates her designs by utilising hand-drawn techniques and adores fun and colour. Zoe has also gained a BA in Graphic & Media Design. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Zoe Attwell.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Colourful, fun, graphic and abstract. I love design from the 50s, geometrics and Scandinavian design. I like to create designs for textiles, homewares and stationery that bring fun and colour to your life.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I sketch ideas and textures, then bring them into Illustrator to add colour and further work on the designs, I also draw straight in vector and then add hand-drawn elements.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
My parents, they always encouraged me to be creative. My father was a very talented artist and cartoonist and we would draw a lot together, he inspired me a great deal. My mother has a great eye for design and owns a beautiful shop selling gifts, homewares and stationery. She’s a big champion of mine and has always given me good advice and lots of encouragement which I’m very grateful for.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Travelling and visiting exhibitions are great sources of inspiration, also magazines like Uppercase and Flow which are full of creative energy. But often it will come unexpectedly from my daily surroundings.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
After working for years in editorial design I decided to pursue my love for colour and pattern. I continued to freelance while experimenting with designs and building up a portfolio of work. Work to your strengths, be aware of what’s out there, but follow your instincts, and most importantly, have fun.
