Since graduating this summer, surface pattern designer, Sophie Amelia, has been super busy. Among various exhibitions, taking part in careers workshops with the Princes Trust, following up on leads, applying to jobs and funding, and continuing to print, Sophie felt like “I was that busy that I didn’t have time to worry about what I was going to do post-university”. Now however, things are starting to settle and she is getting into more of a routine. Currently, Sophie spends three days a week working at The Art House in Wakefield, and dedicates another 2-3 days towards developing her freelance practice and textile products.
One of her favourite experiences since graduating has been taking part in New Designers, the annual showcase of some of the UK’s most innovative and emerging talent in the field of design. She tells us; “I tried to be extremely proactive with it, reaching out to companies and judges in the week before the event and staying by my work to speak to visitors”. This was really helpful in providing talking points and the opportunity to speak to people she had already connected with online in advance. The event also gave Sophie so many opportunities to talk about her practice; “I feel much more experienced at this now which will really help with future proposals, funding bids or job interviews”.
Sophie was also awarded the Pattern Cloud Award for Innovative Display, an AVA top ten to watch award, and a commendation from Sanderson Design Group. Many of her peers also received commendations from brands such as Sainsburys, Habitat, and Sanderson. She was also offered a couple of work placements which she would have loved to take up, but they happened to be not very local, so unfortunately she had to let those opportunities pass.
She tells us; “Ultimately, I felt like it was such a lovely celebration of our time at university spending a week with my fellow LAU textile students all supporting and uplifting each other!”
Presently, Sophie is focusing on trying to keep momentum going with her work. She is writing a business plan, applying for funding and makers markets, reaching out to potential workshop venues and stockists, and continuing her printmaking practice in any spare time she has.
With lots of upcoming events planned, such as the Wakefield Artisan Market on the 7th of October, as well as an Exhibition at Wakefield Cathedral from the 2nd of November – 1st of December, and a Christmas Exhibition/Pop up shop at the Art House from mid-November through to Christmas, the rest of Sophie’s year is looking to be equally busy.
So what is Sophie’s advice to future graduates? “My advice to any future graduates would be to make yourself open to opportunities, reach out to anyone and everyone to make connections and follow up on everything! People are busy and things can get forgotten and I don’t think there is anything wrong with politely chasing people up. The last few months at university and the following summer go so quickly so make the most of it and just enjoy your time!”
www.sophieamelia.co.uk
@sophieameliadesign
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