What does a blanket designer do?
One of my key responsibilities is to develop original patterns and designs that are later applied to our blanket fabrics — either through printing or embossing. This process involves a careful blend of creativity and strategy. We study the market, analysing competitors to identify gaps and opportunities. We also stay on top of current trends in colours, motifs, styles, layouts and compositions to ensure our designs are fresh and relevant. Most importantly, we pay close attention to customer preferences, so we can create products that truly resonate with them.
Our most beloved designs are animal prints, and we know our customers love our African-inspired blankets that are vibrant and full of life and colour.
How did you end up doing this work?
I’ve always been interested in art, paintings and abstract design, and came across surface design, which is where you create pattern designs for many forms of material including fabric, wood and metal, and understand its composition and what you can and cannot do with it. There were many avenues to choose from but I chose to pursue textile design, in which you create designs that get printed on fabric.
I didn’t get into the field immediately after creating my portfolio, but about a year after I graduated an internship opportunity rose at Sheraton Textiles, a homeware manufacturing company. After a few years in the industry, I came across the textile design position at homechoice.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I initially wanted to be an artist. I just wanted to paint and create stuff. I love DIY projects and making something unique out of the mundane. I always felt that I had a different approach to design and I loved expressing what I felt on paper and different surfaces.
What do you look for when recruiting for your team?
Someone who is creative and passionate. You can teach and train someone to design and train them in the processes involved, the theory and the software, but you cannot teach or train someone to be creative and you cannot force someone to be passionate.
What advice do you have for young people at the start of their careers?
To never give up. It’s such a cliché, but if you really want it and feel that’s where your heart lies, then go for it. If you can’t get into a field, then create your own and give it your all, because all you need is that one person to give you a shot.
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