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ARTSWORK INTERVIEWS - ANNA HILL
Project Outline:
Image project, created 02 Dec 2008
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Artwork INTERVIEWS – Anna Hill
Q. Anna could you tell us a little about your background?
I have lived in Norfolk most of my life. I grew up in very rural countryside just outside Norwich. When I left school I went on to do A-levels at Norwich City College in Art, Textiles and Photography. I soon found A-levels were not for me and although I completed the 2 years I was not proud of my results. Not knowing what to do next I spent a year doing awful jobs that helped me realise I wanted more out of life and decided I wanted to go to University, but with my grades I wasn’t sure I would get in anywhere and if I was going to go to Uni I wanted it to be one of my choosing. I decided to go back to college to get some decent qualifications. I chose the College of West Anglia, as I thought a fresh start was needed. A did a Btec National Diploma in Textiles for which I was awarded a Triple Distinction and 2 NCFE’s one in Life Drawing and the other in Photography. I joined Bath Spa University in 2004 studying for a Ba (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles, specialising in print. I graduated in 2007. I am now working towards setting up my own business in Bespoke Wallpaper design.
Q. How would you describe your work Anna?
I design Bespoke Wallpaper that has been created and printed digitally. My work is heavily influenced by my country up bringing and often features birds and plants from the British countryside, although occasionally a few exotic creatures find their way in! I work on a very large scale and most of my designs are non-repeating – designed to be feature walls. Through my designs I aim to create living spaces that have an element of fun, bring a sense of sophistication and an awareness of individualism.
Q. Do you have an agent?
I do not have an agent. I’m not sure why…perhaps I should look into this?
Q. Could you describe your work process and your working day?
I don’t think I have a standard ‘working day’. I am currently still getting off the ground I am undertaking various part-time and temporary employments just to keep the cash flow going!
However when I am designing I generally start with an idea that has been knocking about in my head for a few days. I put it down on paper and start manipulating it until I have a decent image to work with I then scan my drawings into my computer and re-draw them digitally so I then have a digital image that I can play with. It is only once I start working on my computer that I really begin to feel like I’m designing. I then begin to produce a lot of variations of the design I started with which often leads onto other designs with a similar theme. When I’m designing my day usually starts about 10am and I begin by checking emails, chasing up leads and getting done all the ‘office’ type jobs that need to be done that day. By early afternoon I usually begin drawing or developing ideas and then from there I just keep going working on my computer. It can become quite absorbing and often I find myself not noticing the time. On average I find myself finishing for the day around 1 or 2am.
Q. Could you describe your studio/work area to us?
I am currently living back at my family home. I live in a purpose built wood cabin in the garden. Inside one end is my living and sleeping area the other end is my studio/workspace. I think I would describe it as usually being in a state of organised chaos! But I find it a very nice space to work in, with lovely views of the Norfolk countryside.
Q. What is currently inspiring you?
Well…being at home back in the country there is constant inspiration. But I am also looking into the human form and dancing as a possible new range for my wallpaper collection.
Q. Do you have any particular triumphs you would share with us?
Yes I do. I have just won a design competition for mydeco.com. The competition was called, ‘the One to Watch’ and judged by Sir Terence Conran and Philippe Starck, I received a cash prize and a years manufacturing contract (although the details for this are still being worked out).
Q. Can you offer any advise to students aspiring to be designers?
Brace yourself!
I think it’s a long road that can be a struggle at times but keep persisting because you will get there eventually and there are always nice surprises along the way!
One thing I will say is learn how to put a decent press pack together - they can be very useful!
Q. Whose work do you admire and why?
There are so many people whose work I look at and take inspiration from – so many I can’t actually think of any names…
Q What are you up to next?
I have a couple of up coming exhibitions/design events in November and December. I am also looking into the craft council for funding and support for starting new businesses.
Q. How do you see yourself in 5 yrs time?
In 5 years I hope to have become established as a wallpaper designer and start to have some recognition. I would like to think that I would have been successful enough to begin thinking about owning my own showroom/shop and perhaps branching out into other areas of design.
Since graduating Anna has exhibited at;
New Designers (London 2007),
Tent London -Talent Zone (London 2007),
Grey Friars Art Space (Kings Lynn 2008),
Tent London - Content (London 2008).
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ARTSWORK INTERVIEWS - ANNA HILL
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