Wraptious Interview - Narissa Davidson

Narissa Davidson came to Wraptious through our Make it in Design Brief, which challenged students to come up with a cushion design inspired by Science and Space. We loved her cute alien designs, and her work has been added to our website for the next six months. We asked her some questions about her work and style...

How long have you been an artist?

I have been a creative for as long as I can remember. Art has always been something that I have felt connected to; pattern design is what I enjoy doing most. I studied Art and Design at college and went on to study a Textile Design for Fashion degree at the University of Brighton where my specialism was printed textiles. My interest in surface pattern design grew when I began to take The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design e-courses by Make it in Design. 

How did your particular style develop? What were your influences? 

The style of my artwork developed organically, I am influenced by nature, abstract art and geometric patterns. With a fine art background I have always enjoyed using a variety of mediums within my work. My surface patterns are drawn and painted by hand and digitally designed. I began to combine some of the techniques that I enjoy using most such as fine line illustration, mark-making, paper collage, pastel work and painting and my style just began to take form. 

Which artists have inspired you? 

I am fascinated with vibrant colour and busy patterns and drawn to artists and designers who celebrate this within their work. The work of William Morris, Marimekko and Liberty art fabrics has been a great source of inspiration over the years. Contemporary artists and designers such as Justina Blakeney, Roeqiya Fris, Kitty McCall and Michele Morcos continue to inspire my work; I enjoy their bold colour palettes, intricate details and individual art styles.

How did you take the step to start selling your art? 

I began to enter competitions that gave me the opportunity to sell my work online. The competitions at Wraptious are an amazing way to get your work noticed, having my designs selected for the ‘space and science’ brief has done just that. 

What's been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome as an artist?

Self-doubting my artwork has definitely been a challenge that I have had to overcome in order to share my creative design process online. I am enjoying this surface pattern design journey that I am on and interested to see where it takes me.

What's the best piece of advice you could give to emerging artists, from your experience? 

From my experience I would say that every creative has his or her own personal style. If you are ever told that your work is mediocre don’t ever take it too personally. Continue to grow your signature style, love what you do and never be afraid to have your work stand out. 

How did you find the live brief process? How did you decide on a design? 

I had been exploring character art at the time and knew that I could have a lot of fun designing to the ‘space and science’ live brief. I decided that I wanted to aim the patterns to a younger audience so I began doodling playful aliens, spaceships, astronauts and planets from imagination. I worked with my illustrations digitally, the designs needed to work within an interior setting so colour and scale was equally as important. 

In an ideal world, what would you be doing?

My goal is to have my own print design label; positioned within the homeware, stationery and gift wrap/accessory markets. It would also be great to see my patterns on unisex clothing for kids apparel, as I love designing playful patterns for children. 

What three things could you not live without?

As a pattern designer a lot of my time is spent collecting research and planning new collections. Three things that I could not live without are my design reference books, digital camera and art materials.

You can find Narissa's cushion designs on her Wraptious page or why not check out her other designs at www.instagram.com/narissadavidsondesign