Illustrator and pattern designer Jacqueline Colley studied BA Graphic Design for Communication at Chelsea College of Arts. A range of her colourful printed products – including cards, enamel pins and trays – are available to buy from not just a shop.
Where is your studio?
I work from our spare bedroom in Hackney. It has lots of natural light so it’s great for drawing and photographing my products.
Describe your typical week
I spend one or two days each week freelancing for high street fashion brand, which I love and provides me with a steady income. The rest of the week is spent on my own practice. I generally split my time between admin, chasing work, sending invoices and being creative – doing something like silkscreen printing or designing a new pin or greeting card.
What are the key stages of your design and making process?
Weird things will spark ideas; an object in a museum or a book at a car boot sale! Once I have an idea I will sketch it out roughly, then research and collate reference images. Finally I draw using ink and felt tips, before scanning and finalising everything in Photoshop.
What is the best thing about your job?
The fact that I get to earn money from what is essentially my personal work! I also enjoy the variety; there’s always something new to learn about photography or digital tools, which keeps things interesting!
