Surface Pattern Design

Subject Design

Surface pattern design offers a natural link between textiles, graphics and product design and the courses tend to involve a dynamic mix of media, materials and decoration.

There are now a wealth of products, designs and materials that we can decorate ourselves and our homes with, and as a result there are now a huge range of products that this type of design applies to: wallpaper, home furnishings such as curtains, carpet and cushions, giftware and ceramics, cards and wrapping paper and floor coverings. The textile and fashion industries also rely heavily on surface pattern designers to come up with new and exciting patterns and designs.

There are a number of courses now available in this area across the country. Some focus more on the fashion and/or textile industries, but others are more general.

Example areas of study

Courses in surface pattern design have a strong emphasis on the creative industries, but the modules you may study vary from institution to institution and course to course. For this reason it is important to check that the focus of the course appeals to you, so check with the institutions themselves before submitting your application. The list below will give you an idea of the subjects that may be available to you:

• Surface decoration
• Colour and design forecasting
• The textile industry
• Printing techniques
• Wallpaper design
• Cards and giftwrap design
• Furnishing fabric design
• Development and realisation
• Computer-aided design
• Fabric construction techniques
• Image making
• Visual language drawing
• Illustration
• Cultural studies
• Photography
• Ceramic decoration
• Fashion design and textiles
• Integrated design
• Creative image modifications
• Colour composition
• Repeat patterns
• Engraving
• History of art
• Decorative imagery
• Silkscreen printing
• Dyeing techniques
• Accessory design
• Retail business and marketing
• Digital technologies
• Trend research and brand management
• Drawing
• Design crafts

Some career possibilities

As a graduate from a course in surface pattern design, you may wish to pursue a career as a freelance or studio designer, a marketing manager or assistant, a fashion designer or merchandiser, a greetings card and giftware designer, an interior designer, a stylist or a teacher or lecturer. There are also postgraduate study opportunities within this area.

What do I need to get on a course?

Most of the courses in surface pattern design are degree-level courses with a few exceptions so the entry requirements may vary. It is best to check that the qualifications you are studying for and your grades or predicted grades meet that of the institutions to which you wish to apply. The list below will give you an idea of the subjects, qualifications and grades that may be required:

• UCAS Tariff: 140-240 including a relevant art and design subject
• A-level: CC-CCC including a relevant art and design subject
• SQA Highers: BCCC including a relevant art and design subject
• SQA Advanced Higher: CC-CCC including a relevant art and design subject
• Irish Leaving Certificates: BCCCCC
• Access Qualification: for mature entry
• Art Foundation Diploma
• BTEC National Diploma: DDM in a relevant art and design subject
• Work experience

For your application or interview, the following may be useful:

• You will probably be required to present your portfolio as part of the application process for most surface pattern design courses. This should include designs and photographs of finished pieces that you have produced as part of previous study and in your own time. You should be able to discuss each piece with confidence at your interview.

To find out more about the typical subjects you will study, potential career paths and further information useful for your application log-on to Course Discover at www.coursediscoveronline.co.uk*

*NB: Your school or college will need a subscription to Course Discover in order for you to gain access, for further information go to:www.coursediscover.co.uk