As a final year Textile Design student I'm preparing to showcase my work at this year’s Degree Show. It’s an amazing opportunity for students like me to display our final projects to the public and industry professionals.
My project uses inspiration from real-life alien encounter stories and fictional sci-fi elements to create textiles that will hopefully get people excited about the future of the alien disclosure debate in government, and help them think about the wider possibilities of the universe and how this may impact future designs and media.
My project has changed so much since I first started out. I had originally planned to create exhibition pieces using waste police taser wire, implementing the material in textile practices. This picked up on an idea explored during my Semester One project that looked at the relationship between the police and women. I furthered it as a case study in my dissertation about Military Waste in Contemporary Art Practices – touching on current government schemes to responsibly reuse military waste.
I created some initial samples to see how the wire would look and behave. I really liked its metallic, futuristic look. My project supervisor encouraged me to explore this idea in more detail, so I started thinking about a more space-related theme for the designs I wanted to create.
During my dissertation research into military waste, I found that there was more undisclosed information than I initially realised. This led me to think about the current alien-government disclosure debate in contemporary media which, coupled with my new space theme, took my project in a completely different direction. My dad is also fascinated by aliens, and I had some very inspiring conversations with him which helped shape my ideas.
It’s still a rigorous process researching this niche topic. I’m looking at sci-fi themes in cinema and the press to create relevant colours and patterns. I've looked at recurring themes and visual elements in people’s real-life alien abduction stories as well as other sources – such as blackwork (a traditional embroidery technique) and Egyptian hieroglyphs – to make unique designs.
The biggest challenge I faced was keeping things on track as my ideas evolved. I overcame this by being disciplined during the Easter holidays. We were given access to the studio which has been extremely useful.
I finally feel like I have an idea which I’m excited to create and showcase at the Degree Show. The technicians in the SDCA departments have been so helpful and patient too. They’re always happy to talk through ideas and offer their expertise.
Looking forward to the Degree Show in June, I’m excited to have the public look at and discuss my work, just as I am excited to see everyone else's! It’s a great way to end my University career and celebrate how far I’ve come as a designer over the past four years. While there is a fair amount of stress leading up to the show, I know I will be proud of myself for putting in the work.
After the Degree Show and graduation, I want to take a step back and evaluate my goals and start a career that makes me happy. It’s been a busy year. Alongside my degree, I was the Co-Head of Fashion for the Loughborough Student Charity Fashion Show in February, and I was busily involved with lacrosse. Making the most out of my final year essentially!
To anyone who is thinking about studying a creative subject, my advice is: don’t be afraid to change your ideas. In fact, I’d say never settle on your first idea. The more you talk to friends, family and tutors the more your mind and creativity can expand. Your concepts and your designs can become far more fascinating than you imagined.
Also, pay attention to media and politics. Use your project as a chance to teach yourself something new about the wider world and new ideas.