finalist profile

This is the last designer profile in our series of profiles on the eight finalists in the Fabric8 contest, a competition from Spoonflower and Robert Kaufman Fabrics to discover a handful of the world's best amateur textile designers. Today we hope you enjoy reading about designer Andie Hanna. Voting on the eight Fabric8 finalists' collections begins next week!

Painted Petals by Anderson_Lee, Andie Hanna

I was born in Greenville, South Carolina but really grew up in Columbus, Ohio. As an adult, my career has taken me all over. I've lived in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas and Minneapolis. Now I'm back in good old C-bus and I'm glad to be home.

For the past 13 or so years I’ve worked as a fashion designer of apparel and accessories and have always had a passion for color and print and pattern. Throughout my career I've had textile designers on my team to handle print and pattern development but about 7 or 8 years ago, I learned how to create my own textile designs when the workload became too much for my textile designers. I fell in love with it and have been doing it ever since. I currently work as a design manager and have an amazing team of designers. I've taught all of them how to design their own prints and create repeats and they love it, too!

When I’m not designing fabrics, I love to play with my 5-year old son, work on my photography, play the piano, draw, and sew. The last big project I completed was making seven roman shades for the breakfast nook in my kitchen. It really changed the space and I love them! I also like to read and cuddle with my hubby while watching a movie. I have a hard time picking favorites but right now I’m really into reading Lisa See. One of my favorite movies is American Beauty. (It makes me feel so normal!)

As creatives typically go, I’m kind of a weirdo. I'm very analytical and very much a planner. I have to plan things out in detail. I’m also a list person. My husband thinks I’m crazy because I’m always making lists and analyzing the options.

When I first saw the ad on Spoonflower about the Fabric8 contest, I thought it looked interesting and thought I should check it out. When I saw what the theme was, I was hooked. I just love pen and ink and watercolor and couldn’t wait to work on my modern interpretation of those techniques. I’m very inspired by nature and also by travel and culture and discovering new places. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over the world for work and it's always extremely inspiring. A recent trip to Florida and my obsession with flowers were the main influeneces behind my “Painted Petals” design. I spent some time sketching out a few flowers before I started drawing them in Illustrator.

When I first heard that I'd been chosen as one of the Fabric8 contest finalists, I was completely shocked. I really didn’t think I’d make it to the top 8 because there were so many amazing designs. I was in a meeting at work when the email came through. I about jumped out of my chair!

I have my collection somewhat planned out at this point. I have about seven ideas and will probably work them all up before trying to narrow them down. I know I want to have at least one bold black and white print. I love black and white and I think it would sit well with “Painted Petals.” I also want to do a tonal print with the citrus green color.

Painted Petals by Andie Hanna, Fabric8 finalist

This is the fourth in our series of profiles of the eight finalists in the Fabric8 contest, a competition from Spoonflower and Robert Kaufman Fabrics to discover a handful of the world's best amateur textile designers. Today we're introducing UK-based designer Mandy Kippax. More interviews will be up next week, so please stay tuned!

Finalist: Red Poppies by Valley_Designs, Mandy Kippax

I live in Stocksbridge, a steel town in North Sheffield and have lived here all my life. Stocksbridge is in a valley near the Peak District National Park and is surrounded by countryside.

I completed my BA in surface design at the University of Huddersfield in 2010. Since then I've been creating patterns that would be suitable for fabrics and stationery. I was quite focused on designing for paper products but earlier this year, I thought I'd try some textile designs for a change and a challenge. I heard about the Fabric8 competition when I was just browsing on Spoonflower and decided to give it a try.

When I'm not designing patterns, I enjoy walking in the countryside, especially during spring and summer because I find all the different flowers and colors very inspirational. I like to paint or draw flowers from photographs that I have taken. I try to be creative with my camera too and enjoy trying to take pictures from unusual angles and capturing interesting textures.

I don't do a lot of sewing or crafting since I'd usually prefer to spend time designing. I attended a ceramics class awhile ago, though, which was great. I made a few practical pieces like a vase and two plant holders. I love to do anything fun and creative.

My favorite film is Moulin Rouge because of all the amazing sets, vibrant colors, and interesting costumes. The final scene is excellent! A few of my favorite songs are "Pencil Full of Lead: by Paolo Nutini, "Are You Going to Be My Girl" by Jet, "Mondo Bongo" by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, "No One" by Maverick Sabre, and "A Night Like This" by Caro Emerald.

I like a lot of the designers and illustrators mentioned on the Print & Pattern blog. This isn't a complete list but a few fabric designers that I find inspirational or quirky include Louise Cunningham, Fiona Howard, Hennie Haworth, and Brie Harrison.

I was sitting in my living room reading emails on my laptop when I got the news that I was one of the Fabric8 finalists. My first reaction when I heard was "Wow, me?!" I had to read the message several times for it to sink in. I was surprised just to be in the top 100 so to be in the final 8 was a massive surprise! It is so exciting to be a finalist!

I created my red poppies design using colored inks, then I sprinkled rock salt onto the wet ink to create some texture. I continued to develop the design by adding more poppies, Ieaves, and stalks. Once I was happy with the painting, I made it into a repeat pattern using Photoshop and added a linen-style fabric texture. For my collection, I've been thinking about floral designs and what colors I may use. I haven't put anything on paper yet but when I see an image that inspires me I keep it in mind. I think I'll have to visit the botanical gardens and watch the Chelsea Flower Show on t.v.!