Running in Heels

Running in Heels: Abigail Borg, Pattern Designer

Posted in Domestic Goddess » by Alice Revel :: February 19, 2009

Post a comment

Abigail Borg is a 22 year old pattern designer from Birmingham. She gained a 1st class degree from Leeds College of Art & Design and was chosen from thousands of graduates as ‘BDC New Designer of the Year 2008′. Her work was exhibited during London Design Week in September 2008 at the ‘New Designers Selection’ exhibition. She has also been selected as one of 11 Uk-based designers by the Crafts Council to exhibit at the ‘Talente 2009′ exhibition which is held in Munich every year as part of the International Fair for the Skilled Trades. Since graduation she has worked as a visiting lecturer at both universities and high schools, giving presentations on professional practice and portfolio presentation. She is currently working as a freelance designer and is in the early stages of setting up her own surface pattern design company and hopes to have an online shop selling wallpapers and fabrics within the next couple of months.

http://www.abigailborg.co.uk

Have you always wanted to be a pattern designer?

From an early age I have always loved drawing and painting, forever making things for my parents, decorating flower pots and making cards for people.

During my second year at University I was set a brief to design a collection of wallpapers; I think this was probably the point when I realised pattern design was something I had a passion for and really enjoyed.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

A lot of hard work, long hours drawing and working on the computer. Winning the ‘New Designer of the Year’ award has helped me a tremendous amount in progressing from a design student to a designer.

I don’t think I would do anything differently so far, as things seem to be going pretty well for me at the moment; although any mistakes I do make I try to learn from.

Who helped you along the way?

My course tutors at University were a great help, and always showed great enthusiasm and encouragement in my work. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help and guidance.

My parents have helped me out a lot and always tell me how proud they are of me. My brother has also being a great help, being the technical genius he is creating a website I am very proud of.

I have also received a lot of support from close family and friends, with many traipsing around the country to visit me at exhibitions and shows, which I am really thankful for.

Who inspires you?

Anyone who is doing something they enjoy and are passionate about.

Influences?

The Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau Movements, visits to botanical gardens, and designers such as Celia Birtwell for her innovative pattern design.

What do you think is the biggest problem in British society today and what is the most positive thing?

Rudeness and the credit crunch; the best thing is fresh air and walks in the countryside.

Do you feel British or European?

I’d say European. My father is from Malta, and I have a lot of family over there.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I like listening to Bob Dylan’s Theme Time Radio Hour as you get to listen to lots of things you might not have heard before. My uncle also gave me his copy of Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures LP which I’ve had on quite a lot.

What couldn’t you live without?

My iPod, floral dresses and a sharp pencil.

Dream purchase?

A lovely country house with a huge garden to plant all my flowers in, and a Nissan Figaro on the drive.

Favourite movie?

I love, and can recite pretty much all of, Home Alone 1 and The Goonies. Any pre-Aladdin Walt Disney is also fine by me.

Favourite European city and why?

At the moment Leeds, as I have lots of happy memories there. I would also really like to visit Berlin and Moscow.

Desert island book?

I prefer biographies and real-life stories; I have recently read Mr. Nice by Howard Marks, and From a Distance by Deborah Curtis, and could read them both again.