The Professionals: Textile Designer, Diana Martini

Diana Martini graduated with degrees in textile and art & design, which she fueled into a successful career in textile design. She has received multiple awards for her work, and has even been featured in several galleries. On the side, she runs a blog, Please Sir, where she shares her daily inspirations.

When did you know you wanted to be a textile designer?

Art and design have always been present in my life from drawing cartoons as a child to weaving sculptures in college. As a teenager I was surrounded by the large semi-annual furniture market that came to High Point, N.C. My interest for textile design grew after visiting furniture showrooms and talking to industry leaders in the area. While attending North Carolina State University I discovered the amazing program for art and textiles.I realized these degrees would allow me to pursue my interest in art and design, which naturally fell into textile design.

What is your day-to-day like?

Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. I love starting my day with a cup of chai tea and reading through design blogs and magazines. This helps to energize and stimulate my creativity. Throughout the day I design new patterns for the home, create storyboards to help communicate design ideas to customers, and follow up with my patterns. My company is fortunate to be attached to a textile plant, so when I design a pattern I can walk to the loom and see it being woven. I've developed a great appreciation for the textile process by having the chance to watch a product from beginning to end.

Was it what you imagined?

Yes and No. Going into textile design I knew I would be creating fabric, but I didn't imagine the paperwork and corporate regulations that came along with it. One thing that impacted me the most was designing for a customer verses designing for myself. I had to accept that there are budgets and the customer knows best! Cutting costs is a big issue for the textile industry due to the difficult economy and continuous outsource of textile production overseas.

What does your company do and how much involvement do you have with the creative process?

The company I work for manufactures and distributes textile fabrics to the furniture and upholstery industries. Typically I receive designs and translate them into fabric. I feel my creativity emerges in the final fabric where I decide on a construction for the design (low or high end) and what type of yarns and colors to utilize. I still have to answer to management, but I've noticed that as my experience builds my involvement in the creative process grows.

How do you stay inspired?

I stay inspired by keeping my senses open to new objects, places, and people. I feel like I'm always working because my mind is continuously soaking up my surroundings and translating it into a pattern or new design project. Even the slightest detail like the color of a leaf or the material on a purse can be inspiring. Writing and documenting these inspirations on a blog has helped to expand my creativity and connect with other like-minded individuals. I can't say enough wonderful things about the blogging community; it is truly a breath of fresh air each day. Visiting interesting places like museums or flea-markets is another way I re-energize my creative mind. I like to approach design with a child-like mentality and be open to all possibilities…and then push it a step further.

Any other careers you considered? How would your ability in this one translate?

I enjoy being a textile designer, but I would also like a hands-on career with more creative challenges. Recently I've been interested in working for a design magazine and trying my talents at interior styling. I believe my experience in textile design would be complementary since I've worked on creating eye-catching compositions, color combinations, and building an overall design theme. Going from one design field to another seems exciting since I can bring a fresh perspective and continue to develop my skills. Either that or do something completely different like work on an organic farm. I think one could learn so much about themselves and nature, and then apply it to the world of design.

What are key steps to becoming a successful textile designer?

One of the most important steps to becoming a successful textile designer is having a desire and passion for fabric and pattern. Obtaining an education on the basics of textile design is also important. The world of fabrics is surprisingly complex; it is essential for a designer to understand the technical aspects of a knit, woven, and print pattern. Staying current with the latest textile technology and yarns is also beneficial because of the innovation it brings to the trade. Another key step is networking and playing up your own strengths. The textile community is small, so you should keep all doors open and not burn any bridges along the way. You never know when you might need help from a previous boss, co-worker or assistant.

What have you learned from your career about your life in general and vice versa?

See and do. I believe there is magic in mixing disciplines, so take a cooking class, join a science club, and travel to new places. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone expands your imagination. Also, I've learned to keep creating. Even when times are tough it is important to feed your creative soul, which also means making time for yourself and doing the things you love.