Textile Designing

Maneet Kaur | Founder & Textile Designer | Kurma

What is Textile Designing?

There are many nuances of a Career in Textile Designing. One should first understand What a Career in Textile Designing entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Textile Designing. The most authoritative source of information on Textile Designing is someone with real experience in it.

Founder & Textile Designer Maneet Kaur has 9 years of professional experience in Textile Designing. According to Founder & Textile Designer Maneet Kaur, Textile Designing is:

Textile design is essentially the process of creating designs for woven, knitted or printed fabrics or surface ornamented fabrics. Textile designers are involved with the production of these designs, which are used, sometimes repetitively, in clothing and interior decor items.

How Founder & Textile Designer Maneet Kaur got into Textile Designing?

After completing my studies from Jaipur, I came back to Dehradun and started working for an NGO for embroideries and quilting for 5 years. After that, I started my own design studio in 2014 and designing hand looms and block printing.

Founder & Textile Designer Maneet Kaur's Talk on Textile Designing

The Journey of a Textile Designer: Maneet’s Creative Odyssey in Crafting Fabrics Maneet, a passionate textile designer based in Dehradun, invites us into her world where creativity meets tradition. With a background rooted in Craft Textile Design from the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, her journey spans working with an NGO that supports local artisans and then establishing her own design studio, Coorma. This article delves into the nuances of textile designing, exploring Maneet's educational background, essential skills, the positives and challenges of the profession, and a glimpse into her daily life as a textile designer. What Is Textile Designing? Textile designing is an artful profession that encompasses the creativity and technical skills involved in creating fabrics and textile products. It requires a deep understanding of various fabrics, yarns, and the processes that transform them into wearable art or functional items like home furnishings, bags, and accessories. As Maneet describes, this field allows designers to experiment with color, texture, and form, all while considering the practicalities of how fabrics behave when crafted into products. The essence of textile design intertwines creativity with functionality, allowing designers to impact the market with unique offerings. Education Yarns and Fabrics A foundational step in becoming a textile designer involves gaining comprehensive knowledge about yarns and fabrics. Maneet emphasizes the importance of understanding what a fabric is made of—be it silk, cotton, or wool—and how these materials react in different contexts. By learning about the origins and characteristics of various fabrics, aspiring designers can make informed choices about materials for their creations. An understanding that wool comes from sheep and cotton from the cotton plant is crucial for anyone entering the world of textile design. Textile/Surface Techniques Equipped with knowledge of fabrics, the next step in textile education focuses on surface techniques. Maneet elaborates that techniques such as knitting, stitching, and surface ornamentation—like embroidery and dyeing—are vital for enhancing the visual appeal of textiles. This knowledge not only enriches the designer's toolkit but also enables them to create intricate designs that resonate with consumers’ tastes. Mastery in these techniques fosters a strong connection between the designer's vision and the final product that reaches the market. Design Concepts Understanding design concepts is another crucial aspect of textile education. Maneet notes that the essence of good design lies in meeting consumer needs while also evaluating market trends. Questions about a design’s feasibility, target audience, and potential for sales dominate this segment of learning. Being aware of design principles helps foster creativity while ensuring that the products developed are both innovative and commercially viable. Market Trends Being attuned to market trends is essential for a successful career in textile designing. Maneet mentions that gaining awareness about what consumers prefer and identifying what's "in" is significant. Designers need to evaluate whether their color palettes and product styles resonate with current market demands. This ongoing market study aids in keeping designs relevant, ensuring that they meet not only aesthetic standards but also consumer expectations. Computer Software In today’s digital age, proficiency in computer software has become indispensable for textile designers. Maneet highlights essential programs such as Photoshop and CorelDRAW, which facilitate the visualization of designs and help create patterns. These tools enable a designer to translate their ideas into digital formats efficiently, significantly streamlining the design process from initial concept to final product. Skills Aesthetics and Creativity At the heart of textile design lies the necessity for strong aesthetics and creativity. Maneet believes that having an innate creative eye is paramount for producing visually appealing products. Mastering color theory and understanding how colors interact is fundamental in creating harmonious combinations. This skill not only enhances a designer's creations but also sets them apart in a competitive market. Drawing and Sketching Strong drawing and sketching abilities are critical skills for a textile designer. Maneet remarks that these abilities allow designers to illustrate their ideas and concepts effectively. A good hand at sketching not only aids in visualizing designs but also enhances communication of ideas to team members, suppliers, and artisans involved in the process. Craft Skills Hands-on craft skills also play an essential role in textile design. Maneet explains that an in-depth knowledge of various textile processes—including knitting, embroidery, and block printing—is vital for successful design. Understanding the detailed methods behind each craft allows designers to anticipate what is feasible in production while crafting their unique products. Visualization Visualization is a necessary skill for assessing the feasibility of design concepts. As Maneet states, being able to foresee how a product will look upon completion can guide the designer in refining their ideas. This skill synergizes with drawing and modern software, paving the way for informed decision-making and efficient processes in bringing designs to life. Communication Effective communication is paramount in the textile design field, particularly when collaborating with artisans and craftspeople. Maneet emphasizes that being able to articulate a vision clearly fosters productive relationships and results in successful collaboration. Respect and empathy towards artisans enhance the creative process and ensure that ideas are translated effectively into tangible products. Positives Creative Satisfaction One of the most profound benefits of being a textile designer is the creative satisfaction it brings. For Maneet, being able to bring concepts to life and play with various materials offers immense joy. The ability to create something from scratch and see it evolve into a realized product fulfills the designer's artistic aspirations, confirming that this profession is well-suited for those who thrive on creativity. Societal Impact Textile designers like Maneet have the power to create ripples of societal change through their work. By collaborating with local artisans, they can help keep traditional crafts alive while providing economic opportunities for these communities. The satisfaction of contributing to a larger cause while creating beautiful products is a rewarding aspect of the profession. Immediate Results The gratifying nature of textile design lies in the immediate results it can yield. Maneet shares that once an idea is conceived, it can soon materialize into a tangible product. This rapid transition from concept to creation allows designers to experiment and innovate continuously, keeping their work dynamic and continuously rewarding. Challenges Quality Control Quality control poses a significant challenge for textile designers involved in handcrafted textiles. Maneet notes that the non-uniformity of handmade products can create concerns for consumers accustomed to machine-made perfection. Thus, ensuring quality standards and instilling confidence in buyers about the uniqueness of these products becomes paramount for success. Limited Awareness Another challenge in the field is the limited awareness surrounding textile designing. Maneet mentions that many consumers may not fully understand the intricacies involved in the profession, which can make it difficult for designers to communicate their value. However, she points out that rising interest and appreciation for handcrafted textiles are slowly bridging this gap. Organized Sector The organized sector presents stiff competition for textile designers. Maneet states that mass-produced, standardized products often overshadow handmade items, making it essential for designers to create innovative offerings to capture consumer interest. Standing out in a landscape dominated by large brands requires exceptional creativity and marketing strategies. Creative Blocks As in any creative profession, facing creative blocks is inevitable. Maneet acknowledges that there are days when inspiration runs dry. To overcome these hurdles, she suggests stepping back, taking a break, and allowing oneself the space to recharge creatively. By engaging in simple activities, like a nature walk or a quiet moment with a cup of tea, designers can often rediscover their muse. A Day Of Textile Designing Maneet’s daily life as a textile designer is a blend of creativity, management, and personal time. Her mornings typically begin with a check-in on her agenda, which helps her stay organized and focused. Throughout the day, she manages calls with suppliers and artisans, oversees the production processes at her studio, and immerses herself in block printing—all while balancing the everyday routine of home life. Despite the demanding nature of her role, she concludes her days with a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from having contributed positively to her community. In conclusion, the journey of a textile designer like Maneet is rich with creativity, societal impact, and personal fulfillment. As they navigate the complexities of fabric production, artful design, and the challenges that come their way, designers not only craft beautiful textiles but also breathe life into ancient traditions and support local economies. The world of textile designing stands as a testament to the power of art in making meaningful connections and instilling pride within communities.

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How to get into

Textile Designing?

If you are want to get into Textile Designing, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Textile Designing is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Textile Designing, what education and skills you need to succeed in Textile Designing, and what positives and challenges you will face in Textile Designing.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Textile Designing.

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LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Founder & Textile Designer Maneet Kaur's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/maneetkaur

LifePage Career Talk on Textile Designing

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/textile-designing

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20170314-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYBH_cdsGBY

(Textile Designing, Maneet Kaur, Kurma, Textile Manufacture, Fashion Industry, Design, Fabric Design, Product Design, Product Innovation)

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