In this industry there’s a CLEAR distinction between a ‘high-end’ print and a one that’s considered ‘commercial.’ And, as a professional designer, it’s great to know how to design for both levels. Here at Longina Phillips Designs our designers craft their work to suit one of the two camps, and that’s pretty common for a working studio.
In this post our creative director, Bec walks you through our internal checklist for creating a high-end design.
1. USE UNEXPECTED COLOURS
“There’s always something a little odd that takes [a design] away from being mainstream and ‘safe'” Bec explains, and colour is one area where a left-of-centre decision can make a big impact. Referring to the first example below she says: “the acidic lime is the perfect pop and contrast against all of the feminine pretty colours. It adds edge.” And as for the second example, “mango adds a sense of fun.”
2. USE A SURPRISING MOTIF
Delight customers with a cheeky little addition, something you might not see at first glance. Bec suggests a hidden conversational motif.
3. CHOOSE A NON TRADITIONAL FLOWER
A high-end design is no place for a stock-standard rose (unless, of course, it’s neon or textured unexpectedly)! “We look to incorporate flowers that nature has made in an interesting way,” says Bec. Sculptural and irregularly-shaped species – for example, Australian native flowers – are more commonly used in The Print Room (our high end collection).
4. BE FREE WITH YOUR LAYOUT
High-end textile designers do not have to adhere to the constraints of commercial production. “It’s not necessarily easy to roll out a high end design in mass production,” Bec explains. “We always think about how it will fit onto a garment – usually a dress – but we don’t consider commercial applications like repeats as this limits the creativity.”
5. BE MINDFUL OF THE END RESULT
How will your design hang on it’s wearer? Will it sit across the body diagonally? Will the focus be on the sleeves and the hem? “Think about who will wear it and what retailer will buy it.”
Good advice Bec!
You can learn ALL about the coming high-end trends AND get an insider’s perspective as to what designs we’re working on for our premium collection with our Trend Report Subscription (levels 2 and up). The reports reveal lots of IP we hold near and dear and it’s exclusive to members. So if you decide to subscribe then shhhh…. It’s between us and you, okay?
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