Stepping into Industry

If you missed one of our university talks, don't worry! This blog covers everything Tracey Brown discussed to help new graduates navigate their next steps with confidence.

Tracey Brown is a textile and surface pattern designer with 30 years of experience and owner of Bay and Brown for the past 20 years. She is also the co-founder of The Pattern Cloud and The Design Agent. Reflecting on her own final year as a textile degree student, she vividly recalls the mix of excitement and anxiety that came with wondering what the future would hold — questions about finding a job and where to live weighed heavily on her mind. While she may not have all the answers, she offers valuable advice to help guide others in the right direction.

Tracey emphasizes the importance of building business connections and establishing a presence in the textile industry. She acknowledges that many graduates find this challenging, starting with events like New Designers. Her advice is clear: seize every opportunity and stay proactive. No one will showcase your work for you — it’s up to you to reach out, make connections, and build relationships.

Recognizing the competitive nature of the industry, Tracey shares her own experience. Before graduating, she had already secured a job. She advises graduates to research available roles for textile designers and assess whether they possess the necessary skills. While studying, she had the advantage of a part-time tutor who provided her with a list of top UK textile design studios exhibiting at Premier Vision in Paris. Instead of making calls, Tracey took the initiative to visit these studios in London, requesting just five minutes to present her work. Her proactive approach paid off — she received five job offers.

Her key message is to think creatively and take initiative. While the industry has evolved since her graduation, many textile designers remain open to meeting new talent. By being resourceful and determined, graduates can increase their chances of making meaningful connections and launching their careers.

If you’re a textile or surface pattern designer looking for jobs in the UK, here are some key resources and job platforms to explore:

Tracey  encourages graduates to explore the various avenues within textile design to find a career path that aligns with their passions. She suggests starting by asking, What kind of textile designer do you want to be? Whether it’s designing women’s fashion, homeware, knitwear, stationery, or products, understanding personal interests can provide clarity.

Reflecting on her own experience, Tracey shares how she once believed she would pursue a career in home furnishings. However, when faced with the choice of spending her money on home decor or fashion, the answer was clear — her passion for women’s fashion prevailed, shaping her career focus.

Tracey outlines several career options within the textile industry:

A textile and surface pattern designer has a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Here are some key roles you might consider:

• Textile Design Studio (In-house or Freelance): While freelancing can be challenging at the start, especially with many UK studios reducing in-house teams, finding a supportive partner or mentor can make a significant difference.

• Manufacturer or Converter: Working in this sector offers valuable insight into the complete textile production process, from design to the finished garment.

• Designing Directly for a Brand: Collaborating with brands allows designers to develop practical skills and gain a solid foundation for starting their own business.

• Junior Buyer: This role remains highly creative, involving the selection and curation of designs for retail collections.

• Starting a Business: For aspiring entrepreneurs, platforms like The Pattern Cloud provide essential software to manage and streamline operations.

Tracey  highlights the importance of crafting standout CVs and portfolios that capture the attention of potential employers. While she has never needed to write a CV for herself, her experience reviewing thousands of applications has given her valuable insights. She emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between creativity and professionalism when presenting your qualifications.

Her first piece of advice is to carefully tailor your application to the specific role. Applicants should:

1. Thoroughly understand the job description and its requirements.

2. Research the company’s values, products, and culture.

3. Identify the person they’re contacting and personalize their communication.

According to Tracey, the internet offers endless resources for research. One of her go-to interview questions is, “Do you know what we do at Bay and Brown, and why did you apply?” A well-informed response demonstrates genuine interest and preparation.

Cover Letters and Emails
The cover letter or introductory email serves as an opportunity to make a strong first impression. Rather than repeating information from the CV, applicants should use this space to highlight their strengths as a designer and explain why they’re applying for the position. Keeping it concise and purposeful is key.

What Employers Look For
Surprisingly, the most important aspect of a CV for Tracey isn’t just a degree. She values evidence of hard work and teamwork, often indicated through part-time jobs or extracurricular activities. Roles in hospitality or retail, for example, demonstrate resilience and interpersonal skills. Additionally, relevant work experience or internships can offer candidates a deeper understanding of the industry and significantly enhance their applications.

Building a Strong Portfolio
Tracey advises that both digital and physical portfolios should be thoughtfully curated. A digital portfolio should showcase a variety of skills, including personal projects, life drawings, and proficiency in design software. For in-person interviews at Bay and Brown, she specifically looks for evidence of drawing skills, fashion awareness, and the ability to create repeat patterns using design software.

If unsure about what to include, applicants should not hesitate to contact potential employers for guidance. Taking the initiative to ask for preferences demonstrates professionalism and leaves a lasting impression.

Interview Preparation
On the day of the interview, punctuality is crucial. Tracey recommends using tools like Google Maps to navigate to the location ahead of time. Being reliable and independent reflects well on candidates, especially in a role that may require attending trade shows or client meetings. She also firmly advises against bringing parents into the interview — professionalism and self-sufficiency are essential.

For graduates seeking additional support, Tracey mentions that The Design School offers affordable services to review digital portfolios, providing further guidance for those entering the textile industry. With thorough preparation and a proactive mindset, aspiring designers can significantly improve their chances of success.

Tracey’s advice is to follow personal interests, stay open to opportunities, and seek out experiences that align with long-term goals. Through determination and passion, graduates can carve out their own successful paths in the textile design industry.

She also recommends that aspiring textile designers explore opportunities like participating in Tex+, a charity dedicated to selecting, mentoring, and promoting the UK’s most talented newly graduated textile designers. Initiatives like these provide invaluable exposure and mentorship, helping emerging designers navigate the competitive industry (Your University needs to register).

She encourages graduates to be proactive in making connections and seeking opportunities — waiting isn’t an option in such a fast-paced field. For those who need additional support, Tracey has established The Design School at Bay and Brown, offering a range of resources designed to bridge the gap between university and a career in textile design. From digital portfolio reviews to in-person workshops, the school provides hands-on guidance to strengthen design skills and industry knowledge.

At Bay & Brown and The Design School we are passionate about nurturing emerging talent. We believes in giving new designers opportunities, helping them grow into accomplished, well-rounded professionals — a process we estimates takes around four years. Our experience in mentoring graduates has revealed common gaps in knowledge and skills, which inspired us to launch The Design School.

One standout offering is the Beginners Complete Surface Textiles Print Online Course, specifically designed to support recent graduates. The course includes 10 detailed instructional videos and a comprehensive booklet filled with essential industry insights. It covers everything designers need to know when entering the world of textile design.

The whole team encourages graduates to take advantage of these resources and is pleased to offer a special discount code for those interested in accessing the course (please email design@bayandbrown.com for your discount code). By investing in their continued learning and development, aspiring textile designers can set themselves up for long-term success in the industry.

Lastly, Tracey and the entire team at The Design School and Bay and Brown extend their best wishes for your future journey as a textile and surface pattern designer. May your creativity and passion lead you to exciting opportunities and success in the industry.