Case studies: Embroidery and print designer: Rowan Wickenden

Rowan Wickenden did Art Foundation before a degree in fashion at Ravensbourne College; she now works for a major high street fashion retailer as a textile designer

My first job as assistant designer resulted from contacts made at the college graduate show; a prominent fashion design firm got in touch shortly after this, offering a four-week freelance contract which was then confirmed as a full-time position. Here I worked on allover repeat, hand drawn and hand-painted fabrics and also had the opportunity to do embroidery. I really enjoyed this introduction to the industry, as working across all the different ranges gave me broad experience and I had the opportunity to travel, for example to Milan.

After two years, I left to become freelance as I wanted to continue to develop as a designer and widen my experience. Most of my freelance work came through word-of-mouth from contacts I’d made during my time since college, and I worked for major high street retailers. In this sort of work, a reputation for meeting deadlines and being flexible and adaptable is crucial and it can be very rewarding, offering many different types of work and the chance to gain new skills. Obviously, the financial side is less secure and predictable, but the opportunity to change and move around can be exciting. My work pattern varied depending on my client, but typically would begin with significant briefing meetings, sometimes lasting up to two days, after which I would work on my own. When I was contributing to a show, I could be working in the studio with others, and the catwalk aspect was always very challenging. For some time, I worked as a full-time freelance for one designer and in this capacity and developed my pattern cutting skills, working from vintage clothing.

In September 2008, I took a decision to move into full-time regular work; I wanted to shift my working to a more predictable 9-5 day. I registered with an agency and again contacts in previous working life helped, as the quality of my work was known and the Director of Womenswear took me on, initially as freelance and then with a full-time contract. At the moment, I work two days a week from home but will shortly be full-time in the studio. Once again, the new job is giving the opportunity to develop skills as I work with buyers and learn more about the financial side of the business. Prioritisation of my work is also essential as I work with several different designers at the same time. I’m finding the work challenging and very rewarding.

During my time at college, I think one of the most important things I did was to get work experience. I spent a whole summer and other short periods of time doing unpaid work experience. I made a point of keeping in touch and this resulted in some freelance work. No degree can completely prepare you for the realities of the workplace and having significant work experience on your CV is vitally important in getting that first job.