After printing her own wallpaper at the age of 16 and coming second in the Saatchi Gallery Sunday Telegraph Art Prize for schools, Olivia knew that design was the path she wanted to take.
Undertaking work experience at Brian Yates in 2006 she spent a few days with them in the sales and distribution offices. Looking through sample books and sending off swatches to different companies was a great insight for her into the world of design, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Studying Art Foundation at Lancaster and Morecambe College, Olivia took textiles and print as her pathway and she continued to develop her style and passion for textiles and design, creating a collection of wallpapers, curtains and a light fitting for her final major project.
Graduating with a first from surface design at LCC, enabled her to gain a broader understanding of print and surfaces and how the industry works. Doing a work placement with Catherine Hammerton in December 2010, a company focusing on printed and embroidered textiles, was a fantastic snapshot into how a designer/maker business works and just fuelled the flame on learning about the design industry.
During her second year she was shortlisted for The Wallpaper History Society in which she created mugs and cuffs to commemorate the 25th Anniversary. As well as being shortlisted by Paperchase for her Valentine's Day card designs.
An intern at JRC Imports in March 2011 lead Olivia to create a portfolio of commercial prints for the high street in which she excelled in learning about fashion print design. In the 4 weeks she was there she sold designs to Next, New Look and Dorothy Perkins. This was a highlight for her, discovering her true passion. In December 2011 she then freelanced for them and again excelled in the company selling designs to Dorothy Perkins and Topshop.
Working with Graduate Collection in July 2012 she launched a range of wallpapers and cushions titled 'Soho Glamorous'. The designs were created for her final major project at university. The designs capture the vibrancy of the bright lights of Soho, are sophisticated, unashamadly glamorous and full of life. So unique that the 'Broadwick' wallpaper was featured in Stylist Magazine n November.
Olivia has a true passion for fashion and print and is currently working at a suppliers to the high street. Here she is designing and sourcing prints, as well as being involved in all the going on in a fast faced fashion suppliers to ensure that prints and samples are in on time. She lives, breaths and sleeps with that passion for fashion.
© oliviacharlottedesign 2012