Surface Pattern Designer and Illustrator Kat Spencer's work is constantly inspired by nature; and designing always starts with a lot of photography and drawing.

Kat's work is distinctive with her unique approach of modernising traditional cultural motifs which she has then converted into repeat patterns and combines these with intriguing pen and ink illustrations taken from nature. Her inspiration is driven further by her European cultural roots and travels, and has both a story and a concept.

It is important to the realisation of her designers to use a highly workable combination of hand crafting techniques using inks, beads, and stitch work, and technologically advanced CAD techniques using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Furthermore Kat's work utilises an unusual colour palette, which links back to her concept.

Kat's final designs show the benefits of her unique and detailed input and her approach, whilst careful and meticulous, clearly recognises the need for commercial deadlines.

Experience:

June 2011 New Designers London
Exhibited work at the graduate event at Islington’s Business Design Centre.

February 2010 & 2011 Indigo Trade Fair Paris
September 2009 & 2010
Exhibited work at the Indigo Trade Fair; part of Premiere Vision.

Customer Service at Coca-Cola Enterprises
June 2008 - September 2010 (2 years 4 months)
I have worked at the Coca Cola call centre during college vacations to supplement university
expenditure. This job included using communication skills, team work, organisation, and entering
information onto databases. For my efforts I received a certificate for gaining 100% on all my call
audits.

Work Placement at Keeler Gordon London
June 2010 - July 2010 (2 months)
I worked as an intern in a design studio in London. My role included aiding the designers in their
day to day activities. I performed many different tasks from cleaning, stripping, and exposing
screens, to making dyes and pastes according to a colour palette, screen printing, sewing both by
hand and machine, beadwork, working with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I was part of a team
which included other placements and designers. The placement also helped me to understand the
business process within the design industry.

July 2006 Thomas Deacon Academy Peterborough
Commission
I was commissioned to produce a piece of work for the Thomas Deacon Academy. The piece was
then enlarged and superimposed onto the walls, parts of it were also blown up further and used in
numerous locations throughout the academy building.

April 2006 Thomas Deacon Academy Peterborough
Competition: Clothes Show; Design a Print
Runner up in a competition to design a print for a dress to be produced by Marks and Spencer,
which was organised by UKTVStyle

Sales/Customer Services Assistant at J Sainsbury's PLC Peterborough
July 2005 - August 2008 (3 years 2 months)
Whilst I was still in school, I worked at Sainsbury's for a period of 3 years. In gaining a promotion to
the 'TU' clothing department and becoming a supervisor my role included training staff, handling money, helping and advising customers, closing the department at the end of trade, organizing
displays, etc.


Education:

Leeds College of Art
BA(Hons), Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design, 2008 - 2011
(2:1)

2006-2008 Thomas Deacon Academy Peterborough
B.T.E.C. National Diploma:
Art & Design
(3 x Distinction)

Deacon's School
GCSE, 2000 - 2005
(13 x A*-C)

Skills:
• Understanding of Polish, French, and Spanish
• Mac & PC literate
• Confident using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
• Full Driving License and car owner
• Competent in pen and ink illustrations
• Good organisation skills and time management
• Skilled in machine sewing techniques and hand embroidery
• Proficient in with putting together Moodboards

Interests:
Fashion, nature, travelling, photography, design blogs, music, visiting craft and vintage fairs.