CMYUK’s Creatives in Residence Live (CIRL) project has closed with an exhibition of print work produced by those on the course, and with its sponsor Epson asking them to refresh the interior décor of the company’s demonstration facility in Hemel Hempstead.
After six months, four project briefs, digital production training, and education on how to design for digital décor and fashion applications, CMYUK has hosted a showcase where final collections from CIRL graduates Evie Venables, Keely Russell and Sarah Willcocks was displayed. This has been filmed by the project’s assigned videographer graduate, Taylor Doggett, who has been documenting various elements of the programme since it kicked off in September last year.
The CIRL students have received technological training from a number of course sponsors including Epson, Canon, Mimaki, EFI and Kongsberg, and been supported by various other experts including Debbie McKeegan who produced the syllabus.
“I would like to thank all the team here at CMYUK who have invested in the programme with their time and support. We are very proud of the achievements of these young people and will be watching their forward progression with interest,” said CMYUK group commercial director, Robin East.
He added: “Offering our three graduates the chance to respond to such a high-profile brief demonstrates the depth of Epson’s commitment to the project. All CIRL graduates have contributed design assets to Epson’s demonstration facility, and being able to add this experience to their CV and portfolios is very valuable indeed.”
Reflecting on her learning journey at CMYUK, Russell said: “This has been the best possible way I ever could have imagined integrating into the textile industry. So many opportunities have passed our way, including the chance to design for Epson’s showroom, being mentored by Debbie from TexIntel and so many other design contacts. Having access to the technology on offer at CMYUK has given me a much greater understanding of the digital print production processes and capabilities that will be invaluable as I move forward in my career.”
Venables said: “Being able to continue designing collections and have hands on experience on the latest digital printing technologies fresh out of university has been a dream, especially in the comfort of my hometown. The advice and support from mentors along the way has been majorly beneficial to my development as a designer and I couldn’t have hoped for a better first job in the industry. I will look back on my time at CMYUK with fond memories.”
Willocks added: “My skills have grown tremendously through our project briefs and I have cultivated valuable knowledge in the digital printing industry. With the help of the fantastic and patient team from CMYUK and our generous industry mentors, I have experienced AVA colour matching to digital factory production at Graham & Brown, Adam Slade too, from Standfast and Barracks helped me in my approach as a professional print designer. I have felt very lucky to have been part of this initiative.”
“Creatives in Residence Live (CIRL) has been a fantastic opportunity to take part in as a filmmaker. The creative freedom to produce weekly video content with the resources provided by CMYUK has given me invaluable first-hand experience and I am excited to see where this role takes me in the future,” ended Doggett.