The culmination of new skills gained in design, printing and finishing of digital textiles for fashion and décor

CMYUK, Shrewsbury: After six months, 4 project briefs, digital production training, and the inside track of how to design for digital décor and fashion applications, CMYUK’s Creatives in Residence Live initiative (CIRL) has drawn to a close.

To celebrate this milestone, CMYUK has hosted a final showcase afternoon where final collections from CIRL graduates Evie Venables, Keely Russell, and Sarah Willcocks will be on display. This will be 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.

“It has been such an edifying experience to provide these young people with such a high calibre transitional experience between their graduation and the world of work. Our education lead and partner in this programme, Debbie McKeegan, produced a world class syllabus for these graduates that included hands-on mentoring from some of the most exciting and cutting-edge surface designers currently working today. Our graduates have received excellent technological training from our wonderful sponsors including Epson, Canon, Klieverik, Mimaki, AE Sewing Machines, EFI and Kongsberg. They have worked with the ultimate digitally advanced production technology. We have provided tailored careers and CV advice from Karen Collier Careers that will stand our graduates in good stead.

“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.

“Time flies when you’re having fun and what a fabulous six months this has been. Everyone at CMYUK has gone that extra mile to share their time, resources and knowledge with the graduates. A huge thank you to all our mentors and sponsors around the globe – all of whom have shared their experience, some inspiring stories along the way, and a few trade secrets too…short-cuts to the world of Décor and Fashion. But most of all I hope that the grads take away our combined enthusiasm for an industry that’s addictive – in a good way. I’d like to wish them every success in their creative careers and look forward to meeting them again commercially very soon,” said Debbie McKeegan.

Reflecting on her learning journey at CMYUK, Keely 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.”

Evie 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.”

Sarah Willocks said, “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.”

Taylor Doggett said, “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.”