Talented Lytham designer creates her own success at awards ceremony

A lifelong passion for plants and endangered species proved the winning inspiration for a talented textiles design student.
Jessica Kirkpatrick at work in her studioJessica Kirkpatrick at work in her studio
Jessica Kirkpatrick at work in her studio

Jessica Kirkpatrick, 22, from Lytham, won the sought-after Creative Lancashire Award for Enterprise at the University of Central Lancashire’s recent 2020 degree shows award ceremony, which took place live online for the first time.

Former AKS and Blackpool & the Fylde College student Jess combined her talent for drawing with experimental processes such as screen printing and mark making to create eye–catching prints.

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Incorporated into wallpaper and fabric designs, the entrepreneurial graduate created a variety of products which are now being sold in her own online shop.

An example of Jessica Kirkpatrick's award winning creationsAn example of Jessica Kirkpatrick's award winning creations
An example of Jessica Kirkpatrick's award winning creations

As part of her award, Creative Lancashire has now arranged for Jess to meet up with the creative team as Standfast & Barracks, a world leader in fabric printing, to provide feedback on her portfolio and advice on the next steps in her career.

The 22-year-old, who has just graduated from the BA(Hons) degree in textiles design programme said: : "My lifelong passion for the environment and the living world inspired me to create a body of work which focused on endangered species and the habitats in which they live.

"I wanted to create designs that can educate people on species they may never have heard about before."

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Jess added: "Hopefully my work will capture people’s attention and help to start conversations, whether it’s asking about the unusual creature climbing through the branches or, how the print would look as a whole in their home.

Celebrations for Jessica KirkpatrickCelebrations for Jessica Kirkpatrick
Celebrations for Jessica Kirkpatrick

"I try to capture flora and fauna as realistically as I can. In fact, I’ve been making my own scientific discoveries along the way."

Students from across the university’s creative disciplines are entered for the award each year with the winner having to demonstrate excellence and a high level of professionalism or industry readiness.

This year's judging panel included chairman of Creative Lancashire Jenny Rutter, a producer with 20 years of experience supporting and developing creative practice in the North West.

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Jenny, who is also a director of British Textiles Biennial, said: "We are delighted to recognise Jess this year. She has not only created a cohesive, creative and commercial portfolio of work but also made a powerful statement about environmental issues and endangered species.

"We are convinced she has all the qualities needed to forge a successful career in the years to come."

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