Today I am extremely excited to have the wonderfully talented Abigail Borg here with us. A surface pattern designer & illustrator, she produces the most exquisite pieces that I just never get bored looking at them! I am a huge fan of her wallpapers and interior textiles, her patterns are just divine and I love her use of colour. Abigail has recently won the British Design Awards in association with Elle Decoration as ‘Best British Pattern Design’ for her ‘Friti’ pattern. These are definitely exciting times for this extremely talented lady!
Here Abigail takes time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions.
When did you realise you had a passion for design?
From the age of about 8 I used to paint my family and friends pictures, decorate flower pots – that sort of thing. I then took art and graphic design at school, with dreams of becoming an architect or interior designer - I used to rip magazines apart and make scrapbooks of interior shots that I liked, for no particular reason really. Looking back now it's obvious I had a passion for interior decoration at an early age.
Where do you inspirations come from?
From lots of things - On walks, gardens, old photographs, new photographs, record sleeves, books, magazines… I really like early 20th Century poster design, especially some of the Kew Garden and Underground advertisements.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The first thing to make me feel I was going somewhere was getting the call from Liberty of London asking to stock my wallpapers. It was probably 6 months after I graduated, and I had just decided after a work placement that I wanted to go alone with it all. Everything was a bit fuzzy, but having the interest from Liberty really solidified my decision to start designing independently. Another highlight is winning the Elle Decoration award for 'Best British Pattern 2010' earlier this month. I was up against the likes of Sanderson, Osborne & Little and Designers Guild, and was totally delighted when I found out.
What do you hope to achieve in 5 years time?
I'd like to be working from a studio nestled away somewhere in the Worcestershire countryside, as far away as possible from any busy roads or briefcases. I'd also like to have a team of people around me, as working alone can get to you sometimes. I'd also love to have my own shop, selling my home wares which I would also like to expand in the future.
What famous artists/designers do you admire or inspires you the most?
Celia Birtwell, CFA Voysey, William Morris and David Shrigley – just for doing whatever the hell he likes.
What five words would best describe you?
Old fashioned, easily pleased, decisive.
What 5 things couldn't you live with out?
Flowers, close family and friends, being able to travel, baking and my right hand.
Thank you so much Abigail for being an absolute delight to have! I hope you find your studio in Worcestershire countryside and all of your dreams come true which I am sure they will! Best of luck :)
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