Q&A with Gail Myerscough
We chat to Gail Myerscough, founder of Gail Myerscough Surface Pattern Design & Illustration
Having held down a full time job whilst also running your own design studio for six years, you decided to take the plunge during lockdown to work full time on her own business. How have you found the experience?
It was always my dream to work full time on my design business. I was put on furlough from my job at the Royal Exchange Theatre and, during this time, I did everything I could to scale up my business so if I was made redundant, I had a Plan B. It was also a chance to see if my design business could be financially viable as a full-time job. I haven’t looked back! I’ve never been busier, and I love what I do.
What does a typical day look like?
I work from my home studio with my assistant, Pete the cat, who loves to oversee the printer and steal paper from the bin. Mornings are my admin time – processing orders, dealing with enquiries, planning new designs and marketing. Then there’s the daily trip to the post office to post orders and for some fresh air and exercise. Afternoons are my design time when I work on commissions and design new prints. It’s my favourite time of the day.
Can you talk us through your creative process- from concept to design?
I take my inspiration from all around me and from my passion for mid-century design, the colours and patterns of the 1960s and post-war modernist architecture. My designs are bright, colourful and bold and have a vintage but contemporary feel.
I start with idea development and sketches, I use my iPad to create the initial design then go on to create the final designs on my computer using Adobe Illustrator, a digital design program.
You commission and licenses your art to creative companies, having created designs for Tom & Teddy, Billable Hour and DefendDigitalMe as well as creating bespoke designs for the Royal Exchange Theatre. Talk us through the experience of working with such great brands.
I’ve been incredibly lucky in that most clients have approached me to commission designs. I market myself through social media and this has helped increase my visibility. I was recently commissioned to design a new exclusive range of Thunderbirds merchandise for Anderson Entertainment. My husband, Matt, was doing some writing work for Anderson Entertainment and mentioned my designs. They contacted me, liked my work and suggested I come up with some design ideas based on Thunderbirds. I grew up watching Gerry Anderson shows so this was a dream commission. Seeing your work in print or on products is the best feeling. It’s incredibly exciting.
What are your top 5 selling products?
Yellow Typewriter Personalised Print – from £16
Copenhagen Print – from £12
45 Pale Print – from £12
Cats On Chairs cushion – from £38
Berger Red Cushion – from £38
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