February 02, 2016
TEXTILE DESIGNER PATRICIA BRAUNE
Working as a textile and surface designer seemed like a natural progression for Patricia Braune. The Sydney-based graphic designer has always engaged in drawing and painting during her free time over the past 20 years. “I felt that I wanted to combine the two disciplines into a more fulfilling career,” Patricia says. “Textile and surface design was the perfect combination to produce commercially creative work in my own style and totally love the process.” She says changes in technology mean that no surface is out of reach for a designer.
While Patricia was born in São Paulo, Brazil, she spent the first nine years of her life living in different parts of Brazil and Germany. Her family settled in Johannesburg, South Africa, which was her base until eight years ago when she moved to Australia with her husband. Since then Patricia studied surface design at ISCD and was named graduate of the year. She has also signed her first licensing agreement for her designs to be manufactured as fabric and wallpaper. “I look forward to many more opportunities to license and collaborate with other creative people,” Patricia says. “It would be lovely to see my designs on ceramics or rugs.”
Which five words best describe you? Positive, passionate, creative, persistent and enthusiastic.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I studied graphic design, and worked in adverting agencies and design studios until I started my own little design studio in Johannesburg. Seven years later we moved to Sydney and I went back into the agency environment as an art director for a few years. Through all of these years I felt that I needed to be combining my true passion for art and illustration with my skills as a graphic designer. Now I create designs for commissions and licensing in Australia and overseas and I could not be happier.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? I believe that if you are truly enjoying what you are doing all the other bits and pieces will fall into place.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Signing my first licensing deal and seeing my designs on fabric and wallpaper. I’m also excited about my latest collection to be available in March 2016 at Emily Ziz in Paddington.
What’s been your best decision? Marrying Janyon and moving to Sydney.
Who inspires you? There are so many inspiring people out there, all creatives making beautiful pieces from their imagination.
What are you passionate about? My husband for his support and critical opinion, beautiful design, living in Sydney, traveling for inspiration and nature for it’s perfection in everything.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I’d like to meet Eckhart Tolle and The Dalai Lama.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Licensing my designs to top companies in Australia and overseas. Travelling, travelling and more travelling. I would love to design and build our dream home at the sea.
What are you reading? Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.
images courtesy of patricia braune