Based in Manchester, prior to starting Cocoon Helen worked at textile mills in Italy and India, designing for their international editorial clients.

How do you start working on an artwork?
Drawing from life- I am inspired by nature and initially spend a lot of time developing artwork by hand until I feel excited by an idea to develop into a fabric.

What inspires you?
Colours in Italian landscapes and architecture, going to exhibitions, travelling.

Based in London, Karla has worked on designs for Studio M Think Tank, Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Lou Dalton.

How do you start working on an artwork? 
Reigning in a strong feeling, researching the visuals behind it and then exploring my findings with paint.

Favourite artists/designers?

Lou Dalton's Menswear, Celine's Womenswear, David Shrigley's art and Bjork's music.

What inspires you?
Music, travel, love, hate.

Based in Kyrgyzstan, Aidai has worked on designs for Alexander McQueen, Kinder Aggugini, Bay and Brown, Cynthia Conran, Samantha Shaw and Izmaylova.

Inspiration:
I  think about the best moments in my life that motivate and inspire me to create new, unique pieces of art .  Family and friends inspire me.

Favourite artists/designers: William Morris, Vincent Van Gogh, Alexander Mcqueen, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Zaha hadid.

A 2011 graduate, Claire has customised an outfit for Pepe jeans, which were sold at Harvey Nichols, London.  She is also working as a Print and Embellishment Designer for London high street supplier.

Favourite artists/designers:

Designers: Erdem, Burberry, Prada, Rebecca Taylor, Illustrator: Stina Persson.

What inspires your textiles?
My photography of the places I’ve visited, vintage fashion, and jewellery, art and from the park I run around as seasons change.   I really enjoy drawing and mark making, and spend a lot of time sketching before developing designs.

Based in Lancashire, Sarah-Jane graduated in 2011 and has since worked with London Property Makeover, as well as exhibiting at Top Drawer and L’Aiguille en Fête, Paris.

How do you start working on an artwork for a fabric?
Drawing and photographing, followed by dyeing, colouring and embroidering fabrics.

Favourite artists/designers: Claire Coles, Catherine Hammerton.

Based in London, Lucille has created designs for the textile designer Suzanne Goodwin for Tent, and her work has been exhibited, amongst others, at The Lethaby Gallery, as part of a show commissioned by David Kohn Architects and Design for London, and as part of a collective exhibition at Le Bon Marché, Paris.


How do you start working on an artwork?
I always start with a sketchbook and lots of drawings

Favourite artists/designers:
Agnes Varda, Yayoi Kusama, Louise Bourgeois, Rei Kawakubo, Vivienne Westwood