Meet the Maker: Juni

In the world of design, inspiration can come from anywhere. On screen, on the page, or standing right in front of us – the creative process never really stops. Senior textile designer, Clare, shapes her inspiration into each print she designs here at Sheridan. Clare has been with us for five and a half years — bringing joyful, beautiful designs into homes across Australia. 

One of Clare’s newest designs, our Juni print, perfectly encapsulates this sense of joy and playful wonder. Through layered blooms in saturated colour, Juni is set to brighten your home, and your mood. We sat down with Clare to discuss how Juni came to be, and how her creative process informs her design. 

“I’ve always had a passion for drawing and being creative since I was young, especially growing up in a really creative family. I’ve been surrounded by pattern, fabrics, and colour ever since I can remember. 

My Nana worked in fashion so there were all sorts of beautiful fabrics and trims lying around when I would visit. I was fascinated how she would create and put together amazing outfits in the blink of an eye. 

Growing up in London, I was lucky to have my pick of all the galleries to visit on the weekend, and the V&A was a regular place to visit with my mum. I loved looking at all the beautiful vintage textiles, fabrics, and ceramics, such a treasure trove of inspiration. 

I’ve been super lucky to have such inspiring people on my journey into design, especially my Art teacher at school, and have been mentored and influenced by some amazing creative people. You know who you are!”

“I approach starting a design in a few different ways; I always look to multiple sources of reference for inspiration. Inspiration can really come from anywhere – books, galleries, music, even film. Each season is different, that’s why it’s so exciting. 

Usually, my process will start with a visit to the Botanical Gardens to sketch and take photos. I’ll visit galleries in Sydney and immerse myself in current fashion and interior trends. I also look through our extensive Sheridan archive library to gain inspiration. It’s such an amazing, beautiful reference to look through. 

I like to experiment with different techniques and mediums, for example gouache, watercolour, pencil, etc. Once I have this, I’ll start painting and drawing the elements in my chosen technique. Each season our design team puts together the seasonal direction and colour palettes – this is where the colour inspiration comes from. 

Next steps will be to take the hand drawn elements into photoshop and experiment with different layouts and scales. Once the artwork is completed, it gets prepared and sent off for production. 

I’m still excited by the whole process from start to finish – particularly seeing that initial concept through to final product, come to life in store.” 

“Juni was inspired by retro road trips, re-visiting fun nostalgic memories of holidays long past, long beach walks and long summer lunches.  

I love the vibrant summer-coloured blooms, the way the zesty colours pop on the green background. I wanted it to be a fun and youthful print for summer, but something that gives you that wonderful sense of nostalgia.”

Clare's Juni print is available in a Quilt Cover Set and a coordinating European Pillowcase. Fully reversible, Juni features bright blooms on the face and scattered bouquets on the reverse — for twice the styling, and twice the fun.