Finding inspiration and creativity in everyday life and surroundings, as well as travelling, adventures, photography and graphic design, Ella Durkan is a printed textile designer based in London and Brighton.

Throughout her time studying BA Textile Design with Business Studies at the University of Brighton and her year in industry, Ella has practiced the craft of screen-printing, exploring different printing techniques and methods, using a variety of hand-dyed fabrics. Ella has also developed her digital design skills, using Photoshop to transform her hand-drawn illustrations and collages into digital repeat designs or placement prints, ready for fabric printing.

As a designer, Ella aims to create illustrative and hand-drawn designs, focusing on texture and colour, which represent her visual influences, design interests and personal style; this is reflected in her graduate collection, through its unique, bespoke and contemporary ‘wearable art’ feel.

Additionally, Ella has created complimentary prints through weaving, using printed fabric offcuts from her collection, which add an element of sustainability to her design. This is something which she believes is paramount and invaluable for the future of fashion and textile design, and hopes to explore further in her career as a designer.