Since graduating from The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design course in 2020, Amy Hastings has developed a successful career as an independent artist and creative business owner, turning her textile and surface design practice into a thriving brand.
Amy began developing her business during her final year at university, deciding that self-employment would allow her to work creatively on her own terms. After graduating, she launched an Etsy shop selling prints, stickers and original artwork, gradually reinvesting her earnings to expand her product range and develop the business.
Her work has since grown into a wide-ranging product line, including prints, stickers, tea towels, woven throws, hair clips, pins, keyrings, clothing, original paintings and more. Her designs are stocked by independent shops around the world, alongside sales through her online shop and at markets. Amy’s distinctive visual style draws inspiration from her collection of antiques and vintage and kitsch objects, as well as her love of whimsical art and colour.
Alongside developing her own product range, Amy has worked on collaborations with a variety of established brands. Her projects have included phone cases for Skinny Dip, reusable bag designs for Kind Bag, stationery designs for OhhDeer, greetings card designs for Early Bird and beer can labels for Northern Monk. Her work with Northern Monk has included a collection of beers as well as a label for a Waitrose-exclusive beer.
Amy has also built a strong presence online, using social media to share her artwork, creative process and products while developing an international audience. She began documenting her work on Instagram while studying, initially sharing her final major project and the process behind creating her designs. Her online presence has since become an important part of how she promotes her work and connects with customers.
Her experience demonstrates how the skills developed through Textiles & Surface Design can be applied across illustration, product design, licensing, branding and entrepreneurship. Amy credits the freedom to experiment during her degree, access to specialist facilities and the Professional Studies element of the course with helping to prepare her for life as a self-employed creative.
From starting an Etsy shop with prints and stickers to developing an international product brand and collaborating with established companies, Amy has built a career that combines textiles, surface design, illustration and business on her own terms.