Design
is our passion
Meet The Designer
Sarah Jane Charlton, 2018.
Sarah Jane Charlton is a young Artist and Designer Maker based in Leicestershire & Derbyshire, UK. She recently graduated from Design Crafts at De Montfort University with a First Class Degree. Her work is inspired by intricate patterns, complex geometry and mathematical spirograph’s meaning her products are often highly decorative. Specialising in CAD Design, Photoshop, Laser Cutting and 3D Printing, she combines digital technologies with traditional handmade techniques to create intricate collections. Her aim is to create the decorative Moroccan, Middle Eastern aesthetic, with a modern, contemporary styling. Sarah’s work focuses on comparing and combining innovative digital technologies with traditional handmade techniques to create new, interesting outcomes. “I particularly love exploring and testing the possibilities and limitations of laser cutting and 3D Printing. I'm constantly working to create bigger and better work. I'd like to see how detailed and complex my work can go!" Sarah is a Sainsbury’s Home student competition winner, Leicester Society of Artist’s Award Winner, Christopherson Prize Winner and has taken part in the DMU Crucible Project as well as winning a year as an Honorary Artist in Residence. Sarah Jane has recently started her creative business designing and making decorative homeware products, alongside tutoring CAD and working as a University Laser Cutting Technician. Sarah Jane now works as CAD engineer full time alongside the business, and has a new workshop in construction. New work will be on our website by the end of 2020. Exciting things are coming!
2016.
2017.
2018.
AWARDS / COLLECTIONS
2017: Winner of Leicester Society of Artists Student Award.
2017: New Designers best stand award (Group award - DMU Design Crafts).
2017: Christopherson Prize Winner - My work is part of the DMU Archive.
2017: Highly commended and named "one to watch" by Sainsbury's design team.
2016: Winner of live design competition in collaboration with Sainsbury's Home to design and pitch a homeware / soft furnishings collection.
EXHIBITIONS / SHOWS
2020: Lustre Online.
2019: Lustre, Nottingham Lakeside Arts 8th-10th November.
2019: Showcase, Craft in the Bay.
2019: Barlborough Country Festival, Chesterfield.
2018: DMU Christmas fair, innovation centre, Leicester.
2018: Christopherson Collection one Year On exhibition, De Montfort University.
2018: De Montfort University Degree Show, Artist in Residence Display, The Gallery.
2018: De Montfort University Innovation Centre, Crucible Display (Ongoing).
2017: DMU Christmas fair, Innovation Centre, Leicester.
2017: New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester.
2017: West End Gallery, Leicester.
2017: New Designers Exhibition, London.
2017: De Montfort University Degree Show, Leicester.
2016: DMU Christmas fair, innovation centre, Leicester.
2016: DMU Design Crafts Cabinet Display (Ongoing).
2016: Collective, group exhibition, Trinity House, Leicester.
WORK EXPERIENCE / PROJECTS
2019-Present: CAD Engineer working on technical drawings and multi-million pound projects.
2018-Present: Crucible business Project 2.
2018-Present: Launched design business.
2018-2019: DMU open day workshop supervisor, De Montfort University.
2018-2019: CAD Demonstrator, De Montfort University.
2017-2019: Crucible Project Member & Graduate entrepreneur, De Montfort University.
2017-2019: Laser Cutting Technician, De Montfort University.
2017-2018: Voluntary 1-1 CAD Photoshop & Illustrator tutoring, De Montfort University.
2017-2018: Voluntary CAD teaching assistant, De Montfort University.
2017-2018: Honorary Artist in Residence, De Montfort University.
2017: DMU Graduate Champions Enterprise Scheme & Business Boot Camp, De Montfort University.
2016: A two week placement working alongside the Sainsbury's Design Team, Sainsbury's head office, Coventry.
EDUCATION
2014-2017: De Montfort University, BA (Hons) Design Crafts, Achieved First Class Honours.
2013-2014: Ilkeston 6th Form partnership College, Foundation Diploma, Achieved Double Distinction Award.
The Design Process
Often starting with research, photography or drawings, the design process then begins with Computer Aided Design (CAD). From here, the process can vary to almost anything. "As a designer with a Art & Craft Background with a very hands on approach, to now specialising in CAD, Laser cutting & 3D printing, I like to compare and combine both traditional craftsmanship with digital technologies. This is where my passion lies."
Research / Inspiration / Initial drawing
Colour tests / Initial samples / Gain feedback
Prototypes / Make design amendments
Product testing / Product photography / Final finished product
Portfolio