Hayley Scanlan

Hayley, from Dundee, graduated in 2009 with a BDes in Textile Design

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

Because the university had such a brillant reputation in what I wanted to do and it was right on my doorstep. I also visited the university at open day and thought the facilities and course seemed perfect for me.

Please give a brief 'history' of your career since graduation

I have been working on my own textile/fashion label 'Hayley Scanlan', continuing to design collections, private client commissions, collaborations etc, whilst working part time in an Interior Design Company to support myself. I am currently working towards funding to mass produce pieces that will be available through stockists.

I was contacted by singer 'Marina & the Diamonds' to design a tour wardrobe for her supporting Katy Perry's 'California Dreams' tour and designed other peices for her in 2011.

I was also selected by 'Textiles Scotland' as one of 'Scotland's ones to watch' and was taken to New York in April 2011 to show my collection at the 'Dressed to Kilt' charity fashion event run by Sir Sean Connery.

Most recently I have been contacted by Vogue.com (uk) and had a designer profile feature on myself and my work. I have also been privately tutoring individual higher art secondary school pupils.

How has your degree helped you in the 'real world'?

It allowed me to develop my skills that I use every day within working on my own label and also allowed me to develop my own signature design style that I continue to use throughout my work.

What was the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

Experimenting with all the various textile techniques and through that finding my own individual approach to design, growing more confident and enhancing my skills as a designer.

What was your best university experience and why?

My degree show project in 2009 as it was all self directed from the beginning, from the original concept brief straight through to the degree show. It allowed me to be free and use the skills I had developed throughout my time at University and use them to the best I possibly could. Extreme hard work and dedication was involved but it was definitely worth it in the end.

Did you take part in any student exchanges/work placements?

I took a gap year between 3rd and 4th year in 2007 to participate in a 9 month unpaid internship as a Print Design Intern with Fashion Designer Jeremy Scott in Hollywood, LA and also a 3 month Fashion Assistant Internship at i-D Magazine in London.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Experiment in as much as you can, work hard, enjoy it and believe in yourself!