Meet our guest pattern designer: Jenna Nelson

Once a year we meet fresh designer talents in our portfolio reviews. This way we keep an eye on what is happening in the pattern design field in Finland. We have a high-quality design education system and way more skilled and well-trained pattern designers than we can help or serve. This year we have invited four guest designers to work with us. Their patterns are available in our pattern library and the designs follow us in exhibitions and customer meetings. Here is a small interview with one of them, Jenna Nelson.

Jenna Nelson – a master of details

Who are you and where do you come from?

I am Jenna Nelson, a pattern designer from Oulu. I have studied design at the University of Lapland and the University of California Davis, after which I worked as a textile designer at Williams-Sonoma Inc. in San Francisco. I founded my creative pattern design brand Flow in 2020.

What is your education?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in interior and textile design from the University of Lapland and a Master’s degree in surface design from UC Davis. I have also studied visual arts at the Open University and Liminka Art School.

Describe yourself as a designer

I am a sensitive and easily excited type. I enjoy it when I can sink myself in the worlds of shapes and colors for hours at a time so that I lose track of time and forget to eat. As a designer, I am precise and meticulous, and a high-quality work result is important to me.

Who is your role model?

I may not have a specific role model, but the worlds created by, for example, William Morris and Klaus Haapaniemi are wonderfully fairytale-like and rich.

What are you inspired by?

I enjoy walking in nature and studying its elements in detail. Traveling to different cultures and examining their art and architecture always gives a new boost to my creative work. In-depth conversations with people also always bring something new to my work.

What would be your dream pattern design project?

The project of my dreams would probably be one where I could design a collection of nature-themed patterns, in the creation of which I could use the combination of realism and magical traces typical of my style.

Where are your patterns published in products?

My patterns are currently on sale, e.g. in Annala Oy in woven fabrics and Yiume, which is a brand for Hawaiian shirts. While working for Williams-Sonoma Inc., under the Pottery Barn Teen brand, I also designed a couple of patterns and a throw pillow for their Harry Potter collection.

What are your wishes for the future professionally and/or otherwise in your life?

What is your favorite pattern from your patterns in Patternfrom Agency’s pattern library?

The lush floral pattern called “Garden of Dreams” is the favorite of mine.