Designer of the Week: Anna Glover

Anna Glover creates luxurious murals and print designs inspired by Victorian botanical studies. Her gorgeous surface designs have earned her global recognition. We catch up with her to discuss her creative process and collaboration with H&M.

What is your studio name and location?

Anna Glover Design Studio based in Hackney Wick, East London.

Where did you study?

I studied printed textile design at University College Falmouth.

Describe your design process

All artworks start with hand-painted imagery which is then scanned and developed on the computer before being printed onto luxury textile wall coverings.

What is your favourite part of the design process from inspiration, and research, to the final printed fabric/product?

Research and concept are personally my favourite. I love the creative freedom in this part of the job.

Who do you design for?

I always design for our clients. We have been very lucky to work for extremely interesting, creative and intelligent people. Part of the process is to really understand what they are looking for and to create something that achieves this and both responds to and enhances their space.

Printed textiles require the perfect balance of creative and technical problem solving 

What first sparked your interest in print design?

Printed textiles require the perfect balance of creative and technical problem-solving. I love this way of thinking.

Describe your style in 10 words.

Painterly, sophisticated, playful, colourful, nostalgic, often botanical, atmospheric, layered, bold and large scale.

What is your favourite medium to work in and why? (Watercolour, gouache, fine liner pens, digital, collage)

Gouache. We love the combination of very flat colour and dry-brush techniques you can achieve with this medium.

What / who are your major influences?

I try and do visual research most days, whether this is online or books, films, exhibitions or surroundings. This means that the sources of inspiration are always evolving. I will however always go back to ancient Asian art, from Japanese screens to Indian miniature paintings. The colours, composition and techniques are so unbelievably amazing and I feel I will always be able to learn more from them.

Best exhibition/museum/research trip/inspirational place

The most inspiring place I’ve been to in the last couple of years was Japan. We reference a lot of master Japanese painting, so it was so amazing to see these in person.

What are you working on at the moment?

We can’t really talk too much about our current projects, but I’m sure we will be able to reveal more next year. We have just completed a workspace in Dubai and an apartment in Miami.

Favourite music when designing

I listen more to podcasts and audiobooks at the moment, as I find them easier to work to. It’s not my normal kind of thing but I’m currently listening to Anna Karenina.

What has been your career highlight so far?

Last year we collaborated on a global collection with H&M. It was one of the fastest and most fun projects we have worked on. It has been an amazingly surreal experience, from seeing my name up in Times Square to being connected to people all around the world who bought pieces.

Your biggest challenge you have faced as a designer?

When I first sat down to write the business plan, I knew I wanted to run a design studio rather than just work as a freelance designer. Growing the business from just myself to a team of five has been the most challenging, but also the most rewarding, thing I have done.

Do you have any tips for new designers starting out?

Try and gain as much industry experience as you possibly can. If you are applying for a job make sure you take the time to contact someone personally.