Ellen Martin is an extremely talented Scottish designer specialising in printed and dyed textiles, taking inspiration from Japan and Japanese printing techniques. I first met Ellen during 2020 lockdown when degree shows were being cancelled and students were stripped of the vital opportunity to showcase their work. Via our instagram platform we put out an open call to spotlight students about to graduate, to highlight their work and share it digitally as far and wide as possible. I was captivated by Ellen’s patterns and her interest in the variety of textile techniques used in different cultures.

Ellen’s designs begin as intricately detailed hand-drawings and cut out collages which she develops into considered repeat patterns. She uses a combination of traditional and contemporary methods to create elegantly timeless and versatile designs both for fashion and interiors.

In 2019, she spent four months studying in Kyoto where she learned traditional Japanese resist-dyeing methods while gathering research for her graduate collection at The Glasgow School of Art, going on to graduate with a First Class Hons in July 2020.