Career change: How did I become a textile artist?

After studying Fashion Design at college and university, I worked in e-commerce and project management roles for 10 years. There had always been an underlying feeling that something wasn't right with my career path but it was quiet enough to ignore.

Dave's life-changing diagnosis

That was until, in 2023, my partner Dave was diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy (a progressive muscle-wasting condition). We navigated a lot in the year that followed - a clinical drug trial, disability discrimination forcing Dave to leave his career, redundancy and starting a new job for me, trying to rush-renovate our flat so we could move to a bungalow. All while coming to terms with Dave's diagnosis.

I had 'normalised' our new circumstances, in the wonderful way that human brains can but in the summer of 2024, I became unwell (unexplained pain, exhaustion, brain fog) and was ultimately signed off work. It was the sign I needed to make a change but I had no idea what I would do next.

Seeking help with career change

We moved to Newcastle at the end of 2024 to be closer to Dave's clinical trial and in January 2025, I went to see a counsellor about career change. The image they reflected back to me was someone who was miserable and lost - I didn't want to be that person! 

I found an organisation called Careershifters and signed up to their workshop, then full Launch Pad course which was life-changing. It gave me an opportunity to explore new ideas and ultimately just play - with a lightness which I really needed.

Careers I explored: Gardener, Celebrant, Coach

I explored several career paths. The first of which was horticulture, as I'd always had houseplants and loved having a garden for the first time in Newcastle. I met lots of amazing gardeners and had lovely conversations about working in nature. I became curious about therapeutic horticulture but ultimately decided that was what the garden was for me - a space for my wellbeing and I wanted to protect that.

I was curious about being a celebrant, there was something about supporting people at meaningful moments that really appealed, but public speaking isn't for me.

Through my Careershifters course, I'd loved supporting my coursemates - providing perspective, asking questions and considered coaching too. I saw this was creative thinking in action - listening, reflecting, connecting ideas and 'playing' with possibility. 

Looking back now, I can see these careers paths appealed because they involved words holding importance or working with my hands. Textile art and making banners allows me do both! As I'd studied Fashion Design, sewing always had an association with work so I wasn't worried I'd lose the enjoyment of it.

I've always loved fabric and words

Words have always held huge resonance for me - song lyrics, poetry, expressions and phrases. I have three teenage tattoos (all words) so the clues were there all along, but I'd lost sight of that.

I'd been sewing from a young age, making clothes for my dolls then later my younger sister. I loved textiles at school and studied Fashion Design at college and university.

I love fabric as a material - that we have such an intimate everyday relationship with it and an instinctive sense of how a fabric will feel. I particularly love fabrics which feel luxurious and have a relationship with light - especially silk and velvet, the way they catch the light and sheer silk organza's ability to cast shadows.

What do I do now as a textile artist?

I’m Louise, a textile artist with a love of words. I create bespoke handmade banners with the words you treasure for your home, wedding or event. I also create custom banners for unique window and shop displays. 

Alongside making bespoke banners, I have my own personal textile art practice and exhibit across the UK. My art practice also involves banners and words - scaling up my intimate handwritten notes into celebrations of vulnerability.

If you'd like to read more about the career change process, I shared a more in-depth look at my career change story with Careershifters.