Get to know me….
A Love for Design, From School to Studio
Hello, I am Madeleine, a graphic design graduate with a lifelong passion for all things creative, colourful and beautifully put together designs. My love for design began at school, where I found joy in creating, sketching and experimenting with visual ideas. That early interest only grew stronger over the years, shaping my path towards studying Graphic Design at Oxford Brookes University, where I recently completed my degree.
While my formal studies focused on branding, composition, typography and design thinking, my curiosity has always stretched across different areas of design. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to interior design, not just how a space looks, but how it feels. I became fascinated by the mood that colour, texture and pattern can create, especially within traditional British interiors. From Georgian design to the playful confidence of modern brands, I have loved exploring how design tells a story, whether through a room, a print or a visual identity.
My dissertation was a real turning point in shaping my creative direction. I explored the use of colour and fabric in Georgian interiors and how these choices reflected social values at the time. I thoroughly enjoyed the research process and found myself completely absorbed in historical styles and their relevance today. This experience deepened my love for British heritage and helped me appreciate the balance between classical design and fresh, modern interpretation.
Outside of university, I enjoy visiting art exhibitions and discovering new and emerging artists. I also have a growing collection of design books and magazines (Tatler, Vogue and House & Garden). Whether it is a book on layout and branding or one about pattern and traditional interiors, I love exploring different visual languages and learning new design approaches.
Recently, I taught myself how to upholster my own headboard at home, which gave me a new appreciation for the craft and detail behind homeware design. I love flicking through wallpaper and fabric samples, imagining how different combinations of colour and pattern can bring character and charm into a space.
I take huge inspiration from artists and designers such as Rosi De Ruig, Nina Campbell and Sophie Conran, as well as companies like Soane Britain, Divine Savages, Sanderson Design Group and Ottoline. Their work celebrates British tradition, craft and storytelling in a way that truly resonates with me.
At the moment, I am looking for opportunities to gain experience across all areas of design. Whether that is graphic, interior or marketing focused, I am always eager to learn something new. I enjoy working across disciplines and seeing how different areas of design connect, and I am ready to grow and contribute as part of a creative team.
Best,
Madeleine Penfound