Finding creativity in the tides: meet ‘Tidal Textures’ designer, Kelsey Vanderplank

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you studied at Arts University Plymouth?

I’ve always been a creative person, even from a young age. I loved art at school, but I didn’t fully realise my passion for textiles and pattern design until I started my degree at Arts University Plymouth. Studying Textile Design gave me the space to experiment, explore different techniques and materials, and discover how much I enjoy creating patterns that can live on physical products.

What inspired your interest in design?

Design has always felt natural to me. As a kid, I was constantly drawing or making things, but at university I really found my direction. I discovered how much I love pattern design, sewing, and translating little visual details into something expressive. It showed me how creativity can be both personal and practical – something you can wear, use, or experience.

How did you feel when you found out your design would become a limited-edition piece for Red Equipment?

Honestly, I was shocked – in the best possible way. I couldn’t quite believe my design had been chosen. Once it sank in, I was so excited. The idea of seeing my artwork on a real product, and one made by a global brand like Red, felt surreal. It’s one thing to design something on a screen, but quite another to know it will be out in the world.

What was your main inspiration behind your robe design?

My biggest inspiration will always be the beach. Growing up in Cornwall meant the coastline was a huge part of my everyday life. When I started this project, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with textures, shapes, and patterns from the sea – the reflections, the ripples, the tiny details you only notice when you stop and look closely. My design is my way of sharing that connection.

How did your connection to the water and the outdoors influence your design?

I started by going down to my local beach, sketching and taking photos of the water and its textures. Back in the studio, I layered those sketches and images together in Photoshop, experimenting with patterns, repetition, and composition. Because Red is all about outdoor adventure and connection to nature, it made sense for my design to feel organic, energetic, and rooted in real places that mean something to me.

What colours did you choose, and how did Red’s brand influence your decisions?

The brief encouraged us to consider Red’s existing colour palette, so I spent time studying what they already use. I wanted my design to fit their brand but still feel like me. That’s where the hot pink came in – it adds personality and vibrancy without clashing with Red’s aesthetic. It’s the colour that gives the design its punch and reflects my own creative flair.

Were there any challenges along the way – and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was visualising how the pattern would sit on a real product. Designing something flat is completely different from imagining it wrapped around a robe or other pieces of kit. Working with tutors and the team at Red helped me adjust scale, play with placement, and choose colours that would work on fabric rather than paper or screen.

How was the experience of adjusting the design after the initial stages?

Once I saw how the pattern worked at different scales, it became exciting rather than intimidating. Testing colours, adjusting the repeat, and seeing it mocked up on the robe helped me understand how patterns behave in the real world. By the end, I felt confident that the design formed naturally with the product.

What was it like collaborating with the Red Equipment team?

The Red team were genuinely lovely – supportive, welcoming, and really invested in my development as a designer. They walked me through the details that go into product design, from zips to trims to fabric choices, and helped me understand how all of those elements interact with a pattern. It was a proper creative partnership.

Did you learn anything new about product design or sustainability?

Definitely. I didn’t realise how many layers there are to designing a product. Every detail – the hardware, the type of stitching, the lining, the sustainability considerations –influences the final outcome. Seeing how Red thinks about durability and responsible production gave me a new appreciation for the design process as a whole.

What message or feeling do you hope people take away when they wear your robe?

I hope people feel a little more connected to the coast. My design captures tiny abstract details from the water that most people walk past without noticing. If someone wearing the robe feels reminded of the beach, or sees something new in the pattern every time they look at it, then that means a lot to me.

How did it feel to see your design come to life as part of a global brand like Red?

It felt incredible. Seeing my design printed on fabric – especially with the hot pink standing out – was such a special moment. Until then, it had only ever existed on paper or my laptop. Holding the final product made everything feel real and showed me what’s possible for my future work.

How do you hope your story inspires other students or young designers?

When you start university, collaborating with big brands doesn’t always seem like something that can happen. I hope my experience shows that these opportunities do exist and that students should say yes to anything that helps them grow. You never know where one project might lead.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I’m building my portfolio and continuing to develop my pattern design skills. I’m open to any creative opportunities that come my way, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.

How has this experience shaped your vision for the future?

This project confirmed that I genuinely love fashion and textile design, especially when my patterns can live on real, wearable products. I’d love to continue down that path and see how far I can push my ideas in the fashion and outdoor worlds.