Chartered Colourist Q&A 

In our latest interview series – we speak to former students who have gained their chartered colourist status with the SDC – looking at their journey into textile dyeing and how their chartered status has enhanced their career so far. 

Name: Vien Cheung

Employer: University of Leeds

Role: Associate Professor in Colour and Philosophical Studies

1. Hi Vien, thanks for taking part in our new interview series! To kick things off, how did you journey begin within academia/the dyeing industry and how did this lead you to the SDC?

I first became aware of the SDC when I was in the first year of degree. My major was textile chemistry. I found the society really interesting and wanted to a part of an international collective that specialised in the discipline that I studied, so I joined the SDC as a student member in the first instance. 

In the three years that I was studying towards my degree, I learnt not only about dyeing and finishing techniques, but I was introduced to colour through modules such as colour measurement (to communicate colour numerically) and visual colour assessments (for light and wash fastness) which are also important areas in the textile industry.

2. What lead you to achieving your chartered status?

I was awarded the Chartered Colourist status at the time that I was a postdoctoral research fellow, I engaged with different projects concerning colour fidelity in cross-media reproduction, and I demonstrated practical applications of academic knowledge in the areas of in colour science and technology. 

3. How was your time with the SDC?

It was very enjoyable. I worked with several SDC colleagues through my participations in the committees within the charity, including auditing, finance, medals, and publications.

4. What is your favourite part about textile colouration?

Its multidisciplinary nature I would say. Through my interest in colour, I have had the opportunity to learn about different subject areas – such as physics, biology, psychology, philosophy, history, design and many more – as that’s the way to be able to fully understand colour.              

5. Tell us more about your job role?

I am a university academic and so large part of my work is in research and teaching. I currently working on a variety of research projects with colleagues – both internal and external – in diverse disciplines such as design, education, computing, psychology, history, and vision. It’s fantastic that colour has a lot of cross-over with multiple subjects. 

6. How do you find the balance of keeping on top of your chartered status and working full time?

I feel that my job role has a similar goal to the chartered status. So, I guess I am lucky that such balance comes rather naturally.  

7. As a chartered colourist, what are your thoughts on sustainability within textile colouration and the use of colour developing over the next 10 years?

Awareness and understanding from individuals and companies will help to reduce waste and unnecessary materials or transactions, as the manufacturing and production pipelines in different industries will hopefully make lesser so-called wrong decisions. 

At the same time, noticing the developments in recent years – such as wide gamut displays, 3D imaging, virtual and augmented realities – these technologies can only become more advanced and mature with a better understanding and use of colour.