Learning the theory to improve processes and dye recipes

Joanna Kay, trainee colourist at Heathcoat Fabrics Limited in Tiverton, Devon, UK, is two years into studying for the ASDC. Here she shares with us how her love for design and all things visual led to a desire to bolster her colour science knowledge and qualifications. 

Thanks for talking to us Joanna! What brought you into the dyeing industry?

I did my undergraduate degree in (BA) Printed textiles and Surface design where I loved working with colour on the design side. I was always fascinated with why I could or couldn’t dye on various fibres. After working in retail, I became very environmentally conscious and wanted to understand dyes and textiles technically, so I could hopefully work to change things for the better. The MSc Textiles course at the University of Leeds gave me good insight into this and helped me to secure a job at Heathcoat where I was lucky enough to progress into the dyeing and finishing division. Here, I can really hone and develop my passion for coloration.

How did you find out about qualifications at the SDC? 

I got to know about the SDC through the University of Leeds, but learnt more in depth about the courses at Heathcoat, as my manager had also completed the ASDC. My manager is now a Chartered Colourist, and she encouraged me to follow suit. 

How do you find the learning environment – does this suit your learning style? 

I love being able to dip in and out of course content, which is convenient when you work full time. Though I am fortunate to be able to do some studying in office hours, I do the majority in my own time. The topics are both recorded videos and transcripts, as well as access to academic resources for in depth reading. Together I think this combination supports all learning types. I go through both formats so that I thoroughly understand each topic. Dr Antony Morton, the education officer for the SDC, is very knowledgeable, and is always on hand to talk through anything you might be struggling to understand.

Has the course content been applicable to your role?

Yes, at work it’s all very real-world and practical, but the theory learned through the course allows me to improve processes and dye recipes. If something goes wrong, having the technical knowledge gives more opportunity to go about fixing it.

Have you been able to implement your learnings within your role?

Yes, it gives me the appropriate terminology to use when discussing colour, both internally and externally, which helps accuracy in communication. It has also really clarified the importance of pH control when dyeing, so when I am working in the lab and take a pH reading, I understand how this could affect the shade and how to make an appropriate adjustment.

What is your favourite or most enlightening thing that you have learned? 

I’d say learning about actual colour molecules, understanding how they produce colour – and how that colour is absorbed and reflected. It’s like being a child asking: “But why? But why?” and finding out all the answers, it’s really fun. It’s also interesting because colour education covers a multitude of fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, neurology, psychology and more, so you get to understand colour in all contexts.

How has earning while you learn benefited you?

Because I did my master’s part-time while working, this feels very natural to me. I have colleagues studying on other programmes, and we’ve formed a study group out of work hours, to encourage each other along. For me, studying while working keeps you focused on your goals and moving forward. While this would be happening in a graduate role anyway, I feel further study adds a valuable extra dimension.

How do you feel studying with the SDC has improved your career prospects?

It’s a little too early to say conclusively, but I do feel this will come further down the line, when I achieve my ASDC qualification. I’m not naturally gifted in chemistry or maths, so it’s all a real challenge to me – but is something that I am accomplishing. Although it’s hard work, I am proud that I am able to work towards getting another technical qualification, having come from more of a design background.

What are your ambitions for the future? 

I hope to achieve Chartered Colorist (CCol) status, and specialise in research and development of textile coloration. It would also be rewarding to be involved in encouraging anyone wishing to go down a similar route to believe that they can achieve it, and be shown that there is a number of routes to get there – particularly anyone who feels they can’t because they don’t have a ‘science’ brain. If I can get to where I am today, then anyone can, trust me! There is such a divide between design and technical, and while there is definitely a place for each of them, I think there is also room for something in the middle. Having an understanding on both sides can only be a positive thing. It gives me tools to potentially manipulate and innovate further, which is exciting!