Technical textiles specialists with ASDC qualifications are in demand all over the world – and chartered colourists are at the pinnacle of this exciting profession.
But what does it take to become a colourist, in any global location? And what is the lure of this demanding work, which requires such expertise and dedication?
Few would argue that an understanding of chemistry together with its real-life application – gathered in the dyehouse, factory, printworks or laboratory – are the foundations of the very best colourists.
John Hansford is a good example of a colourist whose combination of practical and theoretical knowledge has served him well.
The president of the SDC, and former general manager, including with the Global Textile Colours Business at ICI / Zeneca in the UK, explains: “This background enabled me to resolve technical issues by understanding the mechanisms underpinning the coloration processes – if you like, being able to visualise what was going on.
“Early in my career with ICI as a technologist, this balance of knowledge served me further in developing new processes and in new dye development.”
In John’s case – and many others – the route to achieving a balance between practical and theoretical experience was through part-time education, while working in industry as a colourist at Calico Printers Association.
He believes that the opportunity to gain an honours degree equivalent qualification through the SDC transformed his career.
John adds: “The benefit of academic study is not limited to the coloration aspects. You also gain an analytical mindset that in my case has served me well in my subsequent roles in corporate strategy and directorships.”
Colourists as pivotal players
While John maintains that he has met and worked with many colourists with varying personalities, priorities and outlooks professionally, the SDC’s chair, Gavin Thatcher, paints a more specific picture of this pivotal player.
Gavin, director of UK operations at Camira Fabrics in West Yorkshire, UK, said: “This is a very tough job that requires a particular type of person. As a colourist, your ability will determine the efficiency and profitability of a dyehouse or printing operation.
“You will need to work quickly – but be assertive, and able to stand up to the managing director when you need more time to fine-tune a particular shade.”
This responsibility is often coupled with a deep job satisfaction for the right person, says John Hansford. He explains: “Bringing a designer’s vision to life is very exciting. You might have to overcome a succession of technical challenges to get there.
“In a printworks, for example, this is about recreating a piece of art in a practical application, to make a beautiful product. It’s complex and riveting work – and just as creative as that of a designer, in a very different way.”
How do you become a colourist?
The SDC offers the only chartered education pathway in the world for dyeing professionals. Learning while earning affords trainees, from across the globe, the opportunity to build those essential theoretical and practical skills concurrently.
The academic process begins with the entry-level Foundation Textile Coloration Certificate (FTCC), followed by the Textile Coloration Certificate (TCC), and finally, the degree-equivalent Associate of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (ASDC).
Together each level offers a framework for a promising technician’s whole professional development plan. Course fees are £1,605 for FTCC, £5,350 for TCC, and £12,000 for ADSC – and those in the UK can get assistance of up to 60% from the SDC’s Future Textile Dyers Fund for the first two qualifications.
The ASDC is a third of the cost of a university degree equivalent and provides more focused and specialist learning in the science of dyeing. Through a defined process for graduates, this ultimately leads to Chartered Colourist (CCol) status, the industry’s highest level of qualification.
25/11/2020