As a designer, I am driven by experimentation and the physical process of making. My practice often begins away from the screen through screen printing, projection, layering, photography, and material exploration before being refined digitally. I am particularly interested in texture, distortion, and the relationship between print and layout.

Alongside my degree, I expanded my practice through Interchange Week, exploring weaving, dyeing and costume design. These experiences deepened my interest in texture, construction, and physical form, encouraging a more tactile and experimental approach to publishing design.

 

BA Design for Publishing work by Margot Smith showing 3 bright and colourful distorted type-based prints.

My interest in print production developed further through work experience at Shepherds Bindery London, where I gained insight into bookbinding and production processes. Seeing the craft and technical side of publishing strengthened my appreciation for printed design and its physical qualities. University has helped me become a thoughtful and visually driven layout designer.

BA Design for Publishing cover design for the book ‘Ring’ by Margot Smith, showing a large distorted pink eye with yellow text and a yellow spine.
BA Design for Publishing work by Margot Smith showing a series of bold colourful distorted type-based prints, layered over with part of the transcript of the book ‘Naked Lunch’.
BA Design for Publishing work by Margot Smith showing a black/white/blue abstract screen-printed beer can design in response to the name ‘Calm Before the Storm’.
BA Design for Publishing work by Margot Smith showing two double-page spreads with distorted screen-printed images of singer Clairo, reflecting the article’s theme of “weirdness.”