Alison Woodside
Alison studied at Glasgow School of Art where she achieved a 1st class BA (Hons) in Printed and Knitted Textile design. Having also studied at Heriot Watt and Strathclyde University she qualified to MDes in Textile Design with Computer Applications and achieved a teacher training qualification PGDE(s) Professional Graduate Diploma in Education.
Alison worked as a knitwear designer at the pinnacle of the luxury market prior to entering education. This was based within the Scottish Borders Cashmere industry, designing for prolific global customers and high fashion brands. During this time, Alison spent considerable time traveling and designing collections. Alison was also involved in the promotion, brochure design, illustration and photography pertaining to the sales and marketing of seasonal collections.
Alison has a keen interest in enterprise and having moved into education still regards herself as a practicing designer. She spent many years working collaboratively in the wider creative community assembling a highly specialised group to design and sell a branded range of handmade knitwear and crochet. More recently she has found herself focusing on illustration and graphic licencing.
Over the years she has Involved herself in various exhibitions and trade fairs. This includes the exhibition of her illustrations in various magazine publications and includes International Textiles.
Having taught for 13 years, Alison has experience of teaching a range of levels across both Further and Higher education to both Design and Art students. This includes Degree and Honours Degree levels.
She has a keen interest in using technology to support the creative process. Her own professional practice challenges the boundaries between, new, traditional and technology-based applications.
When not working for UHI Alison is either designing, researching, walking, cycling and photographing the natural environment. All of which inspires her job role as she aims to keeps her skills and teaching practice up to date.