Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Senior Technician

MSc

Since early 2013, I have been the Senior Technician in Printed Textiles, maintaining a lively print room and delivering technical and design expertise and knowledge supporting undergraduate, masters, and research students. During my tenure at the University, I have diversified into other print areas, providing design software skills and digital printing solutions.

I have a keen interest in encouraging people of all ages to study textile and design based programmes, working with groups of school children, work experience, and community groups throughout the year on several different projects and activities within and outwith the School. This has included receiving funding to create an online student-led workshop via the QAA Enhancement Theme 2020 – 2023 “Resilient Learning Communities”.

Areas of interest

  • Archival Textiles, Printed Textiles, Screen-Print, Digital Print, Digital Design Software

Qualifications

2007 BA(Hons) Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior & Art) – Heriot-Watt University
2018 MSc Textile Research (“Interpreting Tradition in the Digital Age”) – Heriot-Watt University
2020 Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)

Background

I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Design for Textiles from the School of Textiles & Design, Heriot-Watt University in 2007. That same year, I was selected as one of the 24 best textile design graduates studying in the UK by Texprint and presented my final year collection at Premiere Vision in Paris. Followed by a 4-month placement with a design company in India.

I moved back to the Borders in 2009 and set up my own business, GraceInk Design, producing bespoke screen-printed products inspired by my love of travel and experiencing different cultures. In 2018 I was awarded a Masters in Research, completed whilst working at the University. The research focussed on “Interpreting Tradition in the Digital Age” and incorporated my passion for printed textiles, heritage and archives.

In 2022 I successfully completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning. In 2024 I completed the Aurora Women in Leadership programme, and led a team to provide community and school engagement activities as part of the Graduate Degree Show.