Finding My Direction in CMF Design

I’ve realised that what excites me most is working with my hands. Whether it’s ceramics, wood, or metal, there’s something about the physical process that feels natural to me. My mind just understands what needs to be done. It’s been a passion of mine since I was young, and I want to get more involved in that kind of making again.

Recently, I’ve also developed a love for creating experiences for people. It’s more than just making a product; it’s about shaping how someone feels when they interact with it. I enjoy building a moodboard, developing it, and turning it into a full sensory experience. If I could design my dream job, it would be one where every day feels like an experiment, testing materials, exploring finishes, and crafting sensory experiences that stay in people’s minds.

I don’t really look up to any one person, but I admire Silverlining, the bespoke furniture company. Their direction and philosophy are incredibly inspiring, especially their balance of craftsmanship, detail, and innovation.

My biggest strengths are visual composition, graphic design, and hands-on material understanding. I find it easy to structure layouts, balance visuals, and make ideas look clear and intentional. It just comes naturally. I’ve always been the one in the family who assembles things, whether it’s IKEA furniture or small projects. That practical side connects directly to my interest in CMF design because it’s all about feeling, handling, and understanding materials.

These strengths connect perfectly to my future in CMF because the role depends on how well you can sense a material’s impact. It’s not just about how something looks but how it feels, how it ages, and how people respond emotionally to it. The skill I still need to develop most is visualisation, showing others what I already see clearly in my head. I know my work is strong, but I want to learn how to present it so others instantly understand its value. I’m working on that through Blender and Vizcom, focusing on composition, lighting, and storytelling.

When I’m in the workshop or doing graphic design, I completely lose track of time. Those are the moments when I feel most alive as a designer. This year, I want to spend much more time there, experimenting and refining what I love.

I’m curious about furniture design and luxury craftsmanship, especially studios like Silverlining. I’m also drawn to Asian design companies because I feel they push innovation in ways the West often doesn’t. There’s something refreshing about how they merge technology and tradition.

Living abroad has also opened my eyes. As daunting as it can be, I really enjoy adapting to new cultures and learning from them. I’d love to work internationally one day, to fully embrace another culture and make it part of who I am. In the future, I’d like to reach out to Coventry’s Talent Team for guidance and mentorship, making sure I’m on the right path for employment. To deepen my understanding, I want to pursue internships where I can gain real hands-on experience, not just digital. I want to see, touch, and test materials myself before applying them to design.

My main goal this year is to develop my CMF direction further and make my portfolio stand out as something truly unique. I want people to instantly recognise that they won’t find anyone else who designs the way I do. Right now, I’m improving my visualisation skills, learning Blender and Vizcom to present ideas at a professional standard. These tools help me frame my projects better and communicate my concepts clearly.

Progress for me will mean reaching the point where my projects feel professional enough for industry. I’m aiming for a first-class mark in my JLR module as a sign that I’m heading in the right direction and that my work has grown to a professional level. The biggest challenge I face is procrastination. I know I can do more, and I’m actively trying to build better habits and stay consistent. Travelling and time management sometimes get in the way, but I’m learning to keep moving regardless.

Ultimately, my plan is simple: keep refining, keep experimenting, and keep learning through doing. Everything I’m building now is leading toward a future in CMF design, one where I can merge sensory experience, material storytelling, and innovation into something unforgettable.