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The creative industries in Wales are witnessing a transformative era where digitalisation and academia converge to redefine their landscape. Roseanna Jiggins, a master’s graduate from ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø in Textiles, and founder of SwatchEditorâ„¢ and RMJ Studios Limited, is at the forefront of this shift. 

In this interview, she describes how her innovative work, through the collaborative HoloLens project, combines digital tools with sustainable practices, aiming to reduce waste and provide new opportunities for students and professionals alike.

The creation of SwatchEditorâ„¢: A Pandemic-Inspired Solution

SwatchEditorâ„¢ was actually born during the Covid-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, we had to find a way to trade remotely but still make that interaction engaging and meaningful. I’m a surface print designer, and I run RMJ Studios Limited, which I believe is Wales’ only print studio. 

We create hand-painted artworks based on the environment and trends for the fashion and interior markets. These artworks are then turned into repeat patterns digitally and visualised on 3D products.

The problem we were facing, especially during Covid, was how to combat waste and find more sustainable ways to develop textiles and garments before physical production. 

That’s where SwatchEditorâ„¢ came in. It’s an app designed to streamline the product development process, allowing us to make smarter, more sustainable decisions before we even touch a piece of fabric. It’s about blending creativity with technology in a way that’s both sustainable and practical.

You’re working on a HoloLens project with ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s Ashley Pullen and James Millns. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes, the HoloLens project is incredibly exciting! One of the challenges in the garment industry is the slow adoption of new digital methods. There are so many barriers -financial, educational, and even a lack of legislation in the UK to drive that change. But we wanted to explore a way to make digitalisation more engaging, interactive, and, dare I say, fun!

The HoloLens project allows users to interact virtually with digital twins of fabrics, giving them a real sense of how the material would behave in the real world. The potential here is huge because it could reduce the 20% of textile waste that typically happens at the sampling stage. If we can create a digital sample that’s good enough to sign off, it cuts down on unnecessary physical sampling and the waste that goes with it.

How do you think this project will impact your business?

Incorporating this technology into SwatchEditorâ„¢ could really accelerate the adoption of digitalisation in the early stages of product development. We need to think beyond just making the process more efficient - we want to help the whole industry move toward a fully circular model, where we eliminate end waste and landfill altogether.

There are still challenges ahead, like the digital energy waste that comes with using AI, VR, and AR, but we’re researching ways to make file sizes and digital outputs smarter and more efficient. Ultimately, we want to build something inclusive, interactive, and sustainable for the future. We also see a lot of potential for using this project to support arts and social inclusion by digitising archives that might otherwise be locked away in physical form.

You studied at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. What role has the university played in your journey?

Yes, I did my MA in Textiles at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, and it was such an amazing experience. The surface pattern and textiles department is incredible, and the facilities they have are world-class. I was able to join their workshops, and I just remember feeling jealous of the students! The wealth of knowledge and experience the tutors offer is unparalleled.

After completing my MA, I knew I wanted to give back and create opportunities for students. We’ve had some great interns who have gone on to work at major companies like H&M, JoJo Maman Bébé, and Tesco. It’s rewarding to give them that live, real-world experience. It’s all about nurturing talent and giving graduates a stepping stone into the industry.

What are the biggest challenges facing the creative industries in Wales?

I think one of the biggest challenges is funding. Design and textiles often get overlooked when it comes to creative funding, which is frustrating because textiles are such a huge part of Welsh culture. Many opportunities tend to go to CICs or media companies, but design and textiles are a crucial part of the media industry, especially now with the merging of gaming and textile digitalisation.

Another challenge is the rise of fast fashion. It’s a relatively new phenomenon, but it’s causing so much damage to the planet. It’s crucial that we educate people about the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion. Tools like VR, AI, and real-time visualisation can play a role in changing the way we think about fashion, making it more sustainable and ethical.

How do you see universities like ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø playing a role in the future of the creative industries?

Universities are in a really strong position right now. We’re entering a new digital era, and it feels like the beginning of a revolution - similar to the industrial revolution, but this time it’s digital. ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and other universities have the chance to integrate digital innovation into their courses, not just teaching students how to use these tools but also helping them understand the bigger picture - the environmental and social challenges we’re facing.

You’ve been working with ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s PACE Cymru. Can you tell us about that?

Yes, I’ve been working with the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø PACE Cymru team, which is part of a UK Government project focused on supporting the creative industries through digitalisation. It’s such a valuable initiative, as it’s not only helping businesses within the sector embrace new technologies, but also showing just how accessible these technologies can be.

A lot of people think digital tools like VR and AI are out of reach for smaller businesses, but through the PACE Cymru project, they’ve been able to show that these tools can make a real impact, even for companies that are just starting out on their digital journey. 

It’s been great to work with ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø on this, and I think projects like PACE Cymru are important to drive the creative sector forward.

PACE Cymru are holding a Digital Clinic for any business working within the Creative Industries sector in Pembrokeshire on Wednesday, December. It is being held at the Bluestone Resort in Narbeth. Sign up here:

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Pic caption: Roseanna Jiggins (centre) is pictured with ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s Ashley Pullen (left) and James Millns (right)

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071