Above: Sophie Rees at The London Artisan, old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London
ARTS THREAD speaks to Sophie Rees, founder of Designer/Makers, about setting up a design/craft business and how she set up her own design/craft market in London. Sophie is full of invaluable advice for new graduate and emerging designers and makers - read on to find out!
Sophie grew up near Abergavenny in South Wales, surrounded by the Brecon Beacons National Park which instilled a love of nature and exploration. After studying Fine Art Painting in both Bath and Brighton, Sophie moved to East London where, in 2009, she co-founded a studio and exhibition complex in Hackney Wick, a regeneration area of East London opposite the 2012 Olympic stadium. It is here Sophie began curating exhibitions and project managing events such as a monthly design market for designer-makers living in the local area.
From this, Sophie founded the agency D/M Designers/Makers, which has grown to become a national membership organisation; providing events, PR, business advice and opportunities for its members. Working in partnership with other creative organisations such as The Design Museum and Old Truman Brewery.
ARTS THREAD: What inspired you to set up D/M?
Sophie: D/M has grown organically since its very small beginnings in Hackney Wick. As a student I made jewellery and become disenchanted with the markets I was selling at – they had no atmosphere and the quality of goods on sale varied from talented design students down to t-shirts imported from China. So when I arrived in London after graduating I decided I would create my own market to help support people like myself – trying to make money from their creative endeavours. The idea was to create a design community – open to those who had unique products and the desire to build their own successful brand. The markets grew in size and popularity and at the same time I saw a gap for a design organisation that supported those at the early stages of their business. Because I was in a similar position I knew what I needed – outlets to promote and sell my work in order to make money and pay the bills.
So D/M has always focused primarily on events and collaboration with other arts organisations in order to benefit our members and make connections to the wider design and craft community. It has been a lot of hard work, hair pulling and empty pockets but steadily it has grown into the agency I hoped it would – we now offer a really comprehensive membership that focuses on selling opportunities and business advice. It's so nice attending the D/M events and seeing all the designers swapping information and supporting one another as well as being picked up by retailers etc.
ARTS THREAD: What is exciting you right now in the creative industry?
Sophie: One thing is clear — social media is redefining how designer/makers do business. Never before has a maker had the power to get into a conversation directly with their audiences in multiple countries. Sidestepping traditional means of communication, social media allows you to speak with your followers about who you are and what you are making. Someone can inquire about a piece, and in an instant, it's sold. With one simple "follow," the experienced and respected 'eyes' of the design and craft industry can consider your work on a daily basis.
Instagram is just one tool in the belt of designers that if time allows, means they can take control of every step in their brand's development; from the designing, production, marketing and selling of their work. When I first began my agency Designer/Makers back in 2011, pop up spaces by companies such as Meanwhile Space and Appear here were just getting off the ground and websites like Etsy, Not On The Highstreet and Culture Label were causing a stir within online selling. Whilst these outlets are still popular, makers are sidestepping the middle man and creating their own opportunities through beautifully curated websites backed by a mix of social advertising (Instagram, Google and Facebook ad's) and independently run events that speak to a specific audience.
ARTS THREAD: What encouraged you to set up The London Artisan?
Sophie: When I began running design markets in London for independent makers (my first event was in Hackney Wick with 10 local makers), there were few other markets around offering an affordable platform for makers to sell their work alongside other like-minded people. Now London and other cities are bursting with independent markets and fairs set up by individuals and collectives to claim control of how their work is seen and bought.
The London Artisan is a quarterly event I curate, in collaboration with the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, showcasing the work of 60 makers from London and across the UK. It presents a unique selection of jewellery, ceramics, glassware, textiles, homewares, graphic design, beauty and children's products with a focus on good design and sustainability.
The event is not only an opportunity for makers to reach new audiences but it forms a critical support group to one another – being a designer/maker can be a lonely task sometimes and so it is vital to have that connection with other like-minded people for words of encouragement and advice. There are also regular events from Independent Ceramics Market, Urban Makers and Crafty Fox market to name a few.
ARTS THREAD: What are your future plans for D/M?
Sophie: Last year I wrote my first book Artisan Bristoll featuring 25 Bristol based designer makers and opened a permanent shop in the city 'The Bristol Artisan' so my focus is growing that presently. I am also looking at new collaborations for markets within London...watch this space.
ARTS THREAD: What are your key tips for emerging designers and makers?
Sophie:
- Photographs: It may seem obvious but having great photos for social media and press requests is so important. I am constantly chasing makers for high-quality images that I can give to the press - they will not chase you so make sure you have them ready and waiting.
- Retail: Do not waste time contacting shops that do not sell work similar to yours - spend that time researching and narrowing down the most suitable ones, then send a personalised email explaining why you think your work fits. Have an on brand wholesale line sheet or pdf with clear images, pricing and terms.
- Social media: Instagram can be hard work, I manage 4 accounts and it is relentless! but, get it right and it is the most valuable marketing tool you can use - and the cheapest!
ARTS THREAD: Thank you Sophie – we wish you & Designers/Makers & The London Artisan all the success for 2020!
The next The London Artisan is their Summer Show July 18-19 2020 11.00-18.00 at Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E16QR.
You can apply to become a stallholder at The London Artisan from their website.
Learn more about Designers/Makers from their website and The London Artisan website.
Interview by our Craft industry specialist Jacqui Rudd.
ARTS THREAD speaks to Sophie Rees, founder of Designer/Makers, about setting up a design/craft business and how she set up her own design/craft market in London. Sophie is full of invaluable advice for new graduate and emerging designers and makers - read on to find out!
Sophie grew up near Abergavenny in South Wales, surrounded by the Brecon Beacons National Park which instilled a love of nature and exploration. After studying Fine Art Painting in both Bath and Brighton, Sophie moved to East London where, in 2009, she co-founded a studio and exhibition complex in Hackney Wick, a regeneration area of East London opposite the 2012 Olympic stadium. It is here Sophie began curating exhibitions and project managing events such as a monthly design market for designer-makers living in the local area.
From this, Sophie founded the agency D/M Designers/Makers, which has grown to become a national membership organisation; providing events, PR, business advice and opportunities for its members. Working in partnership with other creative organisations such as The Design Museum and Old Truman Brewery.
ARTS THREAD: What inspired you to set up D/M?
Sophie: D/M has grown organically since its very small beginnings in Hackney Wick. As a student I made jewellery and become disenchanted with the markets I was selling at – they had no atmosphere and the quality of goods on sale varied from talented design students down to t-shirts imported from China. So when I arrived in London after graduating I decided I would create my own market to help support people like myself – trying to make money from their creative endeavours. The idea was to create a design community – open to those who had unique products and the desire to build their own successful brand. The markets grew in size and popularity and at the same time I saw a gap for a design organisation that supported those at the early stages of their business. Because I was in a similar position I knew what I needed – outlets to promote and sell my work in order to make money and pay the bills.
So D/M has always focused primarily on events and collaboration with other arts organisations in order to benefit our members and make connections to the wider design and craft community. It has been a lot of hard work, hair pulling and empty pockets but steadily it has grown into the agency I hoped it would – we now offer a really comprehensive membership that focuses on selling opportunities and business advice. It's so nice attending the D/M events and seeing all the designers swapping information and supporting one another as well as being picked up by retailers etc.
ARTS THREAD: What is exciting you right now in the creative industry?
Sophie: One thing is clear — social media is redefining how designer/makers do business. Never before has a maker had the power to get into a conversation directly with their audiences in multiple countries. Sidestepping traditional means of communication, social media allows you to speak with your followers about who you are and what you are making. Someone can inquire about a piece, and in an instant, it's sold. With one simple "follow," the experienced and respected 'eyes' of the design and craft industry can consider your work on a daily basis.
Instagram is just one tool in the belt of designers that if time allows, means they can take control of every step in their brand's development; from the designing, production, marketing and selling of their work. When I first began my agency Designer/Makers back in 2011, pop up spaces by companies such as Meanwhile Space and Appear here were just getting off the ground and websites like Etsy, Not On The Highstreet and Culture Label were causing a stir within online selling. Whilst these outlets are still popular, makers are sidestepping the middle man and creating their own opportunities through beautifully curated websites backed by a mix of social advertising (Instagram, Google and Facebook ad's) and independently run events that speak to a specific audience.
ARTS THREAD: What encouraged you to set up The London Artisan?
Sophie: When I began running design markets in London for independent makers (my first event was in Hackney Wick with 10 local makers), there were few other markets around offering an affordable platform for makers to sell their work alongside other like-minded people. Now London and other cities are bursting with independent markets and fairs set up by individuals and collectives to claim control of how their work is seen and bought.
The London Artisan is a quarterly event I curate, in collaboration with the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, showcasing the work of 60 makers from London and across the UK. It presents a unique selection of jewellery, ceramics, glassware, textiles, homewares, graphic design, beauty and children's products with a focus on good design and sustainability.
The event is not only an opportunity for makers to reach new audiences but it forms a critical support group to one another – being a designer/maker can be a lonely task sometimes and so it is vital to have that connection with other like-minded people for words of encouragement and advice. There are also regular events from Independent Ceramics Market, Urban Makers and Crafty Fox market to name a few.
ARTS THREAD: What are your future plans for D/M?
Sophie: Last year I wrote my first book Artisan Bristoll featuring 25 Bristol based designer makers and opened a permanent shop in the city 'The Bristol Artisan' so my focus is growing that presently. I am also looking at new collaborations for markets within London...watch this space.
ARTS THREAD: What are your key tips for emerging designers and makers?
Sophie:
- Photographs: It may seem obvious but having great photos for social media and press requests is so important. I am constantly chasing makers for high-quality images that I can give to the press - they will not chase you so make sure you have them ready and waiting.
- Retail: Do not waste time contacting shops that do not sell work similar to yours - spend that time researching and narrowing down the most suitable ones, then send a personalised email explaining why you think your work fits. Have an on brand wholesale line sheet or pdf with clear images, pricing and terms.
- Social media: Instagram can be hard work, I manage 4 accounts and it is relentless! but, get it right and it is the most valuable marketing tool you can use - and the cheapest!
ARTS THREAD: Thank you Sophie – we wish you & Designers/Makers & The London Artisan all the success for 2020!
The next The London Artisan is their Summer Show July 18-19 2020 11.00-18.00 at Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E16QR.
You can apply to become a stallholder at The London Artisan from their website.
Learn more about Designers/Makers from their website and The London Artisan website.
Interview by our Craft industry specialist Jacqui Rudd.