Interviews
What makes a successful designer? What is the hardest part of it? Who should we watch out for in 2012 and 2013? We caught up with some past and present New Designers exhibitors to find out...
Ella Doran
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Designer Ella Doran kick-started her career by exhibiting at New Designers nearly 20 years ago. She then returned as a judge in the early noughties.
Ella made a name for herself in the 1990s with table mats and coasters, creating at that time innovative designs through her recognisable photography-based images and patterns. The Ella Doran product portfolio has since expanded considerably and she has since worked with the likes of Kew Gardens, Tate, ABSOLUT, The Geffrye Museum and Habitat. We interviewed Ella, who cited that the contacts she made at New Designers was one of the key reasons behind her success. |
Patrick Stevenson-King: Designersblock 2011 Award Winner
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Patrick Stevenson-King kick started his career through winning the New Designers Designersblock Award for ‘outstanding creativity and original thought’ in 2011.
Patrick’s designs not only solve problems, but also ask questions. He aims to challenge how people see the world, going against conventions and opening up to new possibilities and perspectives. As well as enjoying a busy freelance career, he is also an associate at design consultancy SuperFlux – a collaborative agency exploring design at the forefront of technology. We caught up with Patrick to find out how he’s found life since winning a New Designers Awards. |
Bethan Gray - Furniture Designer & 1998 Award Winner
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Bethan Gray is best known for her liveable, honest, warm designs. She first came into recognition when she was awarded the Habitat Innovation Award by Tom Dixon at New Designers in 1998. She has since set up her own studio and brand ‘Bethan Gray’; designed for John Lewis, The Conran Shop and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong; is a regular contributor to STYLUS and is a visiting lecturer at Central St. Martins. We’re delighted to announce that Bethan will be giving a talk at this year’s New Designers on Thursday 5th July. Ahead of her return to New Designers, we caught up with Bethan to find out more. Read Bethan's interview |
Jeweller & 2006 Exhibitor Jo Hayes Ward
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Utilising modern techniques such as rapid prototyping alongside traditional craftsmanship, Jo Hayes Ward’s sculptural jewellery designs perfectly balance elegance with boldness. Jo graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2006 and won the BDC New Designer Award that year. She holds a studio at Cockpit Arts where she is actively involved in developing crafts’ businesses. With craft becoming equally as important as other design disciplines, Jo has had a busy few years. We caught up with Jo to find out more. Read her interview here |
2011 Wilkinson Award Winner Laura Davenport
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Laura Davenport exhibited at last year’s New Designers and scooped the Wilkinson Award for Commercial Surface Design. With her designs then going on sale in Wilkinson stores all around the country, Laura has enjoyed a busy and successful year. We caught up with her to find out more. |
Louise Tiler, winner of BDC New Designer of the Year 2011
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Graduating from Leeds College of Art and Design in 2011 with a degree in Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design, Louise now runs a design practice in Saltaire.
Her timeless designs have won her multiple awards and international recognition with accolades including the Grand Prize Winner of the Surtex Designext Competition and winner of the Historical Textile Competition 2011. With the launch of her own wallpaper brand, greeting cards and stationary, Louise is looking forward to an exciting year ahead. |
Neil Conley, OYO Award Designer in the Hotseat
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Graduating with a degree in Furniture and Fine Product from Northumbria University, Neil quickly set himself on a path for success, winning last year’s One Year On award. We’ve invited Neil back , this time to design the package for the award that spring-boarded his career.
Since winning, Neil has exhibited with Tom Dixon and has undertaken a residency at Northumbria University. He's set for an exciting year ahead with large-scale furniture designs and environmental commissions in the pipeline. We interviewed Neil and found out what makes him tick, his thoughts on the design world and his advice on how to make your way in the industry. Read Neil's full interview here. |
Jethro Macey curator of New Designers One Year On
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Jethro Macey, curator of New Designers One Year On, runs an award-winning design practice, which has compiled an impressive portfolio of products and clients.
Macey’s work continues to span a range of projects and disciplines; from furniture and interior product design to installations and interiors. His emphasis is focusing on simple materials & manufacturing techniques combined with delicate pattern & structure. Macey’s accolades include winning an Elle Decoration British Design Award, being voted the UK’s Top Emerging Design Talent and has collaborated with the V&A and the Design Museum, London. |
