We caught up with New Designers One Year On Award Winner, Rachel Howarth to see how her practise has progressed since exhibiting in One Year On and how New Designers has helped her on her creative journey. Rachel won her award in Part 2 of the show for her series of Aluminium Printed panels. The Judges said of her work, “We chose Rachel for her vision and ambition to progress in the application of her dynamic colour and pattern skills, and her material development, focus, and bravery to pursue her vision”.
What opportunities did exhibiting at New Designers give you?
New Designers allowed me meet some fantastic industry professionals and some very insightful contacts who provided some excellent feedback, advice and support to help launch my business. I also received some fantastic press opportunities and have the Marketing team at New Designers to thank you for that. I was delighted to be getting enquiries into my work and products ahead of the show, which was a great start.
Why should you visit New Designers?
Having exhibited as a graduate and also at One Year On, I think that it is a fantastic venue showcasing the best of the new talent coming from art schools and universities. There is such a diverse range of outcomes that I think there is something for everyone as a viewer, and industry visitors get the ideal opportunity to seek new candidates and opportunities under one roof.
How has winning the One Year On Award at New Designers 2016 affected your career so far?
I am very proud to have this award behind my name now and have found that it is a very industry recognised accolade. So far, Patricia at the Design Trust has offered fantastic support and opportunities to learn both personally and through the online site. I am also looking forward to developing a Design Nation profile and an exhibition with them in the New Year.
Moving forward, as I look for initial stockists and clients, I feel that the prize has really boosted my confidence and also the confidence in others so I am really hopeful for the next stage of my launch.
What advice would you give to those preparing to exhibit at New Designers 2017?
Think outside the box and be bold with your choices, from concept and display to branding and promotion. As the fair is so large and you are amongst a huge amount of talented designers and makers, you want to make an impact and catch those opportunities as best as you can. The New Designers team provide excellent support in the run up to the show with everything from pricing to marketing so really take advantage of their advice as I learnt a great deal from them.
Do you have any particular references that you draw from when designing your work?
I am very drawn to geometric architecture and in particular the colour that is reflected within the structures. With ever-changing light and reflections, I have enjoyed creating new colourways to compliment my signature blue tones.
What are you up to now in your career? Do you have any exciting plans or projects you’d like to tell us about?
At present, I am seeking my first suppliers and clients. As I am very early on in my business, I am delighted to be able to work with the Design Trust and Design Nation to help get my business off the ground.
In a couple of weeks time, I will be showcasing my work at a local design show in Aberdeen called the Scottish Home Show. I am also looking forward to a showcase exhibition at the National Centre for Craft and Design in the New Year so hope to develop a larger range of aluminium artworks and installations over the coming months.