COMPUTERARTS.CREATIVEBLOQ.COMon its laurels – it was great to see the
organisers keeping things fresh this way.
New Designers also saw the return of
‘One Year In’, a collection of work by some
of the UK’s most exciting new design
entrepreneurs. This was curated by Emily
Skinner, founder of Evan James Design,
who assembled a collection of work
focused on responding to social, political
and environmental challenges.
It’s obviously a hot topic, and the
exhibits – exploring the use of alternative
materials, from mycelium to coffee granules- showed that the latest generation of
design graduates are fully engaging with it
and taking it seriously.
Elsewhere, the growing interest in
craftsmanship within the industry was
reflected in work from Middlesex University
(BA in design draft), and Plymouth College
of Art (3D design).
For visitors inspired to create their own
designs, printing workshops were offered
by 3rd Rail Print Space, London’s biggest
open-access screen printing studio. And
following its success in 2018, the Screening
Room returned to popular acclaim,
showing a selection of the best shorts from
the world’s of animation, film and gaming.
With such a huge array of impressive
work on display, it’s impossible to imagine
attending New Designers and not finding
something to inspire you. Whether you’re
out to recruit new talent, need to keep an
eye on the latest trends, or just enjoy
checking out quality work, this is an event
we’d recommend you make a regular
addition to your calendar.Experienced art industry professional
Sarah Monk has been event director
at New Designers since early 2017.
Here she discusses the important role
the show plays within the creative
industries and the opportunities it
offers design graduates.What’s the ultimate goal of this event?
New Designers is a unique launchpad
for fresh design talent. Every year,
thousands of graduates use the show
as an opportunity to launch new
ideas, products and trends, and to
connect with thousands of educators,
professionals and consumers.
Ultimately, it’s where these graduates
begin their journeys in the professional
design world.How much influence do you think the
show has on the creative industries?
It has a great influence. So many
established, influential designers
have launched their careers at the
show, such as Thomas Heatherwick,
Jay Osgerby and Bethan Gray, to
name but a few. We also run an
Awards programme with some big
brand partners like John Lewis, LEGO
and Made.com. Many of these new
designers have ended up working
with these partners on a longer-term
basis. For example, three-quarters of
the John Lewis design team came
through New Designers.
Most importantly, New Designers is a
place where the industry comes to find
new talent, and many of our exhibitors
end up working in the creative
industries as a result. Every year, we
also love to see the familiar faces of
those who have exhibited in the past
and are now established in the industry.For you, what have been the biggest
highlights over the years?
There are so many! It makes me
incredibly proud to be a part of this
amazing legacy – one that ensures the
life cycle of the design industry can
continue to grow and thrive. For me,
celebrating our 30th anniversary was
a significant moment. It was one that
gave us a chance to reflect on all the
amazing design talent we’ve brought
together over the years and what we’ve
achieved with the event.Q&A:
SARAH
MONKClockwise from top: Stoneware vessel by Mitch Pilkington, beaker and coasters by AdeleWDesign
(photo: Yeshen Venema); illustration by Ted Jennings, Solent University; work by Uyen Phi, London
College of Fashion; poster for The National Trust by Kezia Hulse, Cambridge School of Art.AUGUST 2019 EVENTS