In the week of the opening of New Designers 2018, the annual graduate showcase at London’s Business Design Centre, Design-Nation launched a new level of membership to support the next generation of designer-makers.
New Designers was founded in the 1980s by design champion and journalist Peta Levi who also set up Design-Nation and The Design Trust to support and promote British designers and makers. Now over three decades on, her legacy remains strong and through the three organisations Peta founded today’s graduates have a wealth of opportunities and support to encourage them to take their first steps into the professional craft and design world.
Design-Nation’s Graduate membership offers a stepping stone to full DN membership with benefits that include portfolio review sessions and application clinics to advise on how to prepare a submission for the Design-Nation panel, including guidance on product development, photography and writing an artist statement. Other benefits on offer to Graduate members include access to free and subsidised CPD – study days, training, artist talks, peer mentoring and R&D trips. Networking opportunities with DN’s portfolio of 200+ designer maker members and access to contacts, news and opportunities is also available.
Graduate membership costs just £40 (+vat) for an annual subscription. There is no selection process, membership is open to graduates of craft and design courses who have completed their studies within the past 2 years and are based in the UK.
Hayley Banks, Design-Nation’s Membership & Programme Manager explains:
“We realise how daunting it can be for graduates in the early days after finishing their course, once they no longer have the support of tutors and other students around them. When the high of finishing their studies has worn off and graduates are tasked with issues such as finding studio space, developing a range of work and then seeking places to exhibit and sell their work, this can be overwhelming and lead to a sense of isolation. This in turn can lead in some cases to graduates giving up their creative journey and we don’t want that to happen! Through Design-Nation we can provide a cushion, a sounding board and a network of members that are renowned for supporting and championing each other. We’re really excited about welcoming the next generation of designer makers into our family!”
For more information on Graduate Membership please email us [email protected]
Images: Hannah Staniford and Lauren Taylor
