Jo Robinson, the driving force behind one of my favourite design brands, HAM, won Best Stand at Home London in 2013, so I was delighted when she agreed to be the stand design mentor for the confessions of a design geek bursary. She and bursary winner Fanny Shorter have already been hard at work designing Fanny’s stand and she very kindly found a few minutes in the midst of pre-show mania to chat to me about her involvement in the bursary.
“The confessions of a design geek bursary is an incredible platform,” says Jo. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that will kick start a career. Everyone involved in the project is passionate about giving new designers a bigger voice and I’ve really enjoyed being a part of it. It’s also great to see Jess and the 2013 shortlist go on to do so brilliantly well.”
“The run up to a show is manic. There are many calls on your time so my advice to the shortlisted designers is to try to be as prepared as possible. A good-looking stand is vital – working up a detailed plan in advance, creating mock-ups and practicing setup are a real help. I highly recommend a checklist so nothing is missed and in particular don’t forget to order lights and measure everything!”
“Whenever I am struggling to get things done, up until 3am working, or frustrated with a design I just can’t crack, I apply my other half’s wise words of wisdom – ‘Stop, make a cup of tea, do something else and come back to it in ten minutes.’ This seems so obvious but I hate stepping back, especially when I’m stuck. It’s so easy to get lost in your work and feel overwhelmed, particularly when you are on your own. Initially I fought this advice and kept slogging out a problem until it was resolved and / or I was in a heap, but I’ve now come round to the idea and I’ve been amazed by how helpful a refresh can be!”
“If I could give a new designer just one piece of advice it would be this: Really think about what you stand for as a designer, the idea driving your work and how that makes you different.”
I am delighted to announce a last minute addition to the 2014 bursary! Press Loft have very kindly offered use of their online image library service to add to the bursary package that Fanny Shorter has already won! She’ll receive a Premium Account for three months (worth £900) to help her boost her press coverage following the show.
Don’t forget to come and see all the shortlisted designers at on Stand A55 at Home London at Earl’s Court, London, 12th – 14th Jan 2014.
With thanks to confessions of a design geek bursary partners: Home London, the Southbank Centre Shop, wallunica, Yeshen Venema, R&A Collaborations, Seen PR, Mini Moderns, HAM, Decorum, October Communications, The Design Trust, Press Loft and Jessica Hogarth.
