The Southbank Centre mentoring initiative Boost has resulted a fabulous range of products, now available to buy from the Southbank Centre shop. I caught up with one of the designers, Dave Hallett, and his mentors Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire of Mini Moderns to find out more. Dave was responsible for the rather spectacular ‘bright as a button’ window installation in the shop for the launch.
Dave, what’s the best advice Keith and Mark have given you?
D: We talked about how important it is too see the bigger picture rather than get too tied up in what’s happening right now, and make the most of these experiences.
What’s was the most valuable part of Boost?
D: I really enjoyed meeting new people that I might not have otherwise met or had a chance to have a conversation with. Boost literally sat me in front of established designers and makers who kindly offered their time to give help and advice.
Keith and Mark, what do you think was the most valuable part for Dave?
K&M: Firstly being selected from the numerous entries – and having the knowledge that he is not on his own in taking his product into a commercial environment. Mark’s past experience of resin casting was valuable in helping us to understand the manufacturing challenges he faced.
What was the most rewarding part of Boost for you?
K&M: The most important part for us was being involved in such an exciting new project and meeting new designers and seeing a fresh collection of new products. We have sold through Southbank centre for some time and have a great relationship with them so we are always interested in the products they have in store, so it’s great to be involved with their new range.
Dave, What do you hope will happen as a result of taking part in Boost?
D: I’m in the early stages of my work as a designer-maker so I hope Boost can open a few doors that will help me in the long run. I’ve been concentrating on developing my work as a contemporary jeweller but the larger scale of lighting and installations also excites me. I think ‘Bright as a Button’ fits nicely somewhere in between.
Why did you want to be involved?
D: It’s often easy to ignore a good opportunity, or not see that it might lead to something else. As Keith and Mark said, it’s about seeing the bigger picture. It would have been great to get a design into production, but as I happen to be a maker, most of my ideas require me to make them. I’m open to taking a slightly different route to where I think I’m heading, so I’m excited to see where Boost will take me.
How about you, Keith and Mark?
K&M: We wanted to be involved because we think it is really important to support up and coming designers and makers. When you are first starting out it can be very daunting – and often feels like you’re really on your own. It can be a shock – and not something that you consider. We also wanted to be involved as mentors because it is stimulating for us to see new designers work. None of the entries we mentored were involved with pattern making, so it was an interesting change for us.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new designer, what would it be?
K&M: We say this all the time but it’s true – keep your overheads low. We were able to give Dave advice on costing products – the make cost, wholesale costs, VAT and then retail price can be very confusing if you aren’t experienced in costing a product this way. You can have a great product but if it costs too much too produce – it will be too expensive at retail to attract a consumer.
How about you Dave – what single piece of advice would you give to a designer in the position you were in before Boost?
D: If you’re enjoying the work you are doing, then you’re probably heading in the right direction.
What’s special about ‘Bright as a Button’?
D: Each one is completely unique. They are a series of work; I hope people might feel they are taking away a one-off piece of design.
How will do your products make people’s lives better?
D: I like to have fun with my work, that way I enjoy making it, and I hope my customers enjoy owning it.
And finally, Keith and Mark; why is mentoring important?
K&M: It really does give a ‘boost’ to the finalists in every way – from support and advice to helping to find manufacturers and helping with costing.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- here’s one I made earlier :: bright as a button
- interview :: chloe owens
- interview :: chloe lee carson
- creative spaces :: home slice
