Recently, before the PPP deadline, I emailed Donna Wilson some questions. I've just got an email back from her. (well someone called Rebecca, who I guess emails on behalf of her).
These were the parts that I have found most interesting and helpful.
Was there a big break that helped catapult you to success?
My final show at the RCA sold out, which was very encouraging and it gave me the confidence to exhibit at a public show called Designersblock, which opened my work up to a wider audience too. I would never have done that if it wasn’t for the RCA.
I feel similar in that I hope the final show kind of gives me that boost in confidence in openly displaying my work. She has mentioned Designersblock, I have had a look on their website and looks like it is really interesting so I have applied to be able to exhibit.
Do you think it’s essential to sell through shops if you want to make a living as a designer and maker?This goes without saying, but having a website that really expresses who you are and what you do is invaluable. Other tools like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram help to make you more approachable to the public and help them to get to know who you really are. However, big-name clients like SCP, Liberty, and John Lewis have had a huge impact on my career. Their continued support and the business they bring me are important because they allow me to present my brand and products to a wider audience than I would have been able to reach otherwise. So many people have been introduced to my products through these retailers, so the partnerships I have with these clients have been essential to the growth of my business. I’m very grateful for that.
How do you find and choose your suppliers and manufacturers?It’s important to me to produce things in the UK on several different levels. For example, I want to promote local manufacturing and help keep British craftsmanship alive. There’s too much disposability in products and consumer goods nowadays and it’s environmentally irresponsible. I believe that if you have something that is handmade, it’s somehow more special than something made carelessly or mass produced, so you’re more likely to keep it for years instead of throwing it away. I want to make things that people use, keep and treasure for years – things that don’t end up in a landfill.
People have asked me why I don’t get them mass produced, as it would certainly be less time consuming, but for me I think they would lose their charm, identity and oddness.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
It’s a gradual process and I’m constantly learning and adjusting, but I think the main thing is to work hard, be nice to people, nurture relationships with customers, collaborators and work colleagues and always be determined. It’s not always easy to do all this, all of the time, but I try my best. I think there is always room for more creativity, as long as you’re being true to yourself and finding your own voice.
Have you got any tips for makers who are struggling to grow their businesses?If you can’t make enough money from your business, my advice would be to have a part-time job on the side to help subsidise and ease the financial pressure. Use that job as a learning tool, as you can get tips on how to run a business no matter what field it’s in – the basics are the same!
