New Designers is back and returns to The Business Design Centre, Islington as a physical event for its 37th year.
Across two-weeks (29 June - 2 July & 6 - 9 July 2022) the UK's top design graduates will be coming together to celebrate their graduate projects. Whether you are looking to see the latest design-thinking in textiles & fashion, ceramics & jewellery, product & furniture or animation & graphic design, New Designers will showcase it all.
Stephen Webster are delighted to support New Designers this year as part of their ND AWARDS programme. We will be awarding one talented designer 6 hours of mentorship with Stephen Webster or a department of choice, alongside a 13.52ct hexagonal-cut Amethyst and 10 grams of Single Mined Origin Gold to allow the winner to design and craft a piece of jewellery for their portfolio. We cannot wait to select our winner live at the event. We do hope you come along to celebrate our award winner.
Part of the judging panel this year will be Claire Denham-Smith, Head of Design at Stephen Webster. Discover what Claire will be looking for in Stephen Webster's Jewellery Designer of the Year 2022.
MEET THE DESIGNER
CLAIRE DENHAM-SMITH
In five words, describe yourself as a designer.
Curious, Risk taking, Problem solving, Passionate, Distinctive.
How did you get into the creative industry?.
I have always wanted a career in the arts. I started studying fine art initially but became interested in jewellery when I was offered a temporary position at a jewellers and saw how jewellery could be art created to be worn on the body. I went on to study 3D design at Birmingham University. After working on my own jewellery collection for a few years, I worked for Weston Beamor in Birmingham as a Designer and Product Development Manager. I then moved to London to work for Stephen Webster where I have been Head of Design for 20 years, working on extraordinary jewellery, and homeware pieces. I have recently begun to work in glass, carving directly onto the surface, creating bespoke decanters and glassware for clients globally.
Hand engraved glassware, intricately carved by Claire Denham-Smith. Featuring Stephen Webster’s Bespoke Wine Decanter.
What are you looking for in a designer?.
A unique point of view, creativity, style, the desire to challenge conventions and rules. Craftsmanship.
How can designers stand out to you in the judging process for New Designer Awards?.
Consider how to show your pieces to their best effect, give thought to the display so it adds to the concepts of your work and feels considered. I love to see mood boards and sketches, which walks me through the creative journey/ design process.
What advice would you give to a designer embarking on their creative career?.
Don’t be cautious, believe in your talent and continue to push your concepts and creative work. Seek work opportunities with businesses in your field, even if it is not in the design department. It is important to get as much experience as possible, and a great way to make contacts.
What does New Designers mean to you or your company?.
It’s the show I always attend when looking to recruit new members of the design team. New Designers is the opportunity to see the best of the country's graduates all under one roof.
Award-Winning Design; winning Coloured Gemstones over $20K at the Couture Jewellery Show. Featuring the Magnipheasant Collar.
Alongside the designers’ work, visitors will be able to join the programme of talks at the event, led by industry experts discussing key industry topics including diversification, sustainability, wellbeing, diversity & inclusion and much more.
Book your tickets on New Designers and input our code STEPHENWEBSTER at checkout for 20% off.
New Designers 2022: The Business Design Centre, Islington.
WEEK 1: 29 June - 2 July
WEEK 2: 6 - 9 July
