Our studio platforms: Designer Maker and Designer for Industry

As a Designer Maker at the University of Plymouth I got to work with a range of materials, in various workshops alongside tutors, technicians and students from a range of backgrounds that helped me grow and find myself as a designer. 

I found that both groups have their benefits and initially struggled to make the choice myself, but once you have chosen it isn’t a be all end all situation. Throughout the three years you work in a space alongside students and tutors from the other disciplines, constantly learning from each other. My advice would be to follow what you like to do most when designing (this could be furniture, ceramics, electronics etc), this could help you make your decision. 

Do you have any recommendations to anyone wanting to join the Designer Maker platform? 

When it comes to Designer Maker I would recommend just constantly experimenting/making/creating any ideas you have and work with a range of materials. You have access to amazing workshops and materials, so you defiantly have time to find out what you like and who you are as a designer. 

One of my favourite memories on the course is the really cool interactions I got to make with other creatives. I also really enjoyed the collaborative idea generating sessions with the other designers. 

The course is studio based and multidisciplinary with designer for industry, designer maker and spatial designer cohorts working in the same space. There are also external visits and live projects which is exciting and means the learning is varied where you get to try new things.  

You also have access to a load of really great workshops and amazing technicians who really know their stuff.

You get to show off your work at pop-up shops and exhibitions in Plymouth and London. This is an amazing opportunity to get your work seen by lots of people and make some connections in the industry. 

The studio and workshop experiences were definitely one of the highlights of my academic journey. Collaborating with talented creatives whether they were staff or other students, but also externally with people like Brogan Cox, the creative director of Sebastian Cox furniture in London, and the RNLI. That was amazing.  

Along with being able to go out and experience materiality and production from visits to see manufacturing processes in action to raw materials processes like felling a tree. 

The course was more than just about finding our design style and practice. It was also about effectively communicating our ideas to others. This is why we were encouraged to enter competitions, which was a game-changer for me. I got shortlisted by the London Furniture Makers Company and even won the SIT international award. I couldn't believe it! 

If you're feeling indecisive, don't worry! You can always ask for advice from experienced tutors who have helped many students in similar situations. Keep in mind that this is a multidisciplinary course, so you have the freedom to explore various paths with the necessary guidance and support.  

I recommend you keep in mind that this field offers a wide range of opportunities for you to carve your own path. Whether you have a clear idea of your future plans or are open to exploring your options, there are plenty of possibilities for you to grow and succeed. With Designer for Industry, the possibilities are endless, so I also highly recommend you enjoy yourself and experiment with different ideas and techniques.  

Tricky one. There are so many! Hanging out with my creative buddies late at night in the studio definitely tops the list. Even with Covid, we still managed to keep things going with online social events like quizzes and games. And let's not forget the satisfaction of smashing through that "I can't do it" wall and realising you're capable of so much more.