Yesterday I spent the day at a Hothouse taster in Preston, hosted by the Crafts Council. This was a very informative day out and a fantastic way to mix with other designers and crafts people. It was also an opportunity to to network and make new contacts. Luckily I had my business crads with me and was able to pass these onto a few people who were working within the same area as myself and also to a lady that was interested in having some illustration work done as part of a new project she had just started.
Guest speakers for teh day included

Alison Brannagan who was a business advisor and gave advice on setting yourself up in business, she had also written a number of books also on this subject.

Beverly Lamey who was the course leader for Surface design at UCLAN, they offer something called artlab which is for printmakers to go to UCLAN and develop there techniques, they have access to the facilities there, an opportunity to network with other Surface designers and to exhibit your work all for a price of £165.00 for 35 sessions Monday 5-9, this is a fantastic opportunity especially as you are starting out and you haven't got the equipment to do so.

There was a talk from Angela who was the organiser and founder of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, she talked us through the process from interview stage as they only allow 150 designer makers to exhibit at the craft fair, to the actual event itself.

Jane Dzisiewski who is a jewellry designer that works with resin, she gave a talk on her works, how she started off and how she has benefitted from the help and support of Hot house with the Crafts Council.

Our final guest speaker was Rachel Kelly the designer of the interactive wallpaper, and she gave us an insight into where she began, the works she had done the press she has recieved from her works and wher she is now within her business and career.

It was such an opportunity to be at the day and listening to the talks on how other makers have progressed.