#makeworks

As The Smallprint Company are such a creative and fast-growing business we were keen to find out what exciting projects they have been working on recently, and also how they have found their experience of being listed with Make Works Derby and Derbyshire. We decided to ask them a few questions to see what they have been up to, and what their highlights of being involved with Make Works have been so far. Here are their answers:

What was it that made you want to be listed on Make Works Derby and Derbyshire?

The site is a great idea; showcasing handmade creatives in the area. It’s a great insight into local businesses. The site has a different focus with its industrial/factory approach and encompasses a wide range of disciplines. We wanted in!

 Would you do anything differently next time? Did anything work particularly well? Or not turn out quite like you anticipated?

 We’re very happy with the outcome and love the fact that we’re working with students to create a valuable research tool. We particularly like the video interview element and we look forward to seeing the project evolve.

 Could you tell us about an exciting project you have worked on recently?

 Derby Museums developed a project between the public, a poet -Jamie Thrasivoulou -and ourselves, in which the public were invited to the new World Cultures Gallery at the Museum. Jamie worked with them to develop poems in response to the diverse range of objects found in the gallery. The poems were sent over to us and Chris did his magic, creating some wonderful, typographical posters. The participants were blown away by seeing their words printed in this way and the posters are now on display in the Gallery.

 What advice would you give to someone new to working with makers/manufacturers?

 Research well – what are you looking for? Is it supporting local businesses or a small business perhaps? Are you looking for something a little different? Has the maker got a portfolio of commissions and do you like their approach to the commissions?

 When you’ve pinpointed someone that you’d like to work with, come with an idea! It doesn’t matter how vague – the maker will be happy to look at a scrapbook or Pinterest board (they’re really useful for seeing the direction you want to go in). Then, have a chat with your maker; they’ll ask the practical questions to understand you, your ideas and your budget. Makers are friendly and want to create something that will make you happy.

 Why/how do you think resources like Make Works are useful for creatives?

Resources like Make Works are a fantastic directory for small businesses. Promotion is vital for getting our name out there and it gives people a better understanding of what we do.

From working with The Smallprint Company I have gained an understanding of just how far you can take a passion if you are motivated, and how creatively you can share this passion with the world. Chris and Hannah began their journey as students with a love for print, and they now run a successful business in Derby. Their answers to the questions we gave them reflect how they know their business inside out, and that they really do want to take the time to understand their client’s needs, and collaborate in new ways. At Derby Museums we have had the pleasure of working with Chris and Hannah on many projects alongside Make Works, notably through Maker Faire and the development of our World Cultures gallery, and we cannot support these makers enough. We are delighted to have them listed on Make Works as we feel they are a true representation of the passion and ingenuity of manufacturing in Derby and Derbyshire.

Since visiting them on our filming visit we have been intrigued to find out more about this business, and the exciting projects that they are working on right now, but also how they found their experience of being listed with Make Works Derby and Derbyshire. We decided to ask them a few questions to see what they have been up to, and what their highlights of being involved with Make Works have been so far. Here are their answers:

 What was it that made you want to be listed on Make Works Derby and Derbyshire?

Derby and Derbyshire has a deep history in manufacturing and we wanted to show our part in its future. Derby itself has traditionally focused on larger scale manufacturing and we think that this is great. Make Works are bringing the smaller independent manufacturers to the forefront of industrial searches and highlighting places that you might not have known about.

 How did you find the filming visit? What was a highlight for you?

The filming was very easy going and relaxed. The whole team were engaging and made us feel comfortable and made it clear what was expected of us. I think the real highlight for us was seeing how the team engaged with our work. We don’t get to see much face-to- face interactions with our products so it was great to see their reactions and to see how much the team admired and enjoyed the work we produce.

 Could you tell us about an exciting project you have worked on recently?

We were contacted by the American Pickleball Association to make coasters and phone stands for the team to sell to help fundraise. We had never heard of Pickleball before so it was straight to researching to find out what the sport was like and how we would come up with 4 different coaster designs and a phone stand. We worked closely with one of the members of the American Pickleball Association to complete our new custom designs. In order to create the complex design they required we created a blend of engraving and cutting to best capture the game. It was a really fun project to work on as it challenged us to try new ways and the American Pickleball Association was over moon with the results.

 What would you say is the best thing about being based in Derby?

Derby is in the middle of country so you are never that far from anything you need. The Midlands has always been famous as the industrial heart of the UK and being part of this is what has helped our business grow. With fantastic transport links to London and Birmingham, Derby is a great place for a business.

I think what has been particularly interesting about working with Derbyshire Laser has been getting an insight into where they are now, but also into their journey from students in Scotland to proud business owners in Derby. They are an amazing example of how having a passion and developing a skill can lead you in all sorts of new directions, and to all sorts of projects. The shear amount of time, detail and thought that goes in to their processes is truly breath-taking and they are definitely one to watch in Derby industry.