#smallprintco

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.