Directory

ACID (Anti Copying In Design) is a membership organisation, committed to raising awareness about intellectual property within the creative industries. Creating a safer trading environment for members is a priority by encouraging respect for intellectual property within corporate social responsibility. By encouraging design talent we help our members protect their livelihoods to maximise grown. ACID’s powerful logo is not only a real symbol of deterrence, but also reflects a positive voice for IP creation.

We recommend this organisation to any maker concerned about IP.

Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only creative-business incubator for designer-makers. Since 1986 they’ve helped thousands of talented craftspeople to grow their businesses, many of whom have gone on to achieve national and international success. They offer both studio space and exhibition space, with venues in Holborn and Deptford.

The JUST A CARD campaign aims to encourage people to buy from designer makers and independent galleries and shops by reinforcing the message that all purchases, however small, even ‘just a card’ are so vital to the prosperity and survival of small businesses.

There are different ways to get involved as a maker, craft stockist or craft supporter. The team also run a digital marketing membership group with advice and support for makers. Be sure to follow them and get involved on Instagram @justacard.

Just A Card logo designed by @SarahHamiltonPrints

The North West Book Artists are a co-operative group of practicing artists who have a particular interest in book art. Members come from various artistic pathways, including printmaking, textiles, calligraphy and paper art. The group is is a mix of experienced book artists and those who are new to the discipline.

The group meets on the first Saturday of the month in the Quaker Meeting House, Liverpool (next to the Bluecoat Arts Centre), 10.30-12.30. Meetings include making sessions, talks and practical work, and an enthusiastic sharing of ideas and experience.

New members and visitors always welcome.

Own-it offers intellectual property (IP) advice, information and learning resources for the creative sector. Funded by the University of the Arts London (UAL), they offer a range of services, from basic to specialist support, through an online enquiries system, online and face-to face seminars and workshops  and, where appropriate, surgeries with IP lawyers.

Would you rather stick pins in your eyes than sell? Does the thought of cold calling bring you out in a cold sweat? You’re brilliant at what you do, but if you don’t sell your products it is essentially a hobby – which is fine.  But if you want to either learn to sell or outsource your selling then Simon at Silent Sales can help you.  The husband of successful fellow maker and artist, Marna Lunt, Simon has a unique insight into the maker and art markets.  His training is fun, engaging and professional but informal and he can tailor sessions for you and your market either in person or online.  Or – you might want to outsource all of the proactive sales work to him so you can free yourself up to make more of what you and your customers love whilst he opens doors for you to grow your business.

Simon is also the host of popular business podcast “Don’t Sell Yourself Short”.  If you’d be interested to guest on the podcast drop Simon a line, otherwise tune in for insightful, often humorous conversations about sales and business from almost any industry you can imagine.

The Crafts Council’s goal is to make the UK the best place to make, see, collect and learn about contemporary craft. In 1971 the Crafts Advisory Committee (CAC) was formed to advise the government ‘on the needs of the artist craftsman and to promote a nation-wide interest and improvement in their products’. In April 1979 the CAC was renamed the Crafts Council. It established independence from the Design Council and was granted a Royal Charter in 1982 ‘to advance and encourage the creation and conservation of works of fine craftsmanship and to foster, promote and increase the interest of the public in the works of fine craftsmen and the accessibility of those works to the public in England and Wales’.

The Design Trust is an online business school for designers and makers. Working with new and established businesses, the team provide information and support about all the issues behind running a creative business, from exhibitions to trade orders, the media and financial matters…

“We provide the knowledge, tools and community for you to create a business you are proud of: Our Business Club members get practical expert information through 1-hour webinars and short video interviews, and the support and accountability of other creatives and our experts in our online community through forums, regular 30-day Challenges and a monthly Q&A call with The Design Doctor answering any business questions. Our Business School & Shop recommends our favourite online courses, e-books, products and tools created by our (affiliate) partners. Our free resources include a regular newsletter, and an opportunities and business training listing.”