Enterprise, Employability or both?

As part of my second year studies I’ve been participating in a module called ‘Enterprise or Employability or both?’ Aimed to prepare me for when I graduate (at the end of next year) and begin my journey into a career within the design industry.

Throughout the module I’ve been inspired by the opportunities to work in design studio’s; excited about the design processes and tasks/ projects that are being undertaken.

I am particularly interested in Fresh West Designs , a design studio based in Pembrokeshire. I’m inspired by their design processes which explores and tests materials, designing, and prototyping objects. It was stimulating to see how they’ve collaborated with companies to manufacture and distribute their products. Their Brave New World Lamp holds particular interest for me.

Image from Fresh West Designs

The lighting prototype is created using multiple components of small pieces of wood which have been carefully pegged to each other to create the final structure/ product. It’s inspirational to see how they’ve collaborated with Dutch design company and brand Moooi who have manufactured and distributed their design ideas and products.

Throughout my work I have begun to create product outcomes and prototypes, this has inspired me to explore a potential enterprise model of how I could collaborate with design companies to have my work/ prototypes manufactured and distributed at a larger scale. This is something I could explore further when I graduate if I choose to set up my own enterprise, as I may not have access to all the facilities I am fortunate enough to have access to now, which has allowed me to experiment with a range of outcomes.

I’ve become influenced by the opportunities and experiences that are to be had in a design job in a design studio like Fresh West Designs. I’ve recently been in contact with Fresh West Designs and I’m excited to potentially have the opportunity to help out and get involved with a project they may have in June or July. Design jobs are always fluctuating in that workload is never set, companies are always at the mercy of their customers as to when jobs come in. This also demonstrates the uncertainty financially of running a creative enterprise, as jobs and projects aren't guaranteed to be regular which is something I would need to consider if I choose to set up my own enterprise.

Having grown up with my parents being self employed, I’ve learnt first-hand about how enterprise is a lifestyle rather than a job, taking self motivation, determination, and hard work; the qualities which have been reflected in my work throughout my studies. I’m continually looking for inspiration from my surroundings and I’m eager to go into a career in the industry and do a job which I love.

My work has become more outcome based/ products rather than a stand alone design. In the future I can see myself setting up my own enterprise, however, at the moment I’m very eager to gain the experience of working in a design studio and the fantastic opportunities and experiences employment in the industry can offer.

#FreshWestDesigns #Employability #Enterprise