8 new makers share their most golden nuggets of advice

In each issue, Crafts magazine spotlights some of the most exciting new talents in the craft world. Here, some of these rising stars share the tips they've received that set them up for success.

Qiang Li, jewellery artist

‘The best advice I had from my tutors was to carefully consider the contexts I present my work within. My Chocolate Box graduate collection comprises different kinds of jewellery, made from a selection materials – but presenting it as a cohesive, confectionery-themed series makes the collection so much clearer and more appealing. It makes sense to people now.’

Camilla Hanney, ceramic artist

'One great tip I've been given is not to wait around for opportunities to coming knocking on your door. Only a select few will establish a career through a serendipitous encounter. Apply for every opportunity of interest, even the ones that seem out of reach. Embrace the inevitable rejections, as it will encourage self-growth and, over time, will help you develop a thick skin.

A tutor once told me that the network of peers and fellow creatives I develop will be my greatest asset and should never be undervalued. This has definitely proven to be true. I feel artists often grapple with moments of self doubt in their practice and, because of this, it’s important to have a community of creatively-minded people to see you through times of uncertainty.'

Joao Maraschin, fashion designer

'The best piece of advice that I've had was to listen and be open, while giving as much as possible. If you're not open to learning, no one is going to teach you more than the bare minimum. It’s a combination of following your instincts – believing in a project even if people say “Don't do it” – matched up with being open to learn. I think fashion has the difficult reputation of having lots of big egos and dishonest dialogues. I think that's very old fashioned. Being kind to people is the way the way forward.'

Frances Pinnock, leather artist

‘I remember a tutor saying “If you love doing something enough, someone will eventually pay you to do it.” I understood this to mean that if you can commit to your practise and just keep going, something will work out eventually.’

Gerald Mak, ceramicist

‘I always like to plan, which I see as a strength. But in the past year, something a tutor said to me really resonated: cross the bridge when you come to it. There’s only so much you can plan; everything can change week by week, so it's important to try and be flexible.’

Isla Cruickshank, jewellery designer

‘The best piece of advice I’ve had is to trust your own instincts. Once you trust that you can think creatively – it will help you work out so many challenges that come your way. You can always teach yourself more skills, but getting to grips with that creative way of thinking is what your whole career all rests on.’

Sne Tak, textile designer

‘Freddie Robins, my tutor from Royal College of Art, gave me the advice to be persistent in staying creative. A lot happened in 2020, and it doesn't seem like this uncertainty is going away any time soon. So I think of her advice, and do what I can do to stay creative – however the situation shifts.’

Hari Gordon, furniture maker

‘The best tip I’ve had was from Alma Boyes, my tutor at the University of Brighton. I’d dislocated my shoulder and I couldn’t make anything, so I talked to her about deferring and spending a year getting inspired, because I didn’t feel creatively developed enough. She said “Your generation are going to live until they’re so old. Why would you rush doing a degree?” It was the best advice. If you graduate later on, that’s fine. I took that year out and came back with a much clearer sense of what I wanted to do creatively.’

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