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CCAD have designs on business

IT TAKES a creative mind to launch a shop where a sock monster will sit happily on the shelf next to a designer handbag.

But students at Cleveland College of Art and Design have a ready supply of ingenuity and are now using it to take ‘eclectic mix’ to another level, with the launch of a unique store, The Folio.

The first of its kind in the region, the Hartlepool shop allows students to vent their creative spleens, gain invaluable business experience and offer punters the chance to buy bespoke, often collectable pieces, at affordable prices.

Located in the heart of a new cultural quarter, developed by CCAD in Church Square, Hartlepool, it provides a unique insight into the creative minds of some the country’s most talented young designers.

Sitting comfortably side-by-side are products including clever ceramics, stylish jewellery, statement handbags, contemporary prints, trendy notebooks, colourful soft furnishings, cute toys and even a tea pot, complete with its cosy winter warmer.

For the customer it’s a chance to buy something unique; for the student it’s the first opportunity to see how their new-found college-derived skills can earn them a good living. Read hand-made, British-designed, delightful and collectable; all thanks to the efforts of around 15 budding designers.

CCAD’s business development manager for creative industries Melanie Shee explains: “Our students wanted the chance to link with potential customers, to develop their products and gain vital experience in costing, pricing and selling on the high street.

“Often, at the end of the degree shows, students would be approached by the public and asked where their designs could be bought, so it made sense to develop this further and open something like The Folio.”

Applied arts degree student Penny Beattie is displaying her sock monsters, a range of knitted animal characters.

The 22-year-old, of Stockton, says: “I think The Folio is a fantastic idea and it is absolutely ideal for us to market our work and receive direct feedback about it from customers.

“It really strengthens the link between our course work and what is happening on the high street. We can find out first-hand what customer demands are; it is a great opportunity.”

The Folio is run by the students, who give up two hours of their time each week to work in the shop, gaining essential experience of selling products.

Business development coordinator Rebecca Smiles Harrison, of North Shields, is delighted with the venture.

“We have about 17 volunteers, so far, involved in the shop, which really helps the students to be more commercially minded. When they receive their updates each week on what has sold it really motivates them.

“The Folio has had a great public response and we have had around 500 people through the doors, which is fantastic.”

Launching The Folio has been a real team effort with input from tutors and students, including the textiles and surface design team, who created the stunning window display.

CCAD print technician demonstrator Vicky Graham has played an active part in the launch and is also displaying some of her own work.

Vicky, of Washington, says: “It is a brilliant idea and it is great for staff to be able to show what they can do.

“It’s just what we needed and it creates such a buzz to be able to exhibit and sell at the college. It also gives the public a taste of what we do here at CCAD and what they could do if they joined one of our courses.”

Melanie adds: “Graphic design student Joe Green came up with the excellent logo which reflects the fresh, vibrant and colourful business.

“Ultimately we would like The Folio to become established in Hartlepool and the Tees Valley and to be well known for offering a more diverse and interesting range of products. We are also looking at the possibility of holding workshops at the back of the shop so the public can come along and try out their creative skills. We are even considering making The Folio mobile so it can reach out to more people in the market.”

The Folio is currently open 10am to 3.30pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For further information contact Melanie Shee on melanie.shee@ccad.ac.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nicola Craddock .