Above: Kokeshi Dolls by Mark Giglio, available from Pencil Stencil

The Design Residency is “an incubator that nurtures the growth of designers – fashion, product, textiles and jewellery – taking them from fledgling to completely realised businesses”.

Hay Kaleido trays by Clara Von Zweigbergk, available from Corporate Culture

Combining a structured mentoring program, office/studio/showroom space in Potts Point, and networking/collaboration opportunities, the Design Residency has been formed to nurture young designers. The aim is to assist navigation through the business-related elements of building a brand – sales, marketing, PR and communications.

The program will provide a physical space for residents to work within, introductions to industry contacts and valuable resources, and access to monthly workshops. In addition to these practical elements, the Design Residency will also provide a community hub environment where collaboration plays a key role in the development of authentic self-expression.

Left: Rethink the Way You Live by Amanda Talbot

The concept was hatched by author and stylist Amanda Talbot and co-founder of Australian Fashion Week, Lorraine Lock, who between them have the combined industry experience and networks to make this a unique opportunity for anyone looking to seriously develop their design career. “The cost of starting a brand, setting up a showroom, running a small business and navigating the world of media and sales can be daunting and has brought many a designer undone,” Talbot and Lock say. The Design Residency, however, will coach residents in the commercial realities of the creative industries. The program will be aligned with international and national buying cycles for fashion and interiors, and each resident will be given a personalised timetable to meet production, media and sales deadlines.

The programs, lasting 6-12 months, will kick off this February. There are limited places still available for the first session, for more information contact thedesignresidency@gmail.com

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