Hidden Art's monthly sessions provide an informal forum for members to network with other designer-makers and industry professionals to share concerns and get advice. Attending these sessions can also help you to make the most of Hidden Art services.

 

Each session has a theme, with presentations from guest speakers and open discussions. Over the course of the year, the sessions give members an overview of the essentials of starting and running a successful business successfully.

 

All attendees fill out an evaluation form making suggestions for follow-up support. Some designer-makers will have the opportunity to attend more specific one-to-one sessions with consultants.

All sessions run from 6-8pm on the first Wednesday of the month.

Wednesday 7 March – Computer Skills for Marketing

Utilising computer skills is essential for running a business, and this session will focus on getting your material ready to be launched on the Hidden Art website and e-shop. It will also give advice on preparing images, setting up a website and e-commerce systems.

Wednesday 4 April – Improve Your Sales Potential

This session is geared towards increasing your revenue through sales. It covers pricing your work, the different ways to sell (retail, online, direct, studio-based) and retail fairs. It will also include information regarding sales on the Hidden Art e-shop.

 

Wednesday 2 May – Pool of Specialists

An opportunity for designer-makers to attend and share expertise and experiences with one another, highlighting the skills they can offer. An informal networking evening designed to expand individual networks.

 

Wednesday 6 June – Promote Yourself in the Press

This networking session focuses on getting your name and face into the media, offering advice on how to write your press release, tailoring information to suit what the press want and how to target journalists. Dealing with photography and images is also covered.

Tuesday 3 July* – Product Development

Keeping abreast of new technologies is essential for designer-makers, and this session covers working with new technologies and the resources available (with a particular focus on polymers). It also demonstrates ways to get work into production.
* Please note change in date

Wednesday 5 September – Run a Successful Business

The Run a Successful Business networking session offers advice on writing business plans, business models and finance management. It will also deal with the important issues of developing a database and employing staff.

 

Wednesday 3 October – Ways to Source Finance

Writing funding applications can often be a major undertaking for any business, but this networking session is designed to make the task easier. It also highlights the different sources of funding, grants and government support and touches on generating a second source of income.

Wednesday 7 November – Legal Issues in Craft and Design

This networking session focuses on the important legal issues involved in protecting your designs. It goes in to detail regarding contracts and legal relationships with manufacturers and retailers.

Thursday 6 December* – Make the Most of Trade Shows

This networking session will present an overview of the tradeshows and methods for determining which you are best suited to. Life on the show will also be discussed, including creating a successful stand, dealing with buyers and making the sales.
* Please note change in date

 

Click on the links of past Networking Sessions for details of speakers, handouts and presentations.

How to Book
To book your place at any of the networking sessions above, complete the online form here.