New Designers: Q&A with Chris Hall

“The graduates’ proactiveness and professionalism always astounds me. It assures me that the future of design is in good hands.”

If there is one person that knows a thing or two about the future of design it is Chris Hall. As the event director of graduate design show New Designers, Chris is on the frontline of emerging design trends and innovative practice. “Each year we are amazed at the dedication and sheer imagination of the graduates,” he says. “We never know what we’re going to get, which makes the show unmissable – you can spot trends, and see the way these designers will shape the future.”

The 33rd edition of New Designers returns to London’s Business Design Centre this June. Showcasing the work of 3,000 designers from the UK’s leading design schools, it presents the opportunity to see the freshest talent in design, all under one roof.

Below, Chris discusses how the design industry is changing to reflect societal changes, the challenges currently facing design, and why New Designers is unmissable for graduate designers and visitors alike.

What does New Designers offer both its exhibitors and its audience that other fairs don’t?

New Designers is a celebration of creation and connectivity. The event is a vital platform for the design of tomorrow and ensures that the industry is constantly revitalised with fresh ideas and creative energy. While the design industry and the design-savvy public can go to an ever-growing number of events, festivals and exhibitions, New Designers is entirely unique in presenting the work of 3,000 designers that has never been exhibited before. You never know what you’re going to find or who is going to be there. It is your chance to see it first and catch a glimpse into the creative future.

For our exhibitors, we host preparation days and webinars, as well as providing guidance and advice to ensure that they are ready to present their work to the industry, press and public. As the designers have never done anything on this scale before, we take the time to give them the best chance possible to be ready for the show.

Have the disciplines on show changed in recent years?

Design education and, more broadly, society’s needs are continuously changing and adapting. Each year, New Designers responds to and anticipates this shifting landscape.

With an increase in the offering of digital courses such as Graphic Design, Illustration and Animation, the amount of disciplines encompassed in New Designers, particularly in the second week, has grown significantly. That said, we are passionate about championing the more traditional crafts – ceramics, textiles and woodwork for example. Universities have amalgamated and discontinued many of these courses but we are proud to support this shrinking sector and nurture its longevity. It is important that we recognise the importance it bears to creativity, individuality and society.

What sort of challenges do emerging designers face today?

Current graduates face an unprecedented and challenging situation: tuition fees have risen, Brexit has created an unsettling cloud, and a reluctant market still offers unpaid jobs to graduates looking for experience. That said, it is amazing how graduates not only withstand the tough times, but actually use the challenges that they face as an opportunity to dig deep for ingenuity and resourcefulness. It is important that they voice their concerns and campaign against unpaid internships as this will positively impact the future work landscape in the UK. The newly branded One Year In (formerly One Year On) welcomes new creative businesses. This year we have receiving a record number of applications, despite the challenging economic backdrop.

How big a part do the awards play in New Designers’ mission?

Winning a New Designers Award changes people’s lives. The show is proud to have many industry-supported awards, with over 50 up for grabs each year. These awards offer critical recognition, provide opportunities and create connections which can ultimately shape futures and open the doors in designers careers. The brands and industry supporters – which, to name a few, include Hallmark, Sainsbury’s Home, John Lewis, Kingfisher and The Goldsmiths’ Company – all recognise New Designers as a vital platform to champion and support emerging designers. The graduates offer the brands an essential source of fresh thinking and inspire, challenge and ensure their ongoing relevance.

Are there any design trends you are expecting to see in evidence at New Designers 2018?

Each year we are amazed at the dedication and sheer imagination of the graduates. Trends we see often involve the use of materials, in particular the use of sustainable materials that look to support environmental concerns. Designers also look at society and the way technology can help resolve issues in healthcare and social care. We never know what we’re going to get, which makes the show unmissable - you can spot trends, and see the way these designers will shape the future.

What do you personally find most inspiring about the fair?

For graduates exhibiting at New Designers, it is the overall experience that is most invaluable: presenting and promoting themselves and their work in a professional environment, meeting other designers with the potential for collaboration, and networking with brands, agencies and future supporters. The graduates’ proactiveness and professionalism always astounds me. It assures me that the future of design is in good hands. More recently I am inspired by the amount of graduates exploring ways of working together and joining disciplines and ideas.

What advice would you give a would-be exhibitor on how to make the most of their time at the show?

Be organised, be confident and be proactive. New Designers opens a world of opportunity. We have a loyal following of visitors that come through the doors every year looking to discover the latest emerging designers. Remember, this year they are coming to see you.

Snap up your tickets to New Designers 2018 now!