Designer Culture [Handicraft]

Upon visiting another venue in which local and young designers sell and create their own product lines, we wanted to ask a series of more targeted questions regarding the idea of handicraft and personal production versus mass produced generic products. What we found was a commonality amongst the designers that we chose to interview, was their passion to create their original designs by hand, making them one of a kind, unique and special pieces- a really great point to protest to a prospective customer, informing them of the ideals that they have an a designer. The venue that we visited, EdgeNY*Noho, at 65 Bleecker Street, is organized in a similar way to the young designers market, but is open 7 days a week, and houses many different designers. The designers that we chose to interview mainly crafted jewelry, but we also found a young girl who focused on beading and tee shirt design that incorporated eco-friendly production and materials. We asked the designers why they made their pieces by hand and if that was an important aspect of their design process. All of the designers informed us that they felt it was extremely important for them to personally construct these pieces to give a unique quality to every piece. Even though many pieces were duplicated, not one was ever exactly the same. They really stressed the idea of creating a one of a kind piece that someone could own, knowing it was special and that no one else had the same thing. Often times when it is slow, designers will begin constructing new pieces during the venue hours, and if a customer wants a specific design with a specific stone, etc., the designers often carry their materials with them so they can do so. They want to engage their customers in their design process and are willing and happy to make a custom piece for anyone who asks. A general comment in regards to production was the idea that many designers are now becoming "machines," something to which they want to avoid. They feel that designers should personally imagine, create and sell their own products for it to be truely theres. The idea of designing something, and having someone else produce it for you defeats the purpose of actually personally owning your designs and takes away the innovation and uniqueness of a product. They really enjoy and pride themselves on being able to directly communicate with their customers that their pieces were created 100% by their own hand and even though they may not be as successful as mass produced designers, they find happiness in doing everything themselves. This is their passion, and success and money is definitely a desired issue, but it isn't at the forefronts of their minds when they are creating. They are more interested in an honest relationship with their customers and involving them/keeping them in mind during the start to finish of their design process.

**Megan and Dilhan**