All-INKlusive - I'm already a 2024 INKer! Here's what I'm looking forward to
Have you been enjoying our run of blogs based around the INKubator Programme? We have tried our best to pre-empt most of the obvious questions but also blend that into a series of informative and interesting snippets. Here’s hoping they’ve come across that way. So, who or what are we talking about this time? Shall we find out?
For our subject matter and content in this blog, we’re looking at the thoughts of somebody who is already got a guaranteed spot on the INKubator 2024. We want to know what led them to here and what exactly it is they’re looking forward to most. Maybe you want to hear from a voice that has experience of being immersed in the Vanilla Ink world over the past few years and can try to explain how that works or what it feels like. Or perhaps you want to gauge the level of excitement from a confirmed 2024 INKer? Clearly you’ve read our previous blog featuring Lorna and the success she’s went on to since the 2020 Programme but you also know things have changed a little, so it will be good to hear from a jeweller who knows exactly what she’s getting in to. So I will introduce you to this very person! Let’s meet our INKer in Residence for 2024, Amy Peoples!
The wonderful Amy Peoples [not her real hair]
LET’S BEGIN IN THE USUAL MANNER… just who are you and why am I talking to you?
I'm Amy and I’m Vanilla Ink’s INKer in Residence for 2024! I started my VI journey as a summer intern for two weeks back in 2021. I came back over the summer of 2022 and always wanted to spend more time here. Scott recently asked me to be INKiR and I can't wait to get started!
Well hello to you! can we hear a little bit more from you about who you are and what you do day to day?
I knew that I wanted to have an art-design career when picking my subjects in school - but was not 100% what specialism. During my first two weeks of the Visual Arts Portfolio course at Tramway [now at Strathclyde], my tutor, Willie, said "you are a jeweller". Being a somewhat stroppy teenager I explored just about every other design specialism over the next few weeks before making some plaster cast brooches and I knew he was right.
I got direct entry to DJCAD, completed my BDes (hons) in Jewellery and Metal Design, then went straight into MFA Art, Science and Visual Thinking to explore ceramics, geology and run a case study with the school of psychology.
Ever since I started making jewellery I have always wanted to use natural and under-appreciated materials that are linking to specific memories. I have always been drawn to rings… honestly I don't know why because I only really started wearing rings when I had made my first two silver ones. I think because they are instantly recognisable even when standing alone.
You're already a 2024 INKer - what led you to the Programme?
Since my internships over the last few years I have kept up to date on social media with Vanilla Ink - and seeing how others who also started as interns progress and grow really inspired me. Also I have done a certain amount of business training through Princes Trust and LaunchIt but found it somewhat difficult to translate those skills into a bespoke handmade jewellery company. VI seemed to be the best place for professional progression within the jewellery sector without having to do another degree!
What are your goals going into the Programme?
Develop confidence in marketing, myself and my work
A beautiful made by Amy using the Mitsuro Wax technique
What do you think will be the best thing about being an INKer?
The creative atmosphere and being a part of a group of jewellers from different backgrounds and learning from each other. Having completed a multi-disciplinary MFA, being back in a jewellery-specific setting will help my focus and drive [also stop me from attempting to become a jack-of-all trades].
SO… YOU’RE THAT HANDY TO HAVE AROUND, WE’VE ALREADY ASKED YOU TO BEGIN YOUR RESIDENCY - TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT
As INKer in Residence my role includes general workshop maintenance, through this I find I am building a closer relationship to the bench and the tools of the craft. Through shadowing the tutors [and then diving in the deep end and taking my own class] it is reminding me that I do have a sound understanding of goldsmithing, boosting my confidence in my skills and helping me realise that even though I have bad days in the workshop [where the soldering gods hate me and/or I drop a 9ct earring that takes me almost an hour to find] I can do my job and do it well and that I actually know quite a lot! And of course I get to make many four legged friends along the way!!
Time for lighter questions - Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people!
I learned how to read sheet music at four years old
And if someone was to describe you in one or two words, what would they be and why?
Accident-prone and "interesting"
First one is pretty self-explanatory
Second one - well I'm sure most people read that with a particular tone that sums me up entirely
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?
God knows. Maybe a music or art teacher.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee
Cat or dog?
Cat - because she is currently staring at me like I am about to betray her
Meticulous planning or last minute chaos?
Planning that inevitably goes to hell and ends in chaos
Best film ever?
The Corpse Bride
Favourite song of all time?
Misguided Ghosts - Paramore
Best season?
Winter
Night out or night in?
In - I am an introverted hermit
Time travel to the past or the future?
Past
How many tattoos do you have?
Two-one of which represents my late god-mother
What would be your signature dish that you cook?
Chilli loaded fries
Tell me your favourite joke
Amy never submitted a joke here, so I’m going to tell you one of mine:
I was once visiting London and walking down the street when a stranger stopped me and asked, "Excuse me son, do you know the Battersea dogs home?".
I replied, "I didn't even know it was away."
Thank you to amy for taking part!
Want to become a 2024 INKer? Apply here.
Need some more information? Download our INKubator Guide.
Want to visit our studios to see what it’s all about? Get in touch!
