The question is: do we know everything? Well, I can tell you now, the answer is certainly a big chonky NO! There’s only so much we can do, and where we find ourselves in a scenario where don’t have a scooby, we seek to find experts! And just who are these mystical beings who have spent centuries finely honing their craft just to spend a day with you, selflessly sharing their knowledge and wisdom? Well, let’s find out!

This is our first look at the other people who make the INKubator tick over and run like a smooth thing, possibly a dolphin or a freshly polished coffee table using premium grade Pledge. If you don’t know, we look to other, far more intelligent and skilled people to fill our holes for us. Basically, we can only do so many things but we understand that to gain a more rounded, complete experience from the Programme, outside help will need to be found!

So, with that in mind, we searched long and hard, pretty much for all of 5 minutes to find a great bunch of lads who can help us out. Mainly because we already know them and it was dead easy to find them. Let’s meet one of them now, shall we? Let’s chat to Laura McHard, a strategic creative director working in proposition, brand and experience innovation and design, who help companies - from startups to global organisations - explore new possibilities, design the future and create what's next. Sounds funky.

Okay, let’s get this show on the road… just who are you and why am I talking to you?

Hello, I’m Laura. Many many years ago, I was given a gift voucher for a Silver Water Casting Workshop back when Vanilla Ink was in Finnieston. I’ve been hooked ever since! When I’m not hammering away at the bench, I spend my working week in the world of brand, marketing and experience design. And when Scott got wind of this, he invited me along to support the INKers in building their own jewellery brands. Of course, I said yes.

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’m Creative Principal at CreateFuture - an innovation and design company that helps global brands take new products and services to market, something I have been doing for many, many years.

Alrighty then. Just what should the INKers expect from each of your sessions?

I don’t do death by PowerPoint! Expect to learn in a fun, fast and collaborative way with a mix of theory and hands-on activities that will help you understand the basics of brand and marketing for your jewellery business.

Sounds good! Personally, I think there are a lot of wrong opinions regarding marketing and branding. What do you think the biggest misconceptions are?

That a brand is just a logo. And that marketing is only about advertising.

What drives you to do what you do?

I believe design can make (good) change happen.

Time for lighter questions - What thing or phrase would you be known for with your work colleagues?

Fixing stuff!

And if someone was to describe you in one or two words, what would they be and why?

Creative. Caring. Because I love to make stuff and I always give a shit!

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

A jeweller!

Tea or coffee?

Coffee first thing. Tea after 10am.

Cat or dog?

Dog

Meticulous planning or last minute chaos?

Aspiring planner, but last minute by default.

Best film ever?

Up!

Favourite song of all time?

That’s way too difficult to answer

Best season?

Spring

Night out or night in?

Night out, followed by a night in.

Time travel to the past or the future?

Future

Who was your first hero?

My gran

Favourite place you’ve ever visited?

Japan

How many tattoos do you have?

ZERO! Can I still come to Vanilla Ink?? (we’ll let you off!)

What would be your signature dish that you cook?

Homemade falafel, salad and flatbreads.

Tell me your favourite joke

A man walks into the corner shop and sees a dog. He asks the shopkeeper, "Does your dog bite?" he says "No, she doesnae bite." The man bends down, pats it and screams: “I thought your dog didnae bite''. And the shopkeeper replies: "That’s no my dog!"

Okay, final questions! what one piece of advice would you give to someone developing their creative career?

Done is better than perfect, so don’t wait. Put something out in the world, learn what works and change what doesn’t.

Amen to that. Thank you so much for taking part, Laura!

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!

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