All-INKlusive - What is the INKubator Programme?
Well, that’s a good question, isn’t it? Welcome to the first of our series of blogs aimed at educating, inspiring and empowering you and your knowledge of our flagship INKubator Programme! In fact, it’s the first in our attempts to inform you about the INKubator and stay connected with you guys. After all, you make this place, so it’s good to have that personal connection and interaction with you all. We’ll keep telling you what’s going on if you’re interested and will react to what you like and dislike [how very dare you].
So, where to begin? I think it makes perfect sense to answer the most basic and obvious of questions here. I’ll give you a clue, it’s the title of the blog. Look up… found it, aye? There you go!
What is the INKubator Programme?
Well, dear reader, let me explain in a subtle, refreshing and light-hearted way as I attempt to inform you while keeping you engaged and dropping an occasional nuclear bomb of first class dad patter that you all like to lap up eagerly.
Wait, what? Just get on with it? Aye okay then, here we go…
Welcome to All-INKlusive, our fine way of featuring everything to do with our Programme. We figured the best way to keep you informed about all-things INKubator is to have a series of weekly interviews featuring the likes of past INKers, Programme Leaders, jewellers already on next year’s Programme and our outside Programme Contributors. But for now, we’re interviewing the most important one of all… Vanilla Ink CIC themselves.
Someone once tried to compare old Vinky pants to shoe but as we all know, that’s really stupid. Vanilla Ink is so many things to so many different people. To us here, it’s our way of life, our reason to get up in the morning, our passion and our privilege. We know that so many of you out there have their own description of what VI means and we always enjoy hearing the stories and testimonials of what they are. Vanilla Ink is impressive, important and essential. Just not a shoe.
We will hear a lot more about what people think in the next few weeks of All-INKlusive, but for now, let’s ask the main dude themselves to tell us what this INKubator malarkey is all about then.
Hi Vanilla Ink, how are you?
I’m great! The sun is shining and lots of people are inside me. Just how I like it.
Erm, Right. Okay, do you want to tell us all about your wonderful inkubator programme then?
Yeah! Okay, the INKubator Programme is ten month, part-time jewellery initiative to inspire you, transform your creative practice and kick-start your business. Maker-led and maker-designed with creativity at its core, it is a carefully interwoven set of activities, opportunities and a hive of support to generate maximum impact. With skills training at the forefront, you will leave our Programme a far better jeweller, with your bench skills, business mind and creativity improved beyond all recognition.
Sounds good! What is involved with it?
The INKubator is Scotland’s unique Jewellery Skills and Business Development Programme, with the aim of progressing emerging and established talent by providing a supportive and educational environment. The INKubator enables the best jewellers and makers to develop and grow their business, with monthly Skills and Professional Development workshops, networking opportunities and exciting events throughout the ten month Programme. In-House INKers will thrive in a fully equipped workshop, with each given tailored 1-2-1 mentoring. It's the perfect package to ensure each INKer develops confidence, business and practical skills to last a lifetime. Working with key members within the creative and business sectors, the INKubator will give ample insight into what it takes to become a jeweller in today's landscape.
I remember the old inkubator. is this different?
It sure is. I felt the old format was tired and outdated. It needed a rebrand as it didn’t reflect our core values and what we can offer. The 2023 relaunch has been a great success, with us now around just over three quarters of the way through. The new format works, and has already improve jewellers bench skills, business minds and overall confidence. I’d say that’s a winning formula!
So, what changes did you make for 2023 and the following years?
We now curate the Programme with Skills Development at the forefront. We are led by Scott, our Master Goldsmith & Setter who totals just about 30 years experience in the industry. He has a natural talent for connecting with his students and is responsible for designing class content here at Vanilla Ink. The improvement of jewellery methods and techniques is why we build our Programme around the upskilling of already talented jewellers and unlocking their potential. We offer the tools, knowledge and experience to invest in your practice and put it into motion, improving your confidence and allowing you reach a future you have always dreamed of! Further to this, our Professional Development is delivered by Ellie, a highly experienced professional with a background in finance, HR and creative facilitation. We are fortunate to have such a creative powerhouse to design and deliver these specialist sessions!
Gah, this sounds incredible! Do you do everything yourselves, then?
Not at all, we know we can’t do everything! In the areas where we are not experts, we partner with industry leaders to provide the Skills and Professional Development that will allow you to grow your business and flourish as a jewellery maker. Think marketing, branding, financials etc. All of these are essential to boosting your business brain and allowing your practice to flow, which will increase your efficiency and mean more time at the bench for you! These sessions are not there to terrify you, more to help you understand the obstacles you face when doing the dreaded admin side of your business. Yes, we all want to play around at our benches all the damn time, but we know this isn’t possible. Let us help you grow your business mind to allow your practice to thrive.
i want to thrive! i want to thrive! what else happens?
Well, over the course of the ten months we will invite designers, creatives and entrepreneurs to share their experiences in our Meet the Maker sessions to encourage further learning. Introductions will be made to key organisations and individuals to expand your network. We will also curate networking events where the INKers will have a chance to showcase their work to a collection of audiences, ending the INKubator Programme with an exhibition and sales event. Our Programme becomes a place for teamwork, collaboration and sharing. We also intend to create a place where you can communicate, share ideas, encourage and support one another. Our team chatrooms will become a safe space for all INKers to work things out, discuss relevant issues and discover new techniques. And finally, we will take the time to pair In-House INKers with a mentor that will be most beneficial to you and your practice. The mentor may not be industry-specific but is tailored to your needs, offering a range of experience and skills. You'll receive a minimum of ten hours of bespoke mentoring to support your place on the Programme. Meetings can be in-person or online and are used to provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your learnings and your own practice with the support of someone in the creative world with relatable experiences and who will act as a sounding board.
You keep mentioning this term ‘in-house inker’… what’s that all about?
I’m glad you asked! Becoming one of our In-House INKers is without doubt the best way to experience the INKubator Programme. There's a whole heap of benefits to run through, so let's take a look at what's involved. You will receive your very own bench space for the ENTIRE YEAR [Jan - Dec], situated at VIHQ in Glasgow. We have a brand new, beautiful dedicated INKers Studio for you to be based in and receive your tuition. You'll be treated as one of our residents, receiving 24-hour full access to all of our superbly equipped studios and workshops. You will become part of a close-knit community of over twenty-five jewellers, ranging from the company directors, Jewellers in Residence, fellow INKers and also Vanilla Ink staff, tutors and residents. The benefits of all this are pretty huge! By becoming an In-House INKer, you'll create bonds that will last a lifetime and pick up hints, tips and skills simply by being here and building your practice. All Skills and Professional Development sessions will be delivered in-person from our team of industry leaders and experts. There's no substitute for hands-on learning, you'll be taught by top class creatives at the very top of their games. You'll also benefit from in-person Meet the Maker sessions, getting the chance to listen, chat and question creative giants face to face. Finally, the in-person advantages end with holding our various Critical Response sessions around our table in Vanilla Ink. While these sessions can seem daunting, they always end up being a cathartic experience, shared in a peer to peer way.
geeze man, this sounds amazing! is there any criteria for applying?
The INKubator is open to ALL jewellers who are committed to their craft and are actively pursuing a career within the industry. We want to work alongside passionate makers who are looking to develop a career within the jewellery world and for designers that execute a high level of contemporary craft. Let's get one thing out the way immediately though - it really does not matter what stage of your career you are at - the INKubator is for you! It is not simply aimed at recent graduates or jewellers at the beginning of their career, this Programme is 100% aimed at all jewellers, no matter what level they are at or how long they have been doing it. You may well have been running your practice for several years but are looking to enhance your skills and take your business to the next level. Online INKubator applications will be accepted provided you tick the boxes of the eligibility criteria... huzzah! As long as you fit the brief, you can then be one of us! However, to be considered for our In-House Programme, it's not so much of an easy slam dunk. We will need you to provide the eligibility criteria but stand out from the crowd. Remember, places are limited to ten INKers as you'll be based here at VIHQ. After submitting your application, we will thoroughly review each one then invite a select few who impress us most for interviews.
Honestly, i’m away to sign up right now! Wait… is there a deadline?
Applications need to be in by midnight on December 1st. Plenty of time to make sure it’s right!
Brilliant! And how do i apply?
It’s simple, all you have to do is complete this form and that’s it!
On it! Oh, and is there any further information available?
This handy downloadable document will be your friend
thank you so much for all this! You’ve been brilliant
That’s very kind of you to say so
So can we stop all this now and just admit it’s been weird having Scott talk to Scott and that everyone knows it is?
Ssshhhhh
There you go… what more do you want? You simply must be full to the brim now of INKubator information! But if you do have any more questions, simply get in touch and we’re always happy to help. Thanks for joining us for our new series of blogs, the following ones will be far punchier, shorter and less odd. Stay classy, you lot.
For more information about the Programme, you can download our INKubator guide. If you want to apply [of course you do], simply fill out the application form. You can also head to our dedicated INKubator Programme page on our website.