Vanilla Ink will be a fully equipped workshop in Dundee for jewellery graduates. Along with providing much sought after work space, it will also supply tailored business training, mentoring, support and advice. The facility will offer graduates the opportunity to develop their abilities within a supportive environment and network.

Vanilla Ink will allow graduates to grow as makers – providing a platform to launch their career within the industry. Embracing the world of the new designer, Vanilla Ink is the missing link from graduation to industry, housing the jewellery graduates for one year and offering them a platform to showcase and sell their work.

Currently, Vanilla Ink is an online community hosting live conversations, discussions, networking and knowledge exchange between not just jewellers, but designers, artists, bloggers, tutors, financial advisors, and more!

Vanilla Ink will soon be the home of beautifully crafted jewellery, made by the Vanilla Ink community, available to buy through the online shop.

Kate from Vanilla Ink gives us the lowdown on why it’s good to be based here:

Although originally from Fife, Dundee is a city that has a lot more going on!  Having studied at Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee for me is now home. A place that has so much going for it. Dundee is on the cusp of something big and I would love to be a part of that.

Vanilla Ink is a challenge in itself, I know Dundee and I have great connections with Dundee University, I didn’t want to throw in another challenge of changing cities and learning the ins and outs of a new place.

In Dundee you have space to breathe. Space to develop and evolve and a creative network to support you whenever you need it.

Any advice for other creatives?

My top tip for creatives is to keep talking, be it in a blog, on social media sites, at networking events… Keep telling people about what you do and people will listen. There is no point in making something beautiful and not tell anyone about it and hope that someone will stumble across you. You’ve got to scream it from the roof tops!

You can join Vanilla Ink or find them on Facebook and Twitter: @vanillainkUK