Young artists showcase their entrepreneurial skills at Design to Sell 2021

Plymouth College of Art (@plymouthart) Pre-Degree students aged 16 to 19 will exhibit and sell their original work as part of the annual Design to Sell, a pop-up shop event open to the public and held in the college’s Palace Court campus on Wednesday 8 December and Thursday 9 December 2021.

Design to Sell is a collaborative project involving students from the college’s range of A-Level-equivalent creative Extended Diplomas hosting a public exhibition and pop-up shop where they can sell their work and gain valuable market exposure, as entrepreneurs and professional practitioners. 

Design to Sell 2017

Design to Sell gives students the opportunity to develop as independent designer-makers, creating high-quality handmade products for paying customers, as well as gaining commercial experience and acquiring transferable skills with a live understanding of the creative industry. The makers market will feature an eclectic range of work created by 16 to 19-year-old students, including artwork, prints, paintings, fashion, textiles and more.

Design to Sell 2019

Madalaine Blyth, Assistant Head of Pre-Degree and Foundation Diploma Course Leader at Plymouth College of Art, said:

“Building skills to enter and succeed in the creative industries or whatever career pathways our students choose is an essential part of what we do at Plymouth College of Art. Our Pre-Degree students develop exceptional technical knowledge in partnership with the industry skills that they will need to implement to become successful creative professionals and every year we celebrate this work through our Design to Sell event. This project provides our students with the opportunity to design, craft and sell products and experiences to our community, which not only enables them to practice and refine their entrepreneurial skills but also builds confidence in their work. It’s one of the best events of the year!”

Design to Sell 2019

The Pre-Degree students also worked to brand the event, pitching their design and marketing ideas to their peers in response to a brief set by the college. This year’s theme is ‘Pink Tigrr’, with visitors experiencing a bright and bold environment, celebrating colour, contrast and youthful flair with neon pink and animal print.

In 2021 52% of students obtained a distinction in their UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Art & Design in 2021, 11% more than last year and the highest proportion of Distinctions for Plymouth College of Art students to date. This means that over one-third of Extended Diploma students from Plymouth College of Art leave with the equivalent of three A*s at A-Level, or 168 UCAS points for their university applications. Fashion & Textiles students at Plymouth College of Art scored exceptionally highly, with a massive 68% of students obtaining a distinction, while UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design also saw an impressive 64% of students achieve a Distinction.

The Level 3 Extended Diplomas delivered by Plymouth College of Art are designed in collaboration with industry and education partners and recognised by UCAS, arts universities throughout the UK and by employers in the creative industries.