Gabriele Brambilla

MEET THE MAKER

I am Gabriele and I started this year (2021) my business Gabriele Paolo Alfredo. I am based in South London and I am a Designer Maker. After my master’s degree, I decided to start working on my projects part-time with the idea of slowly making it my full-time job. In my practice I work mainly with ceramics and wood, creating lamps inspired by the urban landscape.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEEDBACKS?

The objectives for my business are to create a solid structure and achieve economic sustainability that will allow me to work full time on my projects. Other goals include continuing to experiment with combining traditional and digital production techniques and focusing on recycling the materials we produce. During the Crafting Business programme I was able to learn all the parts of having a business. It was extremely useful because, apart from the creation and production part, I was lacking in everything else. Some of the most useful things I have learned are how to price a product, how to understand how my business operates and to have an idea of what a business model or business plan is. All the modules in the programme have been useful and it has also been helpful to meet other makers and exchange views and advice with them to see how other people carry out their practice. Since the end of the programme I feel more confident in what I am doing and in my means. I am gradually putting into practice all the things I have learned and the changes are mainly in a division of time not only related to production but also to the management of the business in many other parts.

FIVE THINGS YOU’LL BRING WITH YOU FROM THE EXPERIENCE:

• A business needs a well-structured action plan
• Be realistic with yourself and the goals you want to achieve without looking at what others do
• Be active and dynamic
• You need perseverance and patience to see the fruits of your labour.
• Learning to communicate your ideas is essential to reach your intended audience