30 September, 2009
I have learnt what might be obvious to most people; that creative talent like any other aptitude benefits hugely from being sensitively managed and mentored in a sympathetic environment. We waste a huge amount of talent in this country, and I have seen great ideas fail to come to fruition for the sake of some extra effort and a few quid invested. We have a few world-class creatively-led businesses, but nothing like what we need to compete with the US giants that now appear to dominate more and more areas of our life.
My involvement with start-ups is not passive; and it is because I am a synaesthetic creative thinker that I can make connections between seemingly unconnected ideas to develop new opportunities and hence valuable propositions. It is often this insight that is missing from a new venture and it is something I can contribute.
The way I have set up this venture demonstrates my synaesthetic thinking; I have brought together lessons from three other highly creative innovators. Firstly Muhammad Yunus with his Grameen Bank; Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook; and Marc Andreessen, Netscape founder and investor. The lessons are - from Muhammad Yunus - be sensible and invest with emotion; Mark Zukerberg - find out early if it will fly; and from Mac Andreesen, that with the amazing new tools that are available you don’t have to spend big bucks to set up a venture.
I currently have as many ventures as I can cope with in development and plan to publish case studies at a future date. Concetta and Sarah are two very promising start-ups I am working with.
Concetta Gallo
Concetta first came to international attention through her acclaimed ranges for iconic design retailer Habitat. Graduating with an MA in Printed Textiles from the Royal College of Art in 2004, Concetta designs printed home accessories with an emphasis on ceramic tableware and textiles.
Her whimsical, surreal and contemporary designs offer an escape from the mundane through eclectic, fantastical patterns and motifs. Here is a sneak preview of her latest designs…
Sarah Angold
Sarah’s unique creations bring a totally new look to the world of fashion. Her previous designs, including lighting and accessories, have attracted the attention of leading UK retailers Selfridges and Topshop, along with clients such as Balenciaga, Toyota, and Swarovski.
Graduating with an MA from the Royal College of Art in 2007, Sarah is currently adding the finishing touches to ‘LAB’, her new range of jewellery and accessories, using an amazing material called ‘Radiant Light’. Here is a sneak preview of what’s in store…
October 4, 2009
There has been a renaissance in the creative world; good thinking and good design are once again much valued and the disciplines of design research are being applied to a wider set of challenges. It may surprise you to learn that this has not always been the case.
October 4, 2009
There are a number of places you can find out more about my career. This link takes you to a short Flash presentation which shows how my design career has evolved into a consultancy role which allows me to continue to help clients with their problems.
October 4, 2009
Each Case History is a précis of projects undertaken by Town Group and marketing managers will find the scenarios familiar. If you have a particular situation which requires some outside help, or would like to know more about a particular project then please contact me for further information.
October 4, 2009
Synesthesia is a unique sensory phenomenon
People who are affected by it, experience the blending or interaction of two or more of their senses – touch, taste, hearing, smell and vision. I have a type of synesthesia and use it to come up with new ideas and connections.
October 4, 2009
Here is a list of other places on the web where we can meet.
October 4, 2009
one2six creative ltd is a design company specialising in book design and lifestyle publishing under the direction of Maggie Town. It is also the umbrella company and legal entity under which I conduct my business activities.
October 4, 2009 Actions speak louder than words
No one will argue with the fact that Britain is a great place for creative talent or that we let others exploit it to reap the rewards. We have scored some spectacular own-goals in this area and I want to do something about it.
October 4, 2009
The design business has changed dramatically since I started work and this history illustrates those changes through a portfolio of work and commentary.