How to Exhibit at Surtex - Dawn Machell

Creative Ways Podcast

Dawn Machell is an extremely successful illustrator and surface pattern designer. Dawn specialises in character design and surface pattern for children and babies.​

Dawn’s designs have appeared on a wide range of products including books, nursery interiors, apparel, wall art, toys, greetings cards and stationery.

Dawn has designed for Mamas and Papas Fabrics and Friends, Kidsii, Tigerprint, Lilipinso, Happy Friday, Menudos Cuadros, Aquarupella, Mamas and Papas, Next, Disney Stores, Silver Cross, Hallmark, UK Greetings, Mothercare, Tesco, Mini Club, Boots.

YoYo Books, Elephant and Bird Books, I Am A Bookworm Publishing, Really Decent Books, Fisher Price.

The list goes on!

Dawn was also part of the famous studio ‘Dotty Wren’ studio who took the world by storm at Surtex in 2014 and in Dawn’s words ‘it was so successful, we didn’t have to go back again’

Dawn tells us the best way to exhibit and we also talk about pricing as a freelancer.

Dawn's Takeaway's

1. Share with a few friends ay Surtex, It doesn’t matter if you only met online, you all want the same end goal.
2. Take your designs on hand luggage
3. Find the nearest Ikea store for all of your props
4. You’ve got to bite the bullet and go through the process at your exhibition, learning on the go, there’s no other way
5. There will be a lull after your exhibition, you’re going to feel exhausted, you’re not going to give it less than your all.
6. Horrid financial situations can and has happen too many successful people, it how we react that counts.
7. Your career isn’t one make or break, it’s a serious of choices.
8. Turning work down is scary, but trust your intuition, your creative energy matters everything effects .
9. Get your style so strong that companies want you to do your handwriting rather than mimic others.
10. Don’t feel bullied when pricing your work, if they want your work they will pay for it.
11. As an industry, we need to understand when we are selling cheaper than the rest of your field, it will actual cheapen the pressure the whole market.
12. Follow your joy, it will lead you to loving your days.

Connect with Dawn here

https://www.dawnmachell.co.uk/about