Membership

Design Factory promotes artistic integrity, raises the standard of craft and design and commercially supports and develops the very best designer/makers in craft practice today.
Our renowned membership is synonymous with high quality, creativity, innovation and fresh design talent. To reflect this we have an independent selection process (that includes representation from industry specialists) to assess excellence and quality of product and advise on appropriate professional development routes.
We offer 6 levels of subscription that are tailored to emerging, new, mid-career and established makers to support professional development through our membership levels.
We also welcome those who share our commitment to craft including enthusiasts, patrons, collectors, galleries and friends.

To get involved all you have to do is simply select which membership level suits you and apply!

Flair information and application form Flow information and application form Fresh information and application form
Fusion information Fellow information and application form Friend information and application form
Design Factory is committed to providing equal access to its services regardless of an individual’s race, disability, gender, faith, age or sexuality.

Case Studies

Kelly Marie Designs - click here to visit the portfolio
Kelly Marie Designs

Kelly McRobie of Kelly Marie Designs graduated from De Montfort University in Leicester with a Mixed Media Textiles degree in 2009. To help continue the business support received through university, Kelly applied to join Design Factory as an associate member.

"Design Factory has made me much more aware of the contemporary market that my product fits within" said Kelly. "Being selected as an associate member and the direct input that I have received from the team has helped with my confidence and also given me the boost to continue working as a freelance designer/maker."

"Working for myself can be very difficult at times," she continues. "DF has offered lots of opportunities to exhibit at shows and professional fairs which I find are crucial to keep me focused on developing new products and creative ideas."

So far membership has generated an order for The City Gallery in Leicester’s new exhibition space in the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery and exhibiting at SOCK earlier in the year with Design Factory has also created new orders for Kelly’s necklaces and corsages. The team have also helped to source new contacts to develop Kelly’s profile across the UK. 

"A year on from university and I feel stronger as a designer/maker. DF is a great resource and being a member really helps me professionally when approaching shops and galleries, as I am affiliated to a recognised brand with a strong reputation."