Tue, 28/01/2025 - 15:06
Maria Terry Design
DESIGN – CREATE – REUSE
Maria is a freelance artist, theatre designer, educator and maker based in Derby, we caught up with her after her One Year Anniversary of moving into her studio here at Banks Mill.
How have you developed over the last 12 months since moving into Banks Mill?
I’ve had endless fun, made new contacts, studio collabs and plans, taken part in Open Studios for the first time and loved every exhausting, exhilarating minute of it. I’ve gained confidence in my abilities and made new friends for life along the way.
Have you expanded the business or your services over the last 12 months?
I’ve launched a new brand called ‘Pretty Rubbish’ - earrings and accessories made from plastic landfill! I’ve learnt that sometimes the best design ideas are accidents! First a stall at Pride with Stage Left Lux in May, next thing a stall at Open Studios, other xmas craft markets, dozens of sales, and an online website launch in December with a Carbon Conscious Christmas collection.
Have you engaged in any support/groups/network s in the last 12 months?
Judged on the panel for Perfect Pitch with Oliver Stonier Have you received any funding/grants/awards in the last 12 months? Planning on applying for DYCP 2025. One of the theatre designs I worked on where I made dinosaur costumes, masks and scenery from recycled materials in Bristol was nominated for an ‘Offie’ (Off-West End) Award for Best Childrens Production.
Have you invested in any new equipment or employed any staff over the last 12 months?
3D Printer which has revolutionised my process! What have you been working on recently? Pretty Rubbish - new collections for the new year and streamlining and improving the method of melting down recycled HDPE(2) plastics to make homeware as well as jewellery New R&D with Nottingham Playhouse w/c 6th Jan for an exciting new theatre show which is set in an escape room Lots of EXCITING talks which I can’t reveal this early in the year for projects in Spring 2025! Developing further collabs with fellow banks mill tenants.
How has being based at Banks Mill helped your business?
Without question one of the most valuable moves of my career, if not the most influential change to my life and practice since training for my Masters. It’a also great to be able to sound off and problem solve with those who are literally living through the same trials and tribulations as I am. Crying over tax returns, moral support at open studios, or being steered through systems as the newbie - Banks Mill is a support network as well as a studio base. It is also right in the heart of the city I live and work in and proximity to everything has been so useful.
What are your plans for your business for the next 12 months?
Securing funding, developing the Pretty Rubbish brand further, working on several applications, pitch ideas and hopefully a Banks Mill foyer exhibition - and working towards a bigger studio so I can fit more equipment in!
What's been your favourite thing about having a Studio at Banks Mill so far?
Definitely being neighbours with so many inspiring people! When your environment surrounds you with so much greatness, you can’t help but push to be the best version of yourself. Can’t believe it’s been a year already, must be true that time flies when you’re having fun!
