Meet a lovely creative whose jewellery is minimal in style yet bold in size, our lovely stockist working in Edinburgh using recycled silver. Every piece by Studio Vincent is carefully made by a pair of her fair hands. Meet Lauren - a one person creative behind the Studio Vincent brand. I have asked her a few questions about her journey for you to get a unique insight into her creative practice. I hope you love her stuff as much as I do!
1. How did you end up on a path of being a jewellery maker?
In my final year of high school I took an evening class in metalwork on a bit of a whim and was completely hooked! I went on to study art and design, then specialised in silversmithing at college in Glasgow.
Boxed-up earrings in silver and gold.
2. What inspires your work?
Oh just about everything! I love 70’s fashion and all the amazing patterns, mid century design, and architecture so I think that all comes through in my work.
I’m currently working on a new collection inspired by Miami Beach art deco architecture – the shapes are so pleasing.
3. How do you nurture your creativity while nurturing your business?
It’s something I’m still figuring out! Finding time to just play without a deadline or the pressure of making a finished piece is really important. I’ve only just learned how necessary rest is for creativity too. I find that I’m my most creative once I’ve come back to work after a little break.
Lauren working at her bench in St Margaret's House studio.
4. What is your favourite part of running your own business?
It’s all still a bit of a novelty to be honest. I love the freedom and flexibility, and that no two days are the same. It’s so lovely connecting with other small businesses too.
Packing station at Studio Vincent's headquarters.
5. How did you develop your brand name and that gorgeous orange and gold branding? Who is Vincent?
Vincent actually came from Tim Burton’s short film about a kid who aspired to be like Vincent Price, I watched it years ago and for some reason the name always just stuck with me. It’s such a satisfying name to write – I love the sharpness of the V and how all the other letters curve alongside each other.
It's a bit of a contrast between Tim Burton's darkness but orange is my favourite colour! When I first started my business I thought being professional meant you couldn’t also be colourful so at the beginning my branding was black and white and it just didn’t feel like me. I think it was during lockdown I was craving some warmth, so I started injecting a bit more colour and fun and it worked really well. I hired a graphic designer to bring it all together and she did such an amazing job, it’s all so zesty and happy!
Working on rings prototypes.
6. What materials do you use for your jewellery collections?
I work with 100% recycled silver and silver offcuts. Recycled silver is still high quality and looks exactly like traditional silver, but is just kinder to the environment.
Lauren in her orange-filled studio.
7. Any advice you can give to anyone who wants to follow your footsteps?
Keep at it and be patient with yourself - I think social media gives the illusion that small businesses are popping up and having overnight success but there’s usually years of hard work behind the scenes. Also don’t compare yourself to strangers on the internet!
Unfinished pairs of earrings ready to be filed and polished.
8. What’s your favourite treat? (For body or soul)
Probably food or a scented candle. I’m easily pleased
Packaging drawer bursting with colour.
9. What is the most important piece of advice you were given.
Slow progress is sustainable progress.
Long Squiggle earrings by Studio Vincent
Audrey earrings by Studio Vincent
Nancy earrings by Studio Vincent.
You can see all of Studio Vincent's hand-made jewellery here.