2024 INKubator Programme

Our INKubator Programme is a ten month, part-time jewellery initiative to inspire you, transform your creative practice and kick-start your business. Maker-led and maker-designed with creativity at its core, it is a carefully interwoven set of activities, opportunities and a hive of support to generate maximum impact. With skills training at the forefront, you will leave our Programme a far better jeweller, with your bench skills, business mind and creativity improved beyond all recognition! The INKubator is Scotland’s unique Jewellery Skills and Business Accelerator Programme, with the aim of developing emerging and established talent by providing a supportive and educational environment. The INKubator enables the best jewellers and makers to develop and grow their business, with monthly skills and professional development workshops, networking opportunities and exciting events throughout the ten month Programme. In-House INKers will thrive in a fully equipped workshop, with each given tailored 1-2-1 mentoring. It’s the perfect package to ensure each INKer develops confidence, business and practical skills to last a lifetime. Working with key members within the creative and business sectors, the INKubator will give ample insight into what it takes to become a jeweller in today’s landscape.

In-house Programme

This is the ultimate INKer experience! You will become one of us for the duration of the Programme, being given 24-hour access to Vanilla Ink with your very own bench, situated in our brand new, custom built INKers Studio here in the East End of Glasgow. Each of our Skills Development sessions will be delivered in-person by our Master Goldsmith, where you will get the chance to enjoy a low tutor-to-student ratio, ensuring the best teaching experience. Skills sessions are delivered fortnightly [on average], meaning In-House INKers are expected to fully commit to their experience and immerse themselves in the Vanilla Ink family environment. Our Professional Development is delivered by a highly experienced professional with a background in finance, HR and creative facilitation. We are fortunate to have such a creative powerhouse to design and deliver these specialist sessions! In the areas where we are not experts, we partner with industry leaders to provide the Professional Development that will allow you to grow your business and flourish as a maker. Think marketing, branding, financials etc. All of these are essential to boosting your business brain and allowing your practice to flow, which will increase your efficiency and mean more time at the bench! These sessions are there to help you understand the obstacles you face when doing the dreaded admin side of your business. You’ll get to know the other Residents, Tutors and staff and become a part of our team cohort here alongside your fellow In-House and Online INKers. In total, this gives you workshop access for a full year [Jan – Dec], access to shared tools and equipment, all sessions of our Skills Development workshops, each of our Professional Development workshops, ten hours [minimum] of one-to-one mentoring, all our in-person Meet the Maker events, three Critical Response sessions and various networking and showcasing events. Across the ten months you will spend approximately 100 hours in Vanilla Ink [not including time using the workshop for your own practice]. Don’t forget becoming an In-House INKer includes the INKubator Residential in January at The Smiddy. Oh, and you’ll the proud wearer of a cracking INKer hoodie!