Jethro Macey: 3D Design BA(Hons) graduate

BA(Hons) 3D Design 2002-2005

Award-winning designer Jethro Macey is interested in exploring design and pushing boundaries in his use of design making materials. Digital technologies are part of the tools of his trade, which allow him to develop designs from initial ideas to physical objects.

UCF 3D Design graduate Jethro Macey, pictured second to left with his 'flying ducks' coat hooks, with the four other designers who have been selected to sell their wares on eBay's new international website.

Picked as one of the five hottest talents in Britain by the world famous online auction site eBay, the award-winning Jethro Macey is a designer-maker of interior products. His interests lay in exploring design and pushing boundaries in his use of design making materials. Digital technologies are part of the tools of his trade which allow him to develop designs from initial ideas to physical objects. Lace paving slabs are the latest product from this Cornwall-based designer.

Every now and again you find a designer who creates such an amazing eclectic mix of products that do not link together in any way other than that they are all inspired and unique. Jethro Macey is just one of those designers and it is no surprise that he has won awards from RSA and Hidden Art. His work ranges from one off pieces to small batches appealing to individuals who take pleasure from purchasing and using products that are not mass produced. 2007 has seen him featured in Vogue, Blueprint, New Design, The Evening Standard Homes and Property section, New Design Magazine, the Design Trail Book, Vogue and The Financial Times.

As a graduate of Falmouth’s design course, Jethro attributes much of his success as a designer-maker to the essentials he learnt at the College. “I think John Miller, the Director of Design, is doing a great job raising the profile of UCF”, said Jethro when asked about his perceptions of the college in the wider design world.

Jethro’s confidence and distinctive style landed him a membership with FuseUK, a designer-maker collective formed by a group of design graduates in 2004. He jointly coordinated the I Love Design exhibition, which was held in London in September 2006.

When asked about I Love Design, Jethro says, “All of us worked extremely hard on the exhibition. Working with such a tight budget was challenging. We put together an exhibition with so much energy and enthusiasm - and it was well received.” This exhibition was swiftly followed by a showing at the prestigious Salonie Satellite in Milan under the name Small Factories www.smallfactories.co.uk.

Jethro also won a dream job placement to work with Wayne Hemmingway with the Noise Festival project in February 2007.

While talking about The Noise Festival, Jethro said: “The Noise was a great competition to enter. I’ve been featured in high profile publications like Blueprint because of it and my lace tiles have been selected by RIBA as one of the top 100 products of 2006. I also did a fly pitching event with Noise and Icon Magazine at the ICA during the design festival. That was great because I go to work with fellow UCF graduates Alex Turvey and Ariel Hofstad through their company, Elefantart.”

So what did Jethro gain from Falmouth? “The College has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to set up my business through the Incubation Unit in the design centre,“ he said as he spoke about his continued relationship with the College. “The relatively low cost workspace has given me the initial step up I needed to go self employed. I have a desk space, internet access, personal telephone line and access to a meeting room, all of the things that help you have a professional base to work from. I find it extremely valuable to be able to work within a creative and supportive environment.”