Hard times and the recession inspires design

From the award winning Edinburgh based designer Andy Murray comes the recession inspired book of inspirations to motivate you to simply make things simply from every day tea towels

Andy Murray, (23) was identified as a star of the future after winning first prize at the prestigious D&AD awards, the Oscars of the Design industry for Product Design – Furniture in July 2009. The young and innovative designer from Edinburgh Napier University was the only Scottish student shortlisted for the leading international design competition for students. Where there were over 75,000 entries from around the world across the 27 categories.

Not being content with winning the leading student design award Andy went on to research and explore the recession from a design perspective. Andy says “During a time of austerity designers have to look at what the consumers need and want from products – functionality without compromising on style.” Andy has now launched his “Made By” book “An inspiration to make things” which demonstrates through beautiful photographs, simple diagrams and a step by step guide, how to make a collection of personal everyday items from the humble tea towel and cheap fabric glue.

Andy, originally from Glasgow, graduated from the Product Design course at Edinburgh Napier University, and as the recession hit the industry and jobs, Andy returned to study a Masters in Interdisciplinary Design at Edinburgh Napier University a global problem that went on to inspire his work. In April 2009 was one of just 15 students from the whole of the UK picked to exhibit at the Ideal Home Show 2009. He featured his ‘Kitchen Toolbox’ range of clever yet stylish cutlery that couples as essential DIY tools.

Andy’s book “Made By” was well received when the products went on display at New Designers, London, in July 2009 and by the ever expanding craft industry. With a growing emphasis on DIY for every aspect of life because of the “credit crunch”, “Made By” will inspire people to make simple useable product even if you don’t have a sewing machine. “Soon people will be asking where you got your wallet, bag, watch or belt and you can reply that you made it yourself from a novelty tea towel you got on a holiday and some fabric glue – no one else will have a matching product because you can say ‘This was made by me.’”

Andy has now launched his online shop Designed By Andy as an outlet to sell his ever growing range of products, with his award winning range of furniture “Sea Defence” being launched in Summer 2010 after a long search to keep the manufacture in the UK and support local industries.

Andy's online Shop is at www.designedbyandy.com. To see more of Andy's work visit www.andymurraydesign.com.