Interview with Mockbee & Co

Today we are thrilled to bring you an interview with one of the founders of Mockbee & Co – Jessica Lozano. We were so thrilled to welcome Mockbee & Co as a contributor to the live briefs of Module 3 in the April round of Module 3: Monetising your designs. Find out more about Mockbee & Co below in the quick fire round of questions we recently asked.

“Every home tells a story and at Mockbee & Co, we believe that every design should tell a story too. That’s why we work with the best emerging British designers to bring you extraordinary products with real character.

Inspired by anything from coastal wilderness to foreign travel, our highly talented creatives channel their passion into designs that have something to say about life, art, nature or beauty. Working exclusively with UK artisans and manufacturers, we bring you stunning products that express the spirit of British design.

Founders Jessica and Lorenzo Lozano love design – it’s as simple as that. These interiors professionals seek out the most exciting new talent and work with them to bring their designs to another level. Using their knowledge, innovation and expert eye for trends, Jessica and Lorenzo bring colour and pattern into play to help create top quality products that capture the moment – forever”.

How often do you take on new talent and where do you find it?

We are constantly on the look out for people and are not bound by seasons.

What do you look for in a designer?

Someone who is prepared to try new things and ideas. Organised and meets deadlines and also collaborative in their approach with the ability to persevere.

What kind of artists do you work with? (e.g.illustrators, surface pattern designers, typographic, mixed media artists, photographer, painters etc)

Surface pattern designers, textile designers, ceramicists, illustrators.

Do you hire mainly freelance designers to work in house or do you hire people who work from their own studio?

Everyone works for us on a freelance basis as they have their own studios/companies then we offer input from our team at Mockbee & Co.

Where are your designers based?

In the UK.

Do you tend to license, buy outright, pay by the hour/daily rate or a combination of the above?

We work on a royalty basis or we sell for them if they manufacture.

If a designer wants to work with you, what is the best way for them to approach you?

Send an email with a portfolio and a visual CV helps too – all contact info can be found here.

Do you take on work placements/internships?

From time to time, please see above.

How important is it for a designer to get their name out there as much as possible?

Very important and we try to help as the designer’s name is used on all of the products where we can and added to the marketing/PR. It is a tough industry with new talent coming through all the time so lots of patience is required.