WElcome to

Vicki Thomas Associates

A Unique Research and Design Consultancy

What we do

We research and design products that people value and yet often choose to give away.  Intrigued? Read on…

Consultancy

The practice grew out of research on the designers’ role in the gift industries. Vicki has continued to advise individuals, firms and social enterprises.

Licensing

We create value through our design work and we license rather than sell our intellectual property outright. We represent design archives and license that work for today’s markets.

Design

We are an multi-disciplinary design group; with experts in ceramics, surface pattern, textiles, graphic and packaging, toy, fashion, furniture, product and spatial design.

Brand

We design new brands  from scratch and develop established brands. We create characters and extend brands  so that they can find new markets.
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Illustration

A picture speaks a thousand words.  We create images that are used to tell stories and express emotions. We also work with picture archives to enhance their story.

Social Research

Participant research continues so that we can understand what is valued. We monitor trends and undertake user and market research on behalf of our team and clients.

Our Story

In 1984, Vicki undertook an MA at the Royal College of Art and Victoria and Albert Museum. It was here that the consultancy grew from a study; Gifts: The Designers Role in the Commercialisation of Gift Exchange. It looked at how designers and manufacturers create products and services for all those special events in our lives.

A number of firms and organisations asked Vicki to continue research. Several design colleagues asked her to  work with them and they became known as the Associates.

Now in 2023, a social and historical approach to design still underlies much of the work we do together and for our clients. Research continues, looking to making our designs more sustainable. We seek to add value through our work.

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Satisfied Clients

Associates

Cups Of Tea

Why we are different

We design with a social purpose. We generate income for ourselves and others by adding value and creating the special. 

We are a multi-disciplinary practice with a range of design skills. We work across cultures, disciplines and industries such as; publishing, ceramics and textiles.

We license rather than sell our artwork and encourage others to do the same. We value intellectual property and nurture creativity.

We are participant researchers. We like to understand changes in social needs. We seek to understand the user's experience and involve them in the design process.

We look at design a little differently.

Our Latest Work

In August 2023 Vicki giave a paper on Sustainability in the Toy industry at The Strong, Rochester New York. We are also working with a number of clients developing products using greener materials and processes.  Our designs aim to make a positive difference.

We are building design collections to help retailers and interior designers source licensed products from specialist suppliers. https://www.vta-creatingvalue.co.uk  

As Licensing Agents for the Silk Heritage Trust. Working with design archives remains an important aspect of our work. We have successfully licensed a collection of patterns from the Trust, to Hobbs, which featured on work clothing and accessories.

 

Creating Value Logo
Far West Out door Cushion

Our Skills

We work as a team to meet out our clients needs

Most projects require a variety of design  skills. Most project start with research but at least 30% have a report element. Most require a management overview to make sure they run to budget and deliver on their aims. We are a design consultancy, so all projects have elements of visual and design creativity. When we are working with a clients’ intellectual property our experience as licensing agents has provided additional insight and opportunities.

  • Research – 30%
  • Design Managment- 90%
  • Design and Product Development – 70%
  • Surface Pattern & Illustration- 70%
  • Licensing & IP Management- 80%
For us successful design often comes from watching and listening to clients and their customers.  It also comes from being inspired and taking opportunities to create something new and getting the concepts to the right audience.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions are valuable.  We find it important  to meet people face to face and learn about their design needs.  Exhibitions provide a great opportunity to touch materials, see new designs and test products.

Upcoming and Recent Events

Brand License Europe

4-6 October 2023

Excel, London

Stand D191

 

 

Museum & Heritage

15-16 May 2024

Olympia, London

 Stand Q1

VTA Stand at Nec 2023
What others have said
It is wonderful to get a good review….
“Vicki Thomas Associates have been awarded registration with the Design Council by virtue of their consistent high standards of project management and design capability.”
Ivor Owen, Director General

John Benson, Assistant Director, Industry

“Whether you are a potter, a jeweller, a silversmith or a giftware manufacturer of any kind,  you will be better prepared to meet the future if you beg borrow, (or steal) a copy (of her dissertation).”
Morris Janis, Vice-President

British Jewellery & Giftware Federation

Let’s Start Something new
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