BSU at Bath Christmas Market
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Turning passion into opportunity: Product Design students shine at Bath Christmas Market
Monday, 23 December, 2024BSU students Tom Scott and Arshia Vahabi took centre stage at this year’s Bath Christmas Market, showcasing their handmade ceramics and entrepreneurial spirit.
From mass-producing their designs at Locksbrook campus to captivating shoppers with their unique storytelling approach, the duo exemplified the synergy of creativity and business acumen that defines the Product Design program at BSU’s Bath School of Design.
Arshia Vahabi: the storyteller
For Arshia, the Christmas Market experience wasn’t just about selling products—it was a masterclass in public speaking and engaging with diverse audiences. He said:
“The biggest lesson I learned was how to confidently share the story behind our designs without overexplaining. People don’t just buy a product; they buy the story behind it. But not everyone connects with the same story, so adapting your approach for each customer is crucial.”
Recognising that ceramics cater to a niche market, Arshia faced the challenge of converting fleeting interest into meaningful sales. Many shoppers admired the pieces but struggled to envision their purpose. To address this, the duo created a home-inspired display within their stall, showcasing their ceramics as functional and beautiful additions to any space.
When foot traffic and competition intensified, Arshia stepped into the spotlight:
“I started stepping out in front of the stall to grab people’s attention. I’d share the story behind the pieces and guide them to Tom, who would help with their questions and purchases. It was all about standing out in a crowd filled with sugary snacks and cozy winter hats.”
Reflecting on the experience, Arshia praised his partnership with Tom:
“We’re the perfect duo: I’m the loud, confident guy, and he’s the technical, calculated one. Together, we have the same goals and mindset, which makes our teamwork seamless.”
Tom Scott: the designer
For Tom Scott, the Bath Christmas Market provided the ideal setting to merge tradition with innovation. Reflecting on the experience, he shared:
“The Bath Christmas Market was the perfect opportunity to showcase how traditional craftsmanship can evolve with modern technology. Each piece at my stall represented this blend of past and future in ceramics.”
Tom’s approach to design is rooted in experimentation. He explained:
“My work is all about experimentation. I take slip casting, a technique that’s been used in ceramics for centuries, and push its boundaries by incorporating 3D printing. It’s exciting to see how these two completely different processes can work together to create unique Christmas gifts.”
The financial backing he received from the University was vital to his success. Tom said:
“I was fortunate to hear about the Student Opportunity Fund through other students at the University. That funding was crucial – it covered all our stall and material costs and made this whole venture possible.”
For Tom, the market experience went beyond sales—it was a chance to establish himself as a designer. He explained:
“The Christmas Market was about so much more than just selling my work. It was my chance to start building a brand and establish myself as a designer. I really enjoyed sharing my unique production processes with the public, and I could feel my confidence growing with every conversation.
“As designers, we need to be able to sell ourselves as much as our work, and this experience was invaluable for that.”
Establishing their names, one sale at a time
Beyond the sales and success of their stall, Tom and Arshia’s ultimate goal was to establish themselves as emerging designers.
“This wasn’t just about selling out—though we did, it was about growing our names and setting up a foundation for when we graduate.”
With determination, creativity, and the support of BSU, Tom and Arshia turned their passion into a tangible, market-ready product—and made their mark in the process.
Follow Tom and Arshia on Instagram to find out where their passion will take them next, on @scotts_pottery and @design.vahabi