Dezeen promotion: product designer Marc Sweeney says that the small classes and "nurturing" environment of Istituto Marangoni London gave him the confidence to start his own studio.
Sweeney studied for an MA in Product Design at Istituto Marangoni London and graduated in 2022. He now runs his own studio from the banks of his native Loch Lomond in southern Scotland.
According to Sweeney, the course was the catalyst for many of his most notable designs ? including the bio-resin Pepper Pepper Mill, a stylised take on the common kitchen gadget, which aims to exploit the decorative potential of peppercorns and serve as an "ornament in its own right".
Sweeney's bio-resin Pepper Pepper Mill. Courtesy Bard Gallery / James Stevens Sweeney was initially attracted to the Product Design MA at Istituto Marangoni London because of its ties to the fashion industry, focus on real-world project briefs and roster of experienced tutors.
He praised the school's "supportive and nourishing environment", which he says gave him the tools to take risks with his designs.
Sweeney undertook the Product Design MA at Istituto Marangoni London. Courtesy Istituto Marangoni London
Julie Ross, programme leader of Istituto Marangoni London's MA design programmes, described Sweeney as "one of the most authentic and talented product designers" she has taught.
"I have witnessed Marc grow into a very dedicated practitioner who finds form through the material he explor...