Where can I get models and prototypes made?

Top image of GSA MFA Degree show 2014 in The Glue Factory

With degree shows coming up, there are thousands of nearly-graduates all across Scotland working industriously to make models, prototypes and artwork worthy of a space at their final show.

Deadlines are tight and many fabricators and makers are already working at capacity so we know this can be a tricky time. To help, we've put together a list of makers and fabricators we’d recommend for students in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

Glasgow

To check out all Glasgow manufacturers on the Make Works directory click here

Maybe the laser cutter in your workshop is totally booked up, or perhaps you just need someone to take it off your hands and get it done! Glasgow’s got a couple of fantastic digital fabrication bureaux. You can find a full list of laser cutters here but a couple that we’d recommend who are very used to working with student deadlines are Flux Laser Studio and Pod Box Laser. If you’re working with 3D Printing you should get in touch with STEP3D Print & Design.

For textiles prototypes MAKLab Textiles run by Iona Barker provide textiles training and take on commissions. MAKLab Textiles will provide some welcome calm if your technicians are run off their feet. If you need someone to take on the production both Iona Barker and Bettyspoke will work on bespoke pieces on a commision basis. If you’re looking to digitally print fabric don’t forget about Centre for Advanced Textiles tucked away in the Reid building.

If you’re looking to have an architectural model made you should check out Finch and Fouracre. They might be best known for their beautiful models of Glasgow’s sites being fawned over by many a tourist but Finch and Fouracre also offer a first rate model making service.

Read our guide to Model Making

If you're working in Ceramics but haven't got the patience for the wheel Kevin Andrew Morris provides a range of mould making and casting services as well as specific ceramic fabrication. He regularly works with product designers, makers, artists, prop makers and art students. 

You can take a look at the printing companies that we have listed on Make Works here but two absolute gems that we wish we'd had around when we were graduating are Risograph Press – Risotto Studio and Screenprinting studio – Eastend Press.  

Edinburgh

To check out all Edinburgh manufacturers on the Make Works directory click here

If you’re in Edinburgh there’s a whole bunch of fantastic wood workers at your beck and call. Sharon Kirby is a joiner and woodworker who often works on exhibition installs alongside furniture and set production. Broad Workshop is a furniture making company run by Guy Scott with a workshop on Albion Road, and SPLINTR is a small fabrication company run by three DJCAD graduates who produce everything from batch products through to shop and restaurant interiors.

There are also some great fabricators working in textiles in Edinburgh. If you’re looking to commission a piece Emily Millichip who’s based out of St Margaret’s House is a seamstress extraordinaire. If you’re looking for more of a helping hand there’s Kalopsia Collective in Ocean Terminal who offer a consultancy service for pattern construction and prototyping. You’ll also find digital fabric printing bureau BeFab Be Creative in Leith who specialise in small bespoke orders of printing on a range of cotton, linen, silk and bamboo.

If you're in Edinburgh and you're looking to get some printing done be sure to check out Workhorse Press, specialising in Risograph printing and Letterpress Studio - The Hunter Press  – both of which could make you some lovely exhibition fodder.

If your workshops are rammed and you’re just looking for access to some machines and tools read our guide to workshop and fabrication facilities in Scotland.

Another useful read is Where to get prototypes made in Scotland