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ABOUT SHORT & FEW

Sunny Bank Mills

a teacher and doer of the creative arts

This is me - Zoe Platt - founder of Short & Few, artist educator and graphics practitioner. My education and training background is in graphic design and typography, and over time my practice has become more process-driven, with a hands-on and analogue approach to image-making. Alongside my creative engagement workshops and freelance graphic design practice, I am a qualified art and design tutor in the lifelong learning sector, with close to ten year's experience teaching a range of subjects across fine art, textiles, 3D design and graphic communication. I am at my best when I am doing creative things - whether this is making books or prints, or working with others and supporting them to find their best creative selves. 

see what happens

my mission is to
INSPIRE
EMPOWER
ENGAGE

I am a big believer in learning by doing and making mistakes as a form of enquiry, an ethos which underpins my teaching. I love the buzz of seeing what people make when they are in their flow state and seeing where the process is taking them. I want to inspire people to develop a curiosity for what the arts can be about for them, and provide opportunities and learning experiences to get started and keep going.  

What's behind the name?

Short & Few is about embracing the value that comes from being slow and unique. The things I make are a conscious rejection of unsustainable growth and disposable culture, and instead short runs and limited editions that celebrate and champion ideas and process. My passion for teaching and learning is built on the importance of sharing and curiosity, some of the things we can find ourselves forgetting in and amongst our busy lives and commitments, and the pressures of fast living. The words "short" and "few" often carry negative connotations, but I see constraints of smaller, slower and quieter as being fundamental in the pursuit for quality and authenticity.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A WORKSHOP

SPACE, TIME & COMMUNITY
All workshops are designed to let you switch off and find a creative groove among like-minded people. It is important to me that I create a supportive and safe space where everyone is welcome to explore their creative interests.

HANDS-ON & PRACTICAL

I like to get as much practical stuff done as possible, really maximising the practical elements of each workshop. You can be confident that you will leave with immediate results, as well as knowledge, ideas and maybe even a new creative buddy to share ideas with.

DIFFERENTIATED & SUPPORTIVE

I know that not everyone works in the same way, bringing their own interests, abilities and barriers. I also know that despite the best plan, sometimes it's best to go off-piste when unexpected but beautiful things happen. All workshops are designed to support everyone as individuals. Just give me a heads up if you require any adjustments.

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