Why We Hope You Support Us - Part 4

Part 4 of 7 of our series on why we hope you support us.

Opportunities.

With Doric I’ve been afforded opportunities that I never thought I would. It’s been humbling, exciting and a little scary.

I’m not the person to put my hand up and “do stuff” - shyness has definitely held me back! But I’ve been lucky with Doric. And so one of our intentions early on was to ensure we work with people to spotlight them and hopefully give them opportunities similar to those I have had.

We’ve worked with easily 30+ local designs and artists. From illustrators to film makers we’re keen to engage with people who engage with us or approach those we like and see if they want to work with us!

It’s quid pro quo - we also get something out of it. And for the vast vast majority it’s been a total pleasure to work with people. And some have become firm friends and long time collaborators.

And so a big thanks to everyone who’ve given me opportunities and made it easier for me. And to those who’ve worked with me on things - I hope it’s been fun and worthwhile!

Why We Hope You Support Us - Part 2

Continuing our deeper dive into why we hope you support us or some encouragement to do so!

Part 2 - Giving Back.

Here’s the awkward one. If you talk about this too much then it lacks humility. But if you don’t mention it at all then how will customers know where some of that money and effort goes?

Our first day of launch in 2017 saw us donate prizes to War of the Thistles thanks to Zee Yule for including us. The wonders of Facebook skate groups meant he knew what were up to. Roll on 6 years and we’ve donated tons of stuff including cash to all manner of skate events in Scotland including many fundraisers for skate parks.

We sponsor a few folk too. And are about to add someone else. More on that another day.

We big up other local businesses. Food, drink, craft, design, whatever. If you’re not a dick with us then I’ll assume you’re ok and am happy to share!

And without the support of you folks we wouldn’t be in the position to contribute to local charities like Mental Health Aberdeen and CFine. Worth pointing out again that we don’t expect you guys to front the contributions whilst we stand with an oversize cheque. We’ll also chip in cash and goods.

I’m also a fan of crowdfunding type things and happy to chip in. Might do one myself one day!

When we started we did a few skate nights at TX. This has laid dormant for a long time now but next month we’re going to organise something very informal.

Next up on why we hope you support us - Part 3 of 7 Gatekeeping.

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Markets

Markets 

With the release of some details about the Christmas market stuff last week there seems to be a misconception in Aberdeen surrounding it. I’ve noticed this on shares of it and comments across every platform and post. Here’s some of my thoughts.

I’ve been selling at a version of them for about 6 years so just like old Pete Beale from Eastenders I know my onions!

First off there’s a difference (to me) between the “Christmas Market” and the “Christmas Village”. 

The Christmas Village is the one most recently found on Broad Street and operated by a contractor- usually Codonas. This consists of rides, hot food, hot drinks and booze to drink then and there. On occasion you’ll find a couple of stalls run by local sellers - candles, jewellery etc - although this is maybe going back a few years.

The Christmas Market can be traditionally found in the Quad at Marischall College. This has been run (in my experience) by Charlie House last year and will be this year but previous to that we’ve been at events run by Look Again (HAAN Market) and Codonas. 

Every year there is a call to locals to get signed up and sell yer stuff. This can range from arts and crafts to bottled food stuffs.

It’s a simple process and is good value for money - again, from my experience.

Running alongside this will be things like Curated Aberdeen - also run by Charlie House and again all proceeds from fees going to their charity. This one is indoors and can be found in the Bon Accord Centre. I’ll be at this one as for me it works best for setting up what I sell. And it’s indoors!

There will also no doubt be others that are independent of this - usually one at the Art Gallery and numerous pubs/organisations will have their own ones. I try my best to share what’s going on even when I’m not involved and will do again this year as and when.

So what’s the takeaway from this?

For the time we’ve been going (7 years) we’ve always been at some Christmas Markets run by various folks, the rates have always been reasonable, we’ve always done well at them, it’s easy to apply generally no matter who’s been organising and they’ve been fine to deal with! 

If ye make stuff then get involved. Add to the atmosphere and help create something,

If yer a local then please do visit these things.

A vibrant city needs these markets - doesn’t matter who organises them. There isn’t just an onus on the public to come and visit/spend money. Organisers need to be on the ball and make sure they do their best to encourage folk to take part - which they do in my opinion.! But there’a also a responsibility on the makers of Aberdeen to take part and make the effort. It's good to see multiple events take place but at times I think it can dilute what could be a bigger, more diverse and accessible affair. Maybe that would help avoid the confusion between what the Christmas Market is and who benefits.

And for now that’s my tuppenceworth on this.!

See ye at the Christmas Market in December. : )