Polymath Design Lab Interview + Giveaway

I am mesmerized when science and art come together because their product is almost guaranteed beauty.

Enter Polymath Design Lab, one science-minded woman’s efforts in the craft world. Shannon has put her knowledge in numbers to beautiful use. Her Spirosketch set is a fun item I want to take with me everywhere, the possibilities are endless. Be sure to stop by the PDL booth and try out her awesome functional and fancy designs.

Tell us how you got started

“I have a degree in biology, and I am really inspired by the intersections of different fields - such as art and science or craft and technology. And of course, as with a lot of the UCU vendors, I've been making things for as long as I can remember. But it was when I found a way that I could have access to a laser cutter that the ideas really got flowing and Polymath Design Lab was born.

Now I create jewelry, accessories, and home decor items that are fun and modern with a geeky twist - some of my designs were generated by computer code that I wrote, others might be inspired by anatomical drawings or scanning electron micrographs, and others play with geek-culture symbols like pirates and ninjas. I also work with wearable electronics, though so far that's pretty much all in the form of custom commissions.”

What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?

I get so much energy from interacting with customers at UCU and other big craft shows. It's so much fun to talk with people who are excited about my work - I always come away from the show tired but walking on air. And I adore the moments when someone walks up to my table and gets one of my geeky in-jokes!

What is one thing you consider to be a helpful tip for having a successful craft fair visit?

Talk to the vendors, we don't bite! Before I had my own business, I was always a bit reticent to talk to craft fair vendors unless I was pretty sure I would buy something from them at that show - something about not wanting to get their hopes up. Now that I'm on the other side of the table, though, I realize that I don't have any expectations that just because someone talks to me or even tries a piece on that they will buy it... plus, the little interactions all through the day help keep my energy up and make the day more fun for all involved.

Polymath Design Labis offering “A Spirosketch set! Spirosketch is a bracelet and necklace set that also works as a drawing tool - a way to carry a little fun with you all the time. There are gears on the inside of the bracelet and the outside of the pendant, and all you need is a paper and pen or pencil to make beautiful spirograph-style drawings anywhere you might be.

Leave a comment below! Winners will be picked before the show this weekend!