Vicki Thomas Associates
What we do
Consultancy
Licensing
Design
Brand
Illustration
Social Research
Our Story
In 1984, Vicki undertook an MA at the Royal College of Art and Victoria and Albert Museum. It was here that the consultancy grew from a study; Gifts: The Designers Role in the Commercialisation of Gift Exchange. It looked at how designers and manufacturers create products and services for all those special events in our lives.
A number of firms and organisations asked Vicki to continue research. Several design colleagues asked her to work with them and they became known as the Associates.
Now in 2023, a social and historical approach to design still underlies much of the work we do together and for our clients. Research continues, looking to making our designs more sustainable. We seek to add value through our work.
The Year of The Gift 2025
We are planning a year of events to celebate 100 years since The Gift was published by Marcel Mauss and the value of giving to our comunities.
Click here for an update on our plans.
years
Satisfied Clients
Associates
Cups Of Tea
Why we are different
We are a multi-disciplinary practice with a range of design skills. We work across cultures, disciplines and industries such as; publishing, ceramics and textiles.
We license rather than sell our artwork and encourage others to do the same. We value intellectual property and nurture creativity.
We are participant researchers. We like to understand changes in social needs. We seek to understand the user's experience and involve them in the design process.
We look at design a little differently.
Our Latest Work
We have just exhibited at Brand License Europe September 2024. If you missed us there – you can take a virtual tour as we made a short video about the display and our Consultancy work. It was a test event for The Year of the Gift in 2025 see the tab above for further details.
In August 2023 Vicki giave a paper on Sustainability in the Toy industry at The Strong, Rochester New York. We are also working with a number of clients developing products using greener materials and processes. Our designs aim to make a positive difference. Since then Vicki has been active in setting up acting as a catalyst for a Toy & Play Sustainability Hub, as a Research Fellow at the UNiversity of of Northampton.
We are building design collections to help small retailers, heritage outlets, and interior designers source licensed products from specialist suppliers. https://www.vta-creatingvalue.co.uk
Our Skills
Most projects require a variety of design skills. Most project start with research but at least 30% have a report element. Most require a management overview to make sure they run to budget and deliver on their aims. We are a design consultancy, so all projects have elements of visual and design creativity. When we are working with a clients’ intellectual property our experience as licensing agents has provided additional insight and opportunities.
- Research – 70%
- Design Managment- 90%
- Design and Product Development – 60%
- Surface Pattern & Illustration-30%
- Licensing & IP Management 50%
Exhibitions
Exhibitions are valuable. We find it important to meet people face to face and learn about their design needs. Exhibitions provide a great opportunity to touch materials, see new designs and test products.
Upcoming and Recent Events
Spring Fair/The Year of The Gift
2-5 Februray 2025
NEC, Birmingham
Stand 3H41
Museum & Heritage
15-16 May 2025
Olympia, London
Stand Q1
