Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft?
In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore his journey from a childhood spent making things on a Sussex farm to creating acclaimed alabaster sculptures and bespoke pieces for interior designers, galleries and private clients around the world.
Tom shares the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crash, his transition from bespoke chandeliers to sculpture, and why material experimentation remains central to his creative process. The conversation explores collectible design, luxury interiors, craftsmanship, storytelling, gallery representation, creative careers and the importance of relationships in the design world. Tom also reflects on social media, comparison culture, and why the creative industry offers more opportunities than many people realise.
Key Topics Covered
Tom Palmer's journey into sculpture and design
Growing up making things on a Sussex estate
Learning through experimentation and materials
The rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier business
Surviving the 2008 financial crash
Restoring antiques and developing specialist skills
Why alabaster became his signature material
Collectible design and the luxury interiors market
Working with galleries and interior designers
The role of storytelling in creative businesses
Design trends, craftsmanship and originality
Social media and comparison in creative careers
Advice for emerging artists, designers and makers

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Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.
Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.
Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
Key Moments:
00:00 What a sculptor actually does in luxury interiors and collectible design
05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation
10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path
12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects
15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight
16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business
20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques
24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name
25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs
28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly
34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill
36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry
38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships
41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly
43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled
45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone
46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice
48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship
50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas
52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback
55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works
58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy
01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries
01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison
01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward

George Curl, founder of Aspects Bespoke, joins Robin Johnson to share the realities of building a successful bespoke furniture and cabinet making business. From painting and decorating jobs and handyman work to running a specialist workshop creating high end fitted furniture, George explains how practical experience, social media marketing, strong client relationships and continuous learning have shaped his journey.
George discusses the challenges of pricing bespoke projects, training apprentices, finding reliable staff, and balancing creative ambition with commercial reality. He also reveals why Instagram has become one of the most powerful tools for attracting clients, building trust and showcasing craftsmanship.
For furniture makers, cabinet makers, woodworkers, joiners, tradespeople and creative business owners, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a workshop, build a reputation and create work that stands out.

Key Topics Covered
Building a bespoke furniture business from scratch
Moving from general construction into cabinet making
The importance of having a dedicated workshop
Growing a team and training apprentices
Pricing bespoke furniture and custom joinery projects
Why social media matters for furniture makers
Using Instagram to attract ideal clients
Building relationships with interior designers
Learning new skills including veneering and specialist techniques
Managing mistakes, setbacks and project challenges
The value of Google reviews and local search
Creating a reputation for high quality craftsmanship
Business growth in the furniture making industry

Enjoying the show?
Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.
Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.
Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.
Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:
00:00 George Curl's journey into furniture making
02:43 Learning through construction, carpentry and refurbishment
08:20 Taking the leap into a dedicated workshop
10:45 Building a team and hiring apprentices
13:24 Finding a niche through unique bespoke projects
19:08 The challenge of pricing custom furniture
24:18 Educating clients on quality and craftsmanship
34:22 Why workshops and showrooms help win projects
35:35 How Instagram attracts the right clients
38:08 Building strong supplier relationships
40:10 Learning veneering and specialist skills
42:12 Training staff through real projects
52:26 Advice to an 18 year old entrepreneur
55:01 Can a furniture business survive without social media?
57:18 Marketing traditional craftsmanship in a digital world
01:02:07 Future plans and business growth

What makes someone choose one creative business over another? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with filmmakers Sam Christmas and Agatha Appleton-Sas, founders of True Story, to explore the power of personal storytelling, brand films, creative identity and human connection.
Sam and Agatha share how True Story was born during Covid from a desire to tell meaningful human stories rather than help large companies sell products. Together they discuss the process behind creating Johnson Bespoke's new brand film, the importance of discovering what makes a business unique, and why personal stories create trust in ways traditional marketing cannot.
The conversation explores creative entrepreneurship, filmmaking, branding, authenticity, client relationships, the impact of AI on creative industries and why human stories are becoming increasingly valuable. Sam and Agatha also share advice for young creatives, lessons from their own careers and their belief that human connection will remain the foundation of successful creative businesses.
Key Topics Covered
How True Story was created during Covid
Why storytelling matters more than traditional marketing
The discovery process behind a powerful brand film
How personal stories attract better clients
Building trust through authenticity and transparency
Why creative businesses should lead with people, not services
The role of filmmaking in branding and business growth
Human connection in an AI driven world
Creativity, confidence and overcoming fear of failure
Advice for creatives building their own business

Enjoying the show?
Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.
Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.
Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
Key Moments:
00:00 Why Sam started True Story during Covid
03:15 Meeting Agatha and building a creative partnership
08:09 Robin's experience creating a brand film
17:19 Why personal storytelling creates trust
21:58 The power of human centred filmmaking
25:01 How the film changed Robin's confidence in his business
27:27 Why people buy into people before products
31:15 Storytelling versus competing on price
38:27 The process behind creating a brand film
43:27 Why editing takes far longer than people realise
51:15 AI, creativity and the future of human storytelling
58:30 Human connection in a technology driven world
01:04:35 Advice for young creatives
01:09:02 Where to find True Story

What does it take to build a barbershop that clients actively recommend, industry leaders recognise, and customers keep returning to?
In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Maxwell Oakley, co founder of Supply 91 Barbers Extraordinaire, to explore how a small lockdown startup grew into one of London's most respected barbershop brands.
Maxwell shares the story behind Supply 91, from opening a tiny Islington shop with furniture from Ikea and very little cash, to winning GQ Barber of the Year and expanding across London. The conversation explores customer experience, hospitality, business growth, staff training, company culture, leadership, client retention, marketing, data, and the realities of scaling a service based business.
Along the way, Maxwell discusses working with celebrity clients, why listening is the most underrated business skill, the importance of hiring for attitude, and how strong systems help creative businesses grow without losing their identity.
If you run a creative business, work in hospitality, own a salon or barbershop, or want to understand how customer experience drives growth, this episode offers practical insight from someone building one of the most talked about brands in the industry.
Key Topics Covered
Building Supply 91 during lockdown
Growing from one barbershop to four London locations
Winning GQ Barber of the Year
Why listening creates loyal customers
Customer experience and hospitality lessons
Hiring for attitude over technical skill
Creating a strong company culture
Training barbers and developing talent
Using customer data and retention metrics
Expanding a premium service business
Celebrity clients and cutting famous faces
Launching a new hair product for men

Enjoying the show?
Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.
Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.
Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.
Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:
00:00 How Supply 91 started during lockdown
02:34 Winning GQ Barber of the Year
03:53 The secret behind customer loyalty
08:05 Why craft fundamentals matter
13:43 Growing from one shop to four locations
15:30 Creating a premium experience for men
16:40 Why barbershops build community
21:45 Hospitality lessons every business should learn
25:26 Building culture through onboarding and training
31:10 Hiring attitude over skill
33:10 Scaling a business without outside investment
39:05 Why every business needs a great accountant
42:00 Risk taking and business growth
48:38 Using customer data to make better decisions
50:45 The power of client retention
55:02 Working with celebrity clients
59:34 Advice for his 18 year old self
01:00:43 The future of Supply 91 and new product launches

Potter Lulu Jacobs joins Robin Johnson to discuss leaving a career in branding and marketing to pursue pottery full time. Lulu shares how a short course at Turning Earth turned into a full creative obsession, leading her to build a pottery business from a garden studio while raising a young family. The conversation explores the emotional highs and crushing failures of ceramics, the reality of selling handmade pottery, the pressure of social media, and the challenge of balancing creative freedom with commercial work. Lulu also talks openly about working with difficult black clay, building an audience online without becoming fake, and why bravery matters more than confidence when building a creative career.
Key Topics Covered
Leaving marketing to pursue pottery full time
Learning ceramics through Turning Earth
Building a pottery studio at home
Why social media feels uncomfortable for makers
Authenticity and community on Instagram
The challenge of working with black clay
Glaze chemistry and kiln failures
Selling handmade pottery profitably
Restaurant commissions and wholesale pottery
The impact of The Great Pottery Throw Down
Functional pottery versus art pottery
Creative risk taking and overcoming fear
Pottery as escapism and meditation
Imposter syndrome in creative industries

Enjoying the show?
Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.
Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.
Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.
Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:
00:00 Leaving branding and discovering pottery
01:27 The Turning Earth course that changed everything
02:40 Learning pottery privately through failure
03:58 Building an authentic pottery audience online
05:57 The nightmare and beauty of black clay
10:50 Growing up around pottery studios and kilns
15:18 Why pottery feels addictive
18:30 Opening the kiln at midnight
20:35 The financial reality of handmade pottery
23:35 Landing a first restaurant commission
26:58 The impact of The Great Pottery Throw Down
35:15 Pottery as escapism and meditation
42:24 Creative freedom versus commercial work
46:56 Florian Gadsby and the pottery creator economy
49:07 Pottery content creators and social media culture
58:32 Advice to her 18 year old self