North-east boy appeals for businesses to print his designs onto merchandise

By Rebekah McVey

May 22 2020, 8:08 am

12 year old Aled Smith from Fraserburgh has been spending lockdown in his shed, painting designs onto canvasses. With the help of his mum he's hoping to print them onto products for local businesses. CR0021459 21/05/20 Picture by KATH FLANNERY

A Fraserburgh schoolboy is looking for a local business to print his designs onto merchandise.

Aled Smith has been spending lockdown painting designs onto canvasses and is now hoping a local firm might print his work.

The 12-year-old, who has always been interested in arts and crafts, has created many unique designs which he would like to turn into merchandise.

Mum Jennifer said: “I’m really proud of him, his designs are really good and should definitely be recognised.

“He has an arts and crafts cave in the garden and spends a few hours making the designs from different coloured paints.”

Aled said: “I’ve always enjoyed art but when I was at Dalguise with primary seven my mum emptied the garden shed and painted it for me as a surprise. I then had the room to do arts and crafts and make it my own space. I’d also like to try and make money off my art work.”

Aled’s designs have already been printed onto items such as a water bottle, a glass chopping board and a phone cover on a website called Contrado through Shopify.

However he is now looking for a local business that can print his designs onto merchandise to allow him to continue to share his work.

Miss Smith said: “We’re looking for a local business to help him move forward as this site we’ve been using can be quite confusing.

“I was also thinking after lockdown there might be a local business we could get together with to help print his designs and both parties could make a profit.

“Each one is unique and can be printed onto anything. He’s interested in printing them onto pillows and throws but they can also be printed onto t-shirts or leggings.”

Aled and his younger sister Sophie-Lee have been spreading cheer round Kent Gardens in Fraserburgh by making stay safe posters for their neighbours.

He has also made his own YouTube channel to show off skills after being inspired by Grandma Griggly. The Petulie grandmother has been teaching Aled arts and crafts since he was young and after lockdown he hopes to meet Grandma Griggly for an arts and crafts session as a belated treat for his 13th birthday.