Welcome to the wonderful world of Worrywarts – collectable figurines made with sustainable concrete. Artist Zoe Scott shares the story behind her unique creations, and why they’re ideal for telling your own brand stories.
“What is it that you do?”. For most people that’s a straightforward question with a simple answer. For me, it’s a bit more tricky!
When I say I’m a concrete artist a look of confusion and concern flashes across people’s faces, quickly followed by a dozen more questions. When I say I make collectable figurines for cultural retail they imagine twee ladies in big hats and puffy dresses. So I simply say, “I make the Worrywarts – you’re going to love them!”.
Worrywarts are mindful friends designed to empower, inspire and uplift. Ultra tactile, with smooth polished surfaces reminiscent of a beach pebble, they fit beautifully into the palm of your hand. They are made to be held, displayed and snuggled into pockets. They are also an incredible storytelling tool, packaged in amazing boxes full of fun stats and illustrations.
The Worrywarts came about when I spotted a gap in the market for mindful collecting. Think Pokémon, trading cards and Beanie Babies – but in this case, something tactile and full of personality, cool and ultra modern, aimed at adults. The Worrywarts are a modern take on the ancient idea of talismans and amulets.
After being shortlisted as a Highly Commended Finalist for the Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Award – and unofficially dubbed the CEO’s favourite entry of the year – my next big breakthrough came when I met the fabulous Erica Lee, retail buyer for Continuum Attractions. Erica asked me to make a custom Plague Doctor Worrywart for The Real Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh. The Plague Doctor has been a roaring success with over 1,000 units sold so far, multiple Limited Editions and even a mini version!
Custom Designs That Tell Your Brand Story
That first custom design set the stage for a whole new Worrywarts adventure! I decided it was time to “Give The People What They Want”, and with this motto in mind I started saying YES. You want a highland cow? Yes! A ghost? Yes! William Wallace? Yes!
Creating custom designs is easily the most exciting part of my job – I never know where the next one will lead me. For the Wellcome Collection in London a trio of micro organisms inspired by the immune system really tested my research skills but they ended up looking so cute! Taking something so scientific and refining it while also making it super accessible was a challenge I adored.
The Worrywarts can be such a fun way to explore the stories connected to locations. Exeter Cathedral approached me looking to enhance a new exhibition with retail offerings. What started with one artefact evolved into five figurines, each tapping into a different aspect of the building’s 900 year history.
There are now 21 Worrywarts in a wide range of creatures and characters, each with their own profile stats and stories, and the range is growing all the time! You’ll find them all over the UK in unique retail locations from Aberdeen Museum all the way down to Exeter Cathedral. No matter what your venue, there’s a Worrywart ready for you!
Sustainability Matters
Linking up with the National Trust for Scotland pushed me to take a deep dive into my eco credentials, and I adapted my custom blend of concrete to include recycled glass frit and chipped plastic.
I’ve been working with concrete for many years and have a really strong understanding of the science behind it. Concrete is a sadly overlooked material in the creative community. In many ways it’s comparable to ceramics, fused glass and so called “eco resins”, but unlike these materials, concrete doesn’t need any kiln firing, high temperature equipment or electricity. It’s also plastic free and can be zero waste.
All I need to make each Worrywart is cold tap water, fresh Scottish air and a good dose of hard work mixing it all up in reclaimed plastic tubs!
Creating a Community and Making Memories
I love making the Worrywarts in my home studio. It has allowed my children to really be involved, and my home is a place full of collecting from rocks in coat pockets, Lego on shelves and as much Star Wars merchandise as they can find! The Worrywarts are very much at home in these surroundings and the kids are always coming up with new ideas and offering their opinions.
Allowing people to indulge in their specialist subjects is a powerful thing. They connect more deeply, spend more willingly and keep come back for more! Not a month goes by that I don’t get an email or DM from someone across the other side of the world thanking me for making their new favourite thing they’ve brought all the way home.
Nessies now live in the Californian Redwood Forests, Highland cows roam the Australian outback and tiny seals find inner peace in busy Tokyo.
