Growing a leather business | Interview with Nigel Armitage of Armitage Leather

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• A career from leather ...
While recording the documentary about Nigel Armitage of Armitage Leather, I sat down with Nigel to ask him some questions about how he stared as a leatherworker and how he has grown his leather business.
If you haven't come across Nigel's channel before it's got a whole bunch of leathercraft beginner tutorials, reviews and a whole range of information to help you get started.
If you want to go get some lessons from the master himself, go check out www.armitageleather.com/
NIGEL'S BOOKS:
Leathercraft: amzn.to/3WBI8gw
A guide to making leather BELTS: amzn.to/3hjGVuc
MY FILMMAKING KIT:
My main camera - amzn.to/3DA973g
B cam/ Alicia's Camera - amzn.to/3t4HA52
Action cam - amzn.to/3UbPOEq
Camera Day Bag (Updated, I brought mine 10+ years ago - amzn.to/3TbKW0R
My go to 50mm - amzn.to/3UrjQUv
The BEAST photography lens (updated as amazon don't do the 'Sonnar") - amzn.to/3h8lNGV
Wide lens - amzn.to/3E0UTtD
On the go mics - amzn.to/3DJl5YB
Backup/ Studio mics - amzn.to/3UoLscO
On camera mic: amzn.to/3heQLxj
Gimbal (Updated, I use the 1st Gen) - amzn.to/3DCXloR
Mini tripod: amzn.to/3FNLzKV
Drone: amzn.to/3U84i8d
The best accessory you'll ever own: amzn.to/3E3KiOt
Portable green screen: amzn.to/3zN3jCq
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[@agreatalternative]

I'm looking to do some more videos related to leather craft, do you have any suggestions for the type of video you'd like to see? For example specific tutorial, documentary (like the one I made about Nigel) or longer Q&A sessions like this?

[@zechmalone8591]

Tutorials will without a doubt be what everyone wants to see, but truthfully, do all of the above. This was such a joy to watch. I'm a leatherworker myself, and Nigel is, quite obviously, the upper echelon of this craft. He's the perfect instructor as well. I have an ever expanding passion for this line of work, so I'll be front row and center if you ever make more leather content!

[@agreatalternative]

@@zechmalone8591 Brilliant, thank you for your thoughts! I’d love to record more leathercraft content, although it may include a newbie (me) attempting some beginner projects, adding to my other staff/ wand/ basketry projects!

[@zechmalone8591]

@@agreatalternative please do so!! i think it will tie in perfectly with your items!

[@MinisemiCompany]

As a leather maker,that interview was a jewel!🤟

[@agreatalternative]

Cheers, glad it was helpful!! 👍

[@sedulousdabbler5468]

I was going to give this video a thumbs down because of the interviewer, not because of Nigel. I've followed Nigel for years, he knows his onions. It was a huge treat to hear him talk about what he does, a great idea. When he is interviewed by somebody who looks bored, checks his phone whilst Nigel is talking, rubs his eyes as if too tired to listen (59:17) and is looking at his question list instead of listening to the answers, that grinds my gears. I'm old school and his attitude shows a lack of respect and good old fashioned manners. This is a great video showing Nigel as a man and not a brand but, show the guy the respect he deserves.

[@samg8822]

A shame that you got that impression. He and his wife were amazing and so enthusiastic about interviewing and doing the filming. He didn’t bring his glasses so that may account for some of what you were commenting on.

[@sedulousdabbler5468]

Ok, that’s interesting. I only spoke as I found at the time. There are always other perspectives and perceptions.

[@pvt.reefer6163]

How long have you been doing podcast and interviews?

[@danaventura5998]

Great interview!

[@jbonham78]

I agree, videos such as these are gold - as a 44 year old working a desk job, making leather products part time, I just want to immerse myself in this and start a business….

[@ZOYBOT]

"these tools are just not made anymore!" Me: Sounds like an open market to me! *Starts researching how to make high quality leather crafting tools*

[@gavingoff1446]

I get it. Cool interview, so interesting and enlightening.

[@bjdukes743]

Way to represent our industry properly. Every answer Nigel had I would agree with %100.

[@agreatalternative]

Thank you BJ 👍

[@jeffreyjoseph1477]

Yes Nigel write another Book and keep them coming PLEASE, LOVE the Vimeo

[@samg8822]

Several books are being considered. Hopefully time to write them will be available in the near future.

[@MrHondoMan]

Nigel is spot-on, as usual. I spent a week with him a number of years ago. At the time, I was one in the 'cottage industry'. I now have a full time shop in the high street. What he says about 'cutting teeth' and reputation is 100% correct.

[@agreatalternative]

He certainly is! Great to hear from others he has helped 👍

[@straycat62]

Completely agree with comment above

[@denisespivack6035]

I started back sewing projects with cloth then saw a video on how to make a leather bag..I am a beginner but truly enjoy leather crafting! By the way, my mother's maiden name is Armitage!

[@karlsmith1845]

Back sewing?

[@mikedegrazia]

Thanks for sharing this, I'm absolutely obsessed with things like this..

[@paulj3653]

Well, I have watched a couple of your video's now and 'I am going to start watching a lot more', I think you are fantastic Nigel! What a truly honest interview about your leatherwork life and how you got started. Your experiences give us all enormous inspiration. Thank you.

[@agreatalternative]

Nigel is such an inspiring chap isn’t he! If you haven’t seen his own channel go check out @armitageleather (same on insta)

[@betford2]

Love the tool organization and that you display them. 😊

[@agreatalternative]

Nigel has a beautiful workshop doesn’t he! 🤩 Something every budding crafter to work towards 😁

[@betford2]

@@agreatalternative And how! 😊

[@davidbailey4533]

Awesome interview fellas.

[@agreatalternative]

Thanks David 👍

[@niceguy3099]

Thanks You discussed the questions, I wanted to ask

[@agreatalternative]

No worries 👍

[@nicholaskillmeier4895]

I'm a knifemaker and getting into leatherworking myself. Would you fellow crafters be interested in high end kiridashis specifically for cutting patterns? I don't see a ton of options available, and I don't know if that means there's a hole I can fill in the market, or if the market genuinely doesn't care for them. There are a few more leather tool makers around now days, but not many i've found that craft to ABS standards.

[@PatrickDeBoard1946]

Nigel, is a 3-layer sandal with a total thickness of 7/16” too much leather to push a Diamond stitching awl through it? Or should I buy an industrial sewing machine? Thanks! Also, I’d like to ask you a complicated question about sandal making. Is there a way I can present the question to you?

[@agreatalternative]

Hi Patrick, This channel isn’t run by Nigel, it’s a channel about me (the other chap in the video) meeting amazing people like Nigel. If you search either Nigel Armitage or Armitage Leather on KZbin he has his own channel but to contact him directly my guess is going through his website (Armitage Leather) that hopefully should work. Good luck 👍

[@thehamregroup-realty1930]

Where can I sign up for a class?

[@agreatalternative]

Check out armitageleather.com for all of Nigel’s courses

[@Bliparama]

Every night when he goes asleep, an army of elves come in to the workshop and use all the tools he has to produce leather goods for the world.

[@gregorioavalos1256]

Trades, even photography and other talents were very quiet