Amelia Johnson is an artist with a focus on papier-mâché and ceramic sculptures. Using the pseudonym ‘Meelworm’, Amelia creates uniquely characterful worm sculptures that are joyful, quirky, and unique. Here we learn about their journey from UAL to starting their business, and the inspiration behind their name ‘Meelworm’.
Hi Amelia! What inspired you to start your own creative business?
I decided to start my own business because I wanted to spend my days making and being creative. It was a big leap of faith, and I still have to do other odd jobs here and there, but the process of setting up a creative business has made me more confident in calling myself an artist.
Ceramic Worm with Flowers
Carefully handcrafted ceramic work with hand-painted colourful flowers and a smiling face.
What is your favourite aspect of working for yourself?
I really like managing my time how I would like; I love being excited to wake up and make, or getting engrossed in a project late into the night. Also, since running my own business I have met so many other inspiring creative businesses, and it makes you feel part of something bigger.
All of your products are handmade in your garage-cum-studio. What element of the making process do you enjoy the most?
I love the sculpting part of making my works. Handling the raw clay and creating individual and unique forms which emit their own personalities.
Do you have any favourite items in the collection?
My favourite items have to be what I title the ‘novelty worms’. These are the worms with different hats and features sculpted onto them. I love these because they feel silly and joyful, and each begin to form a personality with the addition of an object.
Can you briefly share your journey since leaving UAL and starting your
business?
I left CSM in 2023 and from there I was working freelance for a creative company I met on my year in industry. But as the work was so ad-hoc, I also worked at a pub and as a nanny.
In the autumn after graduation, I put on an exhibition with a fellow ceramic artist in Dover. With her help and following the theme of the show, ‘Loam’, I made some ceramic worms which sold out. It was this that made me think I could expand on this idea and build a business creating ceramic worms and other worm themed products.
Handmade Ceramic Heart Shaped Worms
Carefully crafted and hand-painted, this ceramic piece features two worms intertwined to create a heart shape.
How did the name for your business come about?
The brand name ‘Meelworm’ was born because my nickname from my school friends is ‘Meel’, short for Amelia. Then one day, one of them jokingly coined the name ‘Meelworm’ and it was from this joke that I began making worms.
‘Meelworm’ by Amelia Johnson is part of not just a shop‘s selected new designers and makers for 2025.
Each year, not just a shop holds an Open Call for new products from UAL students and alumni. All products and makers are selected by a panel from various disciplines and backgrounds.
This year, 13 new makers were chosen as our new cohort, making it one of our most successful years yet. Our range of practical yet stylish homeware, jewellery and accessories are sure to excite and enhance your everyday style and experience.
Learn more about this years selection of new makers and products.