Why have you pursued a career in branding?
Branding covers a whole range of things: print, web, packaging, interiors, wayfinding, uniforms, behaviour…I like the fact that you get to consider all of these different elements and create all aspects of design.
What was your route to becoming a designer?
I took the scenic route! I’d always drawn and painted for fun, but never considered it as a career. I went to a professional dance training college for my first degree, but unfortunately an injury meant I couldn’t pursue a career in dance. When I found myself working an uncreative job in London I started going to some evening and weekend courses in art and design. I decided this was what I wanted to do, so started pulling a portfolio together and applied to go back into full-time study. Luckily, I was accepted onto a degree course and landed some internships straight out of uni, one of which turned into a permanent job here at Thompson Brand Partners!
Are the best briefs brief, or is it easier to work under longer and tighter constraints and guidelines?
For me, this varies depending on what the project is. However, generally a more structured brief means the client has a better idea of what they do or don’t want which is important in guiding the overall process. As long as the brief isn’t prescriptive, it can be really good to have some boundaries to push against.
Best thing about your job?
Split equally between getting to be creative, have ideas and design every day, and the wonderful people I work with.
What is the most challenging aspect of working on the artwork for a brief?
Again, this can vary. Sometimes it’s getting the initial ideas for a brief – other times, it’s deciphering what a client actually wants (which isn’t always what they think/say they want) or refining an idea in a way the client is happy with whilst still maintaining the integrity of your designs and ideas.
What advice do you wish you could give yourself when you were starting out in the industry?
To not be so worried about putting my work in front of people! The idea of this was terrifying at first, but I was lucky to get good responses (and a D&AD Award!) once I started doing this, which is how I managed to get my foot in the industry door. Design is made to be seen, and putting your work in front of other designers can only help to improve it.
