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5 minutes with... Mark Ferguson -Director at Very Own Studio

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*"Very Own Studio is a small independent practice specialising in identity and graphic design for print and screen. It was formed by Mark Ferguson in 2009 in Manchester but is currently based in sunny Brighton."

What do you actually do?
I'm a graphic designer by trade, but working for myself means on any given day I'm also an account manager, admin and book keeper too.

What would you be doing if you weren't doing that? 
Tough one. When I was young I wanted to be a chef or an architect. But the unsociable hours for the former and seven years of study for the latter put me off. If I couldn't be a designer I would definitely like to continue doing something creative, so maybe I'd try and become a photographer or film maker.

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How did you get started in the industry?
I went through high school drawing in the back of my school books, studied art and design at A level and then completed an HND in graphic design. Once I'd done that I was accepted on to the second year of a degree course which lead (via the usual internships) to my paid first job.

What's your current favourite piece of creative work at the moment?
I really like the work SEA have done for GFSmith Paper, especially the digital paper designs, which use generative processing to create 10,000 unique prints. The randomised patterns and colour choices work really well. I'm also currently obsessing over the work of photographer/film maker Andrew Zuckerman.

What do you love about your job?
Everything! No two days are the same, I get to meet lots of interesting people and I'm really lucky because it sometimes feels more like a hobby than work.

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If you could give one piece of advice for someone starting out, what would it be?
I think the old adage “work hard and be nice to people” is probably appropriate. And don't give up.

If you have one Super power what would it be?
I suppose flying would be pretty interesting.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A real life boy? Maybe a pro BMXer. Actually, just what I am doing now but making more money of course!

What was your worst job and what did you learn from it?
I worked for someone for several years, who exhibited many interesting traits. On the days when he wasn't there I virtually ran the company for him and this taught me a lot about business but also how not to do things.

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You have already worked with some amazing brands, who would you like to work with next?
I'd love to brand a new Formula 1 race team from the ground up. They seem to have lots of money and are prepared to invest in the finest production techniques so that everything is perfect. And a Formula 1 car is a big and rather visible canvas for your work.

iPhone or Blackberry?
iPhone.

Your favourite app?
eBay as I prefer using the app to the website.

Too Cool for School or too School for Cool?
Probably too school for cool.

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Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter, by far!

Eat In or eat out?
Eat out, but I usually end up eating in.

Follow Mark:
Twitter: @VeryOwnStudio 
Facebook: /veryownstudio
Visit my website

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