Michelle Young, a Glasgow-based Creative Designer, has built a career rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a love for bold, colourful design. Starting out in a print shop, where she learned the essentials of turning digital files into physical products, Michelle steadily carved her path through in-house roles and specialised agencies. Her time in the drinks industry sharpened her design skills, while her current mix of agency work and freelance projects allows her to focus on what she loves most: helping small and local businesses shape their brand identities.
Encouraged from an early age to embrace creativity, Michelle has always stayed true to her passion for drawing and experimenting, often returning to the simplicity of pen and paper in her process. For her, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about telling a story, capturing emotion, and making bold ideas come to life. In this interview, she shares her career journey, unique process, inspirations, and thoughts on the ever-changing future of creativity.
How did you first get into the industry?
[I went to college not fully understanding what a Graphic Designer was; I just wanted to create things and draw. Once I graduated, I had no clue what to do or how to even get started. My first job was in a printer's, creating plumbers and electrician leaflets and funeral order of service. Not particularly glamorous or fun, but I got a good basis and understanding of the printing process and how to take things from the computer to a physical item. After that, I had a few in-house design jobs before I got my shot in a small agency that specialised in the drinks industry, which was exciting and a big learning curve. I then got into some larger agencies and honed my skills in there.]
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I’m based in Glasgow, Scotland where I work part time in an agency that specialise in communications, helping organisations to tell their own story while also working freelance where I love to specialise in brand building for small and local businesses.
What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?
I was encouraged from a small age to draw and be creative, supported throughout school and college with my career choice by an amazing family so never felt that I couldn’t do this.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Absolutely no idea, I would still need to be creative in some way but I’m not totally sure what I would do.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
[I’m not sure how I go about each project is entirely unique. The first read of a brief throuws so many ideas swirling about your head and you can get carried away with yourself but I like to do some reseach, look into the particular market of that client, the competitors. I then love working with a pencil and paper. I can only do so much on a computer. I need to see ideas scribbled down on paper – perhaps that the unique bit! Or I’m from an era where we need to feel the paper and pen working together!]
How would you describe your style?
Bold and colourful. I love bright things, they make me happy
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
The people I’ve worked with over the years that I now get to call friends. Inspiration can come from anywhere but getting to work the ideas out with the people you work with make it special. I love it.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Do a lot of passion projects to hone your skills. Speak to creatives in the area you are interested ina dn reach out – the worst thing someone is going to say is no. Whats the worst that could happen
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
Paper and pen.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
It’s sometimes difficult to stay inspired, but usually a nice walk calms the panic thoughts down and gives you a little focus.
As someone with experience in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of creativity?
AI, its here to stay so understanding how it can be used is important. Not to do your job but to help enhance it as any other piece of tech would.
How do you think technology has influenced the creative industries and how have you adapted to these changes?
It's always adapting, always changing. Computers had to be adapted in the 80s and 90s and going forward, there will be tech we need to adapt to. I always wanted a Wacom tablet and got one about a year ago. It kinda scares me! I still don’t fully understand how to work it, but I use it as often as I can as I think it will ultimately enhance the designs I create.
