How did you get into the industry?
I’ve been drawing since I was 4. I love drawing, coming up with new ideas and solving problems. I always knew I was going to go into something creative.
By the time I was 13 my art teacher at secondary school was trying to get me into college art classes. The last year at secondary school I was already applying to college for art and design, one of my design teachers pointed me to Barnet College Art and Design Department where I spent 3 years.
Thanks to some work experience I was offered a full-time job with the biggest design company at the time in London, I turned it down but took on freelance work I went on to do an HND degree equivalent doing live projects along the way and came out running, working freelance on all sorts of diverse projects.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I’m based on the South coast but work with clients, agencies, and projects all over the world.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Can’t imagine not being in my industry, I’ve been lucky enough to work in a lot of really diverse creative fields. But if I was given free reign I’d love to work on a sci-fi film like DUNE or Tron doing production creative direction and design .
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
Personally, I like to explore a brief, ask a lot of questions then really challenge the accepted status quo and generate conversation and energy. I also really push and explore the opportunities and the ideas and concepts creatively. The point of design and creative thinking is to move things forward after all.
How would you describe your style?
If you are working commercially you have to be adaptable. But, given the opportunity, I’m an all-out futurist because why design just for the present?
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
I get inspiration from everywhere and from all over the creative industries. I get inspired by a lot of the people I work with all the time.
There’s too many to think of but the likes of Syd Mead, Joe Johnston, George Lucas, Dieter Rams, Tony Fadell, Gordon Torr, Bjarke Ingels, Saul Bass, Tinker Hatfield, and Paula Scher come to mind for all sorts or reasons. Amongst a long, long list of others.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Keep creating. Keep learning. Keep curious. Keep following your passion and side quest projects. Don’t limit yourself; design gives you multiple transferable skills, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Keep going.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Network like crazy put yourself and your work out there and don’t underestimate the importance of a close network with other creatives.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
A 0.2 fineliner and a sketchbook. You can design anything, without limits, anywhere.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Keep an open mind. Question everything. Stay curious. Explore, read lots, mind your ego and admit your mistakes. Learn always, and embrace the power of fun and play.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
I’m proud of most of my work for all sorts of different reasons.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
So you want me to write a book?
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
Managing Creative People- Lessons in leadership for the ideas economy by Gordon Torr
Wally Olins: The Brand Handbook
Logo Modernism- J.Muller and J.Wiedmann
How to Draw and How to Render- both by Scott Robertson and Thomas Bertling
The art of Atari- by Tim Lapetino
Light and Magic Documentary on Disney Plus
Toys that made Us Documentary series on Netflix
Abstract the art of Design series on Netflix
