Peter has been hit by COVID. He has been hit like many, being made redundant in this current climate and now forced to look for new opportunities. Luckily, his passion will never fade.
Peter's love for graphic design was born when he explored the computer room in college, while everyone was still busy learning hand rendering. Even then he was a young man ahead of his times, and now, over 20 years later, he can boast having worked with the Sunday Times and the team in charge of the launch of PlayStation 4. We are sure his passion is far from extinct.
For this Member Spotlight, we are looking into the life of a talented graphic designer, someone who never falters when faced with change or adversity. Best of luck to you, Peter.
How did you get into the industry?
I studied graphic design at college and discovered the computer room early into the course when few others were interested (still teaching hand rendering back then). I loved the clean precise output the computer allowed me. I started with Quark express and Freehand (still miss it!), then that led on to creating animation works in Director (pre-flash). I used to scan sequence images from skateboard magazines and line them up to create a ‘video.' So much fun and creativity back in those days.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
Currently living in London. Just been made redundant due to the current climate, but happy to be exploring new opportunities.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Something with my hands. Furniture making has always appealed to me.
Can you explain your creative process?
Take the brief. Ask a LOT of questions. Have a clear goal in mind. Generate ideas that I feel can work to answer the core brief message, plus within the timeframe and budget. Then go to work and smash it out!
If possible, have fun. Enjoy the process, push yourself as much as possible. Always be willing to learn and adapt.
How has technology affected the way you work (if at all)?
Apart from the fact most of the work I do is on a computer, not really. In essence the work I’m doing now is no different to what I was able to do back in college 20-something years ago, using a Apple LC2 with a copy of photoshop and director. Size and shape changes, but that's all, really.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Look around to what work your peers are producing. Be inspired, keep learning. I believe you need to be passionate about doing the work, however menial the current task may seem, in order to constantly improve and move forward.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
I was part of the Playstation 4 launch team. I was part of a small team given great freedom to produce the digital store and marketing work that went along with the build up and launch of the system.
How do you recharge away from the office?
I ALWAYS leave my desk at lunchtime to go outside and walk. Gym or running at weekends. Clears the mind and helps me focus. It’s actually a recent thing for me to do, and it’s made a huge difference to my well being. Evenings and weekends are spent keeping my 10 year old son entertained.
What advice would you give to other aspiring creatives looking for work?
Make sure your portfolio is as good as it can be. Anything in there that needs improving, then improve it! Something you did for a client that wasn’t quite as good as it could have been? Change it!
What’s your one big hope for the future of the creative industries?
Hard question to answer. Personally I love change, such as the move from print to digital. Let’s hope things keep changing and becoming more rich and exciting!
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
I’d like to see more equal opportunities. In my long experience it’s been lacking for some time.
