When you are just starting out, you can easily get caught in a storm of passion, ambition and motivation for everything related to your craft. Some people lose that, or become disillusioned with time. You shouldn't.
Senior Graphic Designer Stuart Wright may have cracked the secret formula to endless inspiration: surround yourself with talented people, keep creating, and hang in there until you see your works come to life. That is the best fuel for inspiration there can be; seeing your creative work in the hands of others.
Stuart's story shows that the best designers are a prime example in the art of endurance. With time and patience, you will catch that monkey. Access to the industry isn't the easiest, but you should keep pushing towards your goal. Once you get started, things can open up for you.
And from there, it is all about having fun.
In this Member Spotlight, we are learning more about the story and professional journey of a talented graphic designer, who has plenty of recommendations and tips for those just starting out.
How did you get into the industry?
Well, getting into the design industry can be a gradual process… After I got my Degree, I spent some time contacting several different companies for work experience and using this as a base to expand upon my portfolio with professional work as well. This then led to some freelance work and then to my first full-time design role. It's keeping in mind (to jumble an existing phrase up) that you will catch that monkey… slowly, slowly.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
Well currently I am based in the spare room by my toddler’s bedroom. Not where I originally imagined but an easy commute for 2020. Normally I am based in Farringdon, London and work for a creative design agency called Hamilton-Brown that deals with a lot of interesting projects.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Interesting question… It’s the sort of question that comes up a lot in general chats. I think I would probably be a school teacher or indulge my inner nerd and (if possible?) do something mildly related to films or cinema. I used to do a podcast ranting about movies with a friend of mine anyway.
Can you explain your creative process?
Making sure we have a clear and full brief is number one for me. It affects so much and having a fully rounded view of the client’s needs or aims helps a lot! From there it can organically grow, as I research different aspects of the project beyond the obvious to create a concept using patterns / graphics / layouts which answer the brief in a creative way. I usually show the client a few different approaches of how something can be achieved, and we then take one option forward and develop from there.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Coffee.
Ha, and beyond that being able to create concepts that you can see come to life, I think this can help fuel passion / motivation too. The more you do the more it feeds into itself. Being surrounded by talented people and always looking for other design trends or new projects sparks inspiration as well.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
Although it had its stressful moments, managing one of the more busy / manic accounts in my company from a planning and creative point of view was challenging but also something I was proud of, as it required management of multiple creative briefs to tight deadlines from myself and others. A development from this ongoing situation was (in working with the digital team), the concept of building an online Creative Portal for our client to use. This became a site that stored a range of all our latest concepts for the client to view when time was tight. It could then be used as a searchable inspiration board similar to Pinterest for concept development, or a guide for something bespoke. This also acted as a showcase for the creative talent at our company.
How do you recharge away from the office?
I have a very lovable but active 3-year-old son at home. When I have a full recharging answer, I will let you know! But I enjoy cycling, meeting friends and Cinema too.
What advice would you give to other aspiring creatives looking for work?
Keep moving forward towards your goal. Once you get your foot in the door things can open up. From there it’s about having fun with what you do and looking for ways to push the brief and add value.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
There is sometimes a trend in design when young people start, to be expected to work for free. I have seen this expectation be exploited by some to where it feels almost like a slave labour graduate team. I recognise people starting do not have the same experience, but it would be nice to see these people not taken advantage of as they hopefully enter the industry.
