Alice Cole
Featured Interview

Alice Cole

Graphic Designer

Where do you work?
I work at Element UK in Henley-on-Thames.

What is your role?
I'm primarily a junior designer. It's fairly small team so my role also allows me to be involved with other areas, like attending meetings, to create new business. This is a great way to meet more designers and creative directors.

Did you feel confident about entering the design industry after you graduated?
Yes, I felt really confident and I couldn't wait to get started! You learn so much on the course. It gives you complete confidence in yourself because the course is so workplace-driven and we all had such good advice and feedback from the lecturers.

What were you doing before the course?
Previously I was a PA in an advertising agency and then a campaigns manager for a charity auction website.

Why did you decide to do the course?
In my previous job I became involved in designing presentations and guiding the look of websites and ads but had no confidence in my skills. I wanted professional training and insight and to also get out of an office environment.

What was the most valuable thing you took away from the course?
Understanding the creative process, how to apply yourself to a brief and that nothing is necessarily wrong! Everyone has their opinion, which keeps ideas so much more exciting! And getting out and about, spending time away from your computer, is very important.

Where do you see yourself in 12 months?
It would be great to have progressed from a junior to a mid-weight and gained more digital training. It would also be great to be able to work for myself one day.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I've had a few. My first pitch to a large company to help launch a new product for them, branding for a new luxury bathroom company and designing a website for a property investment company.

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