Where do you work?
I work for a company called Zap Ltd. It is the leading manufacturer of licenced bedroom textiles and holds a wide range of top licences including Marvel Comics, the FA, and the BBC. This means I get to work on designing products for anything from TV programmes like Top Gear to ranges for the England and Manchester United football teams.
What is your role?
I am a junior designer and assistant to our senior designer. My role varies everyday depending on demands and deadlines from clients. I design all the products for each company we work with. Each licence we work on is different so some days I can be coming up with design concepts and other days I work from really strict style guides, which can be difficult when everyone wants an exclusive range! I also deal with all stages of approval for each design and prepare the final art work that is sent to factories.
Did you feel confident about entering the design industry after you graduated?
Definitely! I have always struggled with interviews but after the course at Shillington I knew exactly what employers were looking for and how to present and talk about my work. I was really proud of my portfolio and couldn't wait to show it to potential employers (or anyone else for that matter)! As well as being impressed by the quality of my work, my current employers couldn't believe the amount of work I had created in such a short time and to such tight, realistic deadlines. Shillington is the only college I know of that sets briefs and deadlines like those in a professional design studio, which is one of the things university graduates struggle with when they find a job!
What were you doing before the course?
I had previously completed a degree in Three Dimension Design. I then spent a year as a designer-in-residence at university but was finding it hard to find a graphic design job. I also had a part-time job which I hated and that had nothing to do with design.
Why did you decide to do the course?
I chose Shillington because it was the only course that offered me all the skills I wanted within a short time scale. I didn't want to go back to college or university for at least another year and I didn't need any more qualifications. I wanted a course that offered the theory and technical ability to prepare me for the design industry and get me a job. I also liked that you are encouraged to incorporate any of your own skills or interests into your designs to make your work more individual.
What was the most valuable thing you took away from the course?
It is impossible to think of just one, the course has taught me so many valuable lessons. Firstly how to generate ideas when you think there is no possible alternative design, the in-depth training of the Adobe Creative Suite and also how to take any criticism constructively. I also have a massive file full of notes and handouts that has become my design bible. Even our head of design has a quick flick through when she's stuck with something!
Where do you see yourself in 12 months?
A year from now I am hoping to be well on my way to a more senior role. As this is my first design job I don't think I will stay here forever but at the moment the skills and experience I am gaining are priceless and I am very lucky to work in a similar environment to Shillington College, with a positive team, who really support and encourage me to push my designs. I have also seen how many different jobs there are in the design industry so I am happy to see where this job leads me.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I've only been in my current job for two months but have already had some of my designs sent out to factories for production. They will be in the shops by spring! When I saw the full-size samples of my designs I realised that this is exactly what I want to do and it encouraged me to aim even higher!
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