What brought you to Cowan?
Cowan approached me as a graduate offering me a 1-month internship. I loved the experienced team; they were small but hugely efficient and were producing some exciting work. As someone at the start of their career I was learning so much from them that when I was offered a job as a Junior Designer at the end of the placement, I couldn’t say no.
What attracted you to this career path?
Like many school students I didn’t know what I wanted to do, the range of potential career paths was overwhelming. So, when it came to picking subjects, I made the decision to just keep following what I enjoyed doing most. This eventually led me to a foundation course in art and design where I was able to try several creative fields, from fashion to 3D design. It was here that I discovered my passion for graphic design. I applied to study Graphic Design at the Art’s University Bournemouth where I had some of the best years of my life and have never looked back.
What’s been your favourite project at Cowan, and why?
I always enjoy working on a Billson’s brief, they are great fun. The sky is the limit, and you are always invited to push the brief. I recently enjoyed working on Sour Slime cordial, a seasonal limited edition where I designed a glow in the dark label.
I also thoroughly enjoyed working on Van Sha. I was a Junior Designer when working with the team on this project and it introduced me to a world of minute detail that I hadn’t been exposed to before. From the typographic precision to the craft in creating the grove illustration, the attention was in the detail, and I learned a lot.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a stuntman, however I quickly grew out of that. I have always loved architecture, so probably an architect.
What’s the most recent exhibition or event you’ve been to?
A bit of a niche one, very recently I visited Queer Nature at Kew Gardens. They explore examples of Queerness in plants and fungus, for example there was a tree that changes gender depending on the climate. It was demonstrating that ‘social norms’ are a human invention and celebrates the beauty of diversity in nature.
Do you have any websites, books, or resources you would recommend?
I recommend checking out @anthonyburrill and @harvey_lloyd_screens on Instagram. As someone that entered design in the digital age, I have a fascination with the traditional way of doing things, old school. Letterpress, screen printing, block printing. I love the craft that goes into it and how no two results are identical – they are labours of love, each with its own personality.
What are your top tips for aspiring creative professionals?
Try everything, avoid saying no. I know it sounds vague but within graphic design for example, there are many sub-categories: apps, websites, packaging, advertising. Find what you’re most passionate about and immerse yourself in it. Get involved with available industry visits, student awards briefs, networking events, workshops. And on your journey of trying everything you may pick up some basic skills from other disciplines that set you apart. For me it was a basic understanding of building motion graphics which has helped me on more than one occasion.
