Why graphic design?
I’ve always loved art and as a kid would forever be picking up new creative hobbies: from ‘traditional’ art to textiles to 3D - you name it I’ve probably done it. I was originally inspired by my mum to study art at GCSE and A-level, as I loved looking at all her old work from school and university; she quickly became my go-to person for advice and helped me be a better artist. Even though I seemed ‘destined’ to go down a creative path, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and felt steered to follow a more traditionally academic career like my peers. But deep down I knew I would regret not pursuing something creative, so I asked my aunt (who is a graphic designer) for advice. She organised an opportunity for me to do some work experience in a design studio and, as cliché as it sounds, I knew I had found where I belonged.
What are you looking to achieve during your time here at Clever Ghost?
The team at Clever Ghost is full of incredibly talented designers and I want to learn as much as I can from them so that I might be able to meaningfully contribute to projects and see our work out in the world and be able to proudly say ‘I worked on that’. I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing team and hope to improve my skills at designing collaboratively with others, as I haven’t been a part of much group design work to date.
What part of the process do you enjoy the most?
I love the moment in the design process where the design just clicks - you know that the hard part is done and the finish line is in sight. It’s especially satisfying if the brief was particularly challenging or if it’s taken a while to arrive at the final concept.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
Being surrounded by so many talented creatives and seeing their amazing work is so inspiring and pushes me to be the best designer I can be! Although if I ever feel creatively burnt out my favourite way to reset and recharge is to go to one of my favourite spots in the countryside and enjoy the quiet scenery while I paint or sketch for a few hours.
Who are your creative heroes?
Being an art student, I have a lot of creative friends who are incredibly talented, and of course I have lots of modern designers I enjoy such as Aries Moross and Rodrigo Corral. But ultimately my creative hero is my aunt - she taught me so much about graphic design and I have her on speed dial for when I need design advice! I’ve always loved seeing her work and process and I’m very grateful to have such a talented role model.
What are your plans after university?
I think in the short term I want to focus on improving as a designer and learning as much as I possibly can about every form that graphic design can take - from branding to UX/UI to animation to print! But in the long term I would love to eventually be a creative director and have the opportunity to work on massive projects for big clients that really make an impact on a national (and maybe someday global) scale.
What do you geek out to?
I obviously am a massive nerd about everything design and art related, but outside of that I play several instruments, run, go to the gym, play, coach and umpire hockey for my local club, and I’m always out catching up with friends.
Lastly, any pets?
Unfortunately, I am cursed with allergies, so can’t have any, however I adore animals and don’t let it stop me from giving Chewie plenty of attention when I’m in the office!
