Why graphic design?
I’ve always been interested in anything artistic and creative, ever since I was little. I studied art at GCSE level in school but I felt it didn’t quite fit with me fully, so I didn’t study art at A-Level and well, I guess gave up on any hope of pursuing something creative. When I left school however I began working in a sign shop, designing, making and fitting signs. Very quickly I was exposed to the world of graphics and it was pretty much a “eurika!” moment. I had found my niche, especially my need to create something ‘real’ that solved a problem, and be creative about it at the same time. Since then, I have continued to refine my interests and personal style. I love anything to do with branding, especially within the food and drink industry, typography, signage, design history and heritage.
What are you looking to achieve during your time at Clever Ghost?
It’s super important to me to be as creative as I possibly can. Mostly, I want to steep myself in that design culture, and be surrounded by this lovely team who clearly feel passionately about design too, and who can encourage me to grow creatively and in my skillset.
What part of the process do you enjoy the most?
The beginning! I love when you first get a brief and your mind can run wild with ideas. I love the challenge of coming up with something that will work, and especially when you find that idea and it gets you all excited to get your teeth sunk into the actual designing.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
I mostly stay creative by keeping up with other designers or bigger agencies. I also have a huge tab of graphic design websites saved on my browser so if I need to find inspiration I can have a look at these. I also find lots of inspiration from books, or random other designs and signs I have found out and about. I also love thrifting and anything interiors and fashion, and I find that staying in the know about certain trends that aren’t graphic design related has helped me to stay creative overall and generally has helped to define my own design style and inspire me further. For me, it’s about being creative in all aspects of my life. It really has a knock on effect!
What’s your top tip/piece of advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in design?
I think my best advice is to not worry too much about being excellent at other (maybe more traditional) art forms. It's important to have a curiosity and desire to create, but graphic design can be anything you want it to be. You don't need to have studied art at A-level or anything like that. Sure, this may help, but I just mean that generally, if you have good taste, a willingness to learn and a keen eye, everything else can be learned. Just stay curious and put yourself in environments that allow you to be creative. It's more of a mindset than anything else.
Who are your creative heroes?
Elizabeth Goodspeed, Louise Fili, Paula Scher, Tony Moore.
What do you geek out to?
Books, thrifting, fashion, typography, nature, music, food, diet and health.
Lastly, any pets?
The most gorgeous boy, my pride and joy, Toby (Toe for short). A Jack Russell Terrier who is quite literally a terror, but nonetheless my favourite boy on earth.
