Why graphic design?
I grew up in a very creative household with my dad being a graphic designer himself. I had always loved watching him design and seeing the full process from the design to print and the satisfaction he got from it but I always seemed to be running away from it. I was determined to be a dentist for some reason, and after failing my science A levels I knew I was on the wrong path. In this case everything did happen for a reason because I absolutely fell back in love with the art of graphic design at university and it was so fulfilling to be doing something that I had admired my dad once do. While at university I got a scholarship to go to London to visit different design studios such as Pentagram, Jack Renwick and Ideo which only solidified my dreams more as I got to learn what day to day was like in the studio and meet designers that I had admired for such a long time.
What are you looking to achieve during your time here at Clever Ghost?
I have always loved working in a team so I'm really looking forward to developing my skills as a team worker in the studio. Most importantly, I'm just really excited to learn from a studio I've admired for a long time! Paul's story really resonated with me and I think it would be really interesting to see how the studio works as a whole. I'm really excited to just get stuck into some creative work again as I fear over the summer I've neglected it.
What part of the process do you enjoy the most?
I'm going to be a weirdo and say I actually like when I'm smack bang in the middle of a project as I'm not stressing about what I'm going to do for it, and I've not quite reached the finish line so I'm still problem-solving. I enjoy it because I can just stick my headphones on and work away without thinking too much. Don't get me wrong I do love the whole creative process, I just enjoy it more when I've already figured everything out.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
I love travelling, so every time i visit another country I make sure to do or see something creative such as attending conferences and museums. I also love a wee design podcast while I'm on the plane. I have loads of books that I have either bought or have been passed down from my dad so I try to refer back to these as much as possible when working on projects. I think Belfast more than ever has become a really great place for creatives to be. There's always amazing workshops, talks and events which me and my friends will try to go to as much as possible. even walking around the city now there is real inspiration all around with all the art on the streets and local shops.
Who are your creative heroes?
I think Samar Maakaroun is a pioneer in this industry to comment on Arabic type. I really admire her for integrating the English alphabet and Arabic alphabet together and giving Middle Eastern people a platform. She showcases the Arabic type rather than just utilising it which I love. I was inspired when we visited Jack Renwick's studio and I fell in love with her studio, work and culture.
What are your plans after university?
Now, if we are thinking way into the future, I would love to lead my own studio and become a lecturer. But, if we are staying in the present I would just love to continue to learn from other creatives in the studio. I'd also love to continue to travel and find new inspirations for my designs.
What do you geek out to?
Tacos, green tea, spicy margs, yoga, desperate housewives, Fleetwood Mac and painting.
Lastly, any pets?
I'm a very very proud mini doxie auntie to Finlay and Oscar! I also have 4 canaries: Twilight, Salsa, Mango and Pingu.
