How long have you been at Think?
5 years!
Did you always know you wanted to work in design?
Not originally! I’ve always had a love for art and design, but it wasn’t always the easiest decision because there are so many career paths in design!
I discovered graphic design quite early in my education through a work experience placement I was fortunate enough to take part in during the summer after my GCSEs. I worked alongside a graphic designer at Bauer Media, helping to create the magazines they produced. After 2 weeks of designing magazines that were then sold in local supermarkets, I discovered a real passion for editorial design.
From that point, I knew I wanted to pursue something similar until studying graphic design at university. It completely opened my eyes to the wider world of design, including branding, marketing, web design & code! From then on, I knew that working in an agency environment was the path I wanted to take.
What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on at Think?
It would have to be working with Once Upon a Smile. Not only was it a fun and playful branding and website design project, but it also gave me the opportunity to support a charity that helps bereaved children and families. Working alongside OUAS is incredibly rewarding, knowing that the work you’re doing contributes to an organisation that supports people through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Although it’s not project-specific, over the last 6 months I’ve been developing my animation & motion skills and exploring the many creative tools in Adobe After Effects. I thoroughly enjoy every animation project I work on, whether it’s for our case studies or a live project for a client. Learning new skills is incredibly important to me and is something I genuinely love doing. Once I’ve mastered one thing, I’m always keen to move on to the next and learn what’s new. With the industry becoming increasingly video-focused, having animation and motion design skills is more important than ever.
If you could design for any brand in the world, who would it be?
Anyone who knows me well will know that my answer to this will always be Apple – we can all dream, right? I’ve always admired the brand. Their attention to detail is second to none. The simplicity of the brand and their ability to create such a seamless experience across everything they do is something I find incredibly inspiring.
Aside from that, a dream project would be working with a major food and drink brand. The sector is packed with creativity. Plus, who wouldn’t love the opportunity to art direct food photography for a photoshoot?
What inspires your creative style outside of work?
I love attending local design events such as Process Manchester or any G.F. Smith design talks. It’s always fascinating listening to other designers speak about their work and creative processes. Some of the projects they showcase are truly inspiring!
What’s your perfect “reset” after a busy week of designing?
My perfect reset is slowing down. It’s not often I take the time to do so, but when I do, it’s usually spent with loved ones or visiting my family back home in the East Midlands. Otherwise, I enjoy a peaceful morning at home with a homemade breakfast, a jigsaw or a Sudoku book. It’s those simple moments that help me recharge after a busy week of designing.
I’ve also recently rediscovered my love for camping and the great outdoors. As a child, my parents would take us on multiple camping holidays around the UK each year, but I fell out of love for it when I hit being a teenager. Now that my weeks tend to be so full-on, a camping weekend with loved ones, especially when the sun is shining, feels like the perfect way to switch off and reset.
