interview responce

Below is my response from dan everett for my interview 

1.     What were your first steps towards becoming a graphic designer and been employed in the industry?

I did an art foundation diploma at Kendal College for a year. I then studied Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art for three years where I learnt a lot about graphic design as a subject, but also about where I wanted to go personally with my degree. After I left I applied for several jobs. I was taken on by Agency Forty as an intern for three months and they were impressed with my work ethos and efficiency so gave me a full time job, where I am working at this moment in time.

2.     What skills did you get from attending Leeds college of art or your university experience that are beneficial to your practice now?

I pretty much picked up a lot of my knowledge and skill whilst attending LCA. Before attending University, I didn’t really know much about the subject, but I knew it was something that interested me, and I knew it was something I could definitely be passionate about because I’m naturally quite a creative person.

I learnt a lot of skills that I now use in my practice, and I use these skills without even thinking about it, and I'm always developing and getting better.

Typography, Kerning, Readability, Legibility, what fonts work well together, illustrator, indesign, photoshop, colour, printing methods, talking to clients, presenting my work, confidence (is this a skill? Ha)

Basically a lot of what I learnt I use everyday!

3.     Where are you currently working and what does the job entail?

Im currently working at Agency Forty as a junior designer (although I'm only 1 of 2 designers).

My job entails; working on the briefs that come into the agency, so design work; websites branding, emails, stationary, talking to clients, presenting my work, talking to the printers, strategic planning, social media, working on the back end of website in the CMS, art working. But then the agency also do a lot of exhibitions so I’ve designed quite a few exhibition stands and worked on them as well which is always a good confidence & experience builder.

4.     What is your personal style of work and your influences?

Personally I work to a very modernist style and I’m heavily influenced by people like Mark Bloom and Anthony Burrel. But I don’t let that limit my capabilities and I like to experiment with lots of different styles when I can. Unfortunately, when working in an agency, unless the client gives you free rain, a lot of the time you are designing what the client wants and not what you necessarily like. That’s why I do a lot of my own work at home so I can practice my own style.

5.     What was successful in getting you where you are now? (was it from knowing people, emailing around, was it just looking online etc.)

I think I was quite lucky because I was able to get a job quite quickly after getting out of university! But I definitely recommend applying to everywhere. Whether or not you want to work there or not, apply for the job. Interviews do so much for your confidence but they also give you an insight into how other agency’s work and what people in the industry are like! I remember being so intimidated by going to studios, but you learn to get over that and start to enjoy visits.

6.     Do you have any advice to anybody leaving Uni now that would benefit them?

Just contact as many places as possible! Talk to people and ask questions. Be honest, be yourself and if you don’t know an answer tell them you don’t know and seem interested when given an answer. I’d also say when it comes to your portfolio, unless you are really good with a camera, either mock up your work or get a professional photographer/photography student to take pictures for you. My portfolio lacked style because I took pictures of my own work and it looked shit! Spend a bit of money on some quality mockups that other people don’t have. A lot of people use the free mockups which everyone has. You can spend like £50 (a lot but well worth it) on a HUGE mock up package and get loads of really good mock ups that no one has and make your work look a bit different or if not different look a lot more professional.

7.     Finally what's next for you and your practice?

I am going to carry on working at Agency Forty for the next few months and then I’m going to think about moving on. I don’t want to stay in the same place too long because I want to experience what other agency work like. I’d love to gain ten years experience and then set up my own little studio.