1) Describe your creative process?
Tell me what you want. I'll make the magic happen.
2) How do you get unstuck creatively?
Your either creative or your not. If you've been charged with a brief you execute it, the most rewarding part of problem solving is finding a creative solution.
3) What project are you currently working on?
NDAs prevent me from name dropping, however;
• Designing a booking engine for an award winning Scottish Hotel.
• Film project in Greek islands for a top 100 fastest growing UK company.
• Direct post production for a contraceptive company in India.
• Create a new brand identity for a council.
• Branding for a Monaco based couture firm.
4) How much of the concepting or strategy phase have you been involved in in previous roles?
Everything and nothing. 25 years see's you in roles from hero to zero and still making the tea in between.
5) Tell me about a time when a client didn't like your work. And how did you resolve this situation?
Most clients are reasonably pragmatic people, they have worked hard to be the decision makers. If everyone does their job then client resistance can be minimised through communication, i.e., tell me why you don't like it and don't sugar coat it. The worst client is the one who doesn't know what they want until they see it, never undertake any commission from these clients unless they understand they'll pay for your time even if they don't like the results. It really does help everyone and it weeds out the time wasters.
If you don't have direct access to the client then you are buffered by an account handler or third party so a lot of faith is placed in their hands to deliver your vision. It's worth remembering that if a project is being steered away from your initial brief that it won't be the only project you'll ever work on ever, ever, ever so persist and ask questions… shoot the injured and win the war.
6) How do you stay organised when you are provided with multiple design assets, files, and ideas?
Creative people are renowned for being untidy and if that's your thing then who gives a toss as long as your awesome at your job, however, If those same files are shared with others then you have to respect the structure and keep it tidy. No one likes stepping in dog shit even if it's there dog so bag it up and see the bigger picture. If I'm provided with ideas it must be part of the brief, so assess their weight and be honest if they lend insight.
7) What questions do you ask before you begin any design project? What information is most important?
Expectation, time, cost. If it fits we'll do it. If it doesn't then you'll know by the time we've finished our coffee but thank you for the opportunity. If we're commissioned then ask what is it you want to say and who is it you want to say it to?
8) Tell me about a time when you had to balance multiple competing priorities?
The birth of my daughter coincided with the launch of a multi million pound clothing chain two years ago. My daughter and only child was two weeks late and arrived two days before the launch and my wife had a difficult birth and had to stay in hospital for a week.
As incredible as it sounds the client couriered a hard drive of assets for me to review at the hospital. And whilst my wife and daughter slept through the night I was right by there side with my MacBook Pro reviewing the work. To a third party this must sound utterly devoid of love or emotion to my family but sound bites are easy. This is what being the boss means, I had delegated what I could and worked hard to win this business in the months before. If I did not deliver it would have made my family's life more challenging at the very time they needed stability and I was the sole provider at this point. Our closest family member lives 440 miles away and while they did travel down almost straight after the birth they did not arrive for two days later. I completed the job, ordered a courier to return the drive and stayed with my family every second. Two days after that we all left hospital and I drove us home to meet a proud gran and aunt. 1 hour after that I was on a train to meet my client and collect the next round of creative. Big business doesn't stop, it’s not that it doesn’t care it’s just that the owner of that new business also had people relying on him, people like me. I've since taken many days off with my family and continue to provide, the only guilt I feel is not being able to do more.
This is far from the worst example I can give but it is important to state it is not typical. If I have 10 live projects then I tend to dispatch the ones that are easiest first and reward the demanding ones with my time.
9) Tell me about a project you've completed that has made you the most proud?
The greatest sense of accomplishment I felt was in the first year of my career. The work was far from award winning but it was mine. As your confidence grows and the more projects you produce you gradually loose the sensation of pride as it becomes normalised. It's important to state that you still care, you just become better at what you do.
It returns when you bail someone out the shit or if you do a good deed relevant to your skill set. The surprise return of that feeling can be payment itself.
10) What rules, culture, or structure needs to exist to foster team collaboration?
Be patient, constructive and accountable. Your not there to be liked, your not mates, your not BFF. But you don't have to be a prick either. Encourage debate and tell someone if they did a good job, you’ll be respected for it.
Don't patronise people, I've been patronised many times earlier in my early career and haven't forgotten how crushing it can be for simply not having experience or expressed an opinion. Nobody is born to the world with advanced industry knowledge, it is all learned through success and failures, particularly failure.
11) What’s your greatest weakness?
Sugar.
Questionnaires.
12) Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I love my work, I am incredibly lucky to have seen the changes I have witnessed in my industry and have been given and seized every opportunity. I was trained as an airbrush artist and then made the transition to digital as the industry adopted this latest technology and witnessed the demise of film processing, polaroid, ruby and manual page make up to be eventually replaced by pocket devices many times more powerful than the technology that put man on the moon. I recall how memorised I was by watching my then boss use the clone tool in Barco Creator in the early 90’s and when Photoshop introduced layers in version 3 and I don’t mean CS3. These were game changing moments never to be forgotten and will be difficult to convey years from now to my own daughter should she wish a career in the same industry.
During my time at Silicon Graphics in Ghent I saw the making of a film called ‘The Rock’ on an application called AliasWavefront (later to become Maya) where the closing scene involved 3D rendering fighter jets. I purchased the 3D application Raydream Designer for Mac on my immediate return and sent my colleagues minds into meltdown as I rotated a primitive can on screen, it was no F-15 fighter but the effect was the same. I only mention this because I may appear to be old to you but am only 43, the relevance of my experience now is measured not in the relics of old software or technology but the pace of change and the expectation that you will evolve with it. Your opportunities will not be the same as mine but will still be opportunities, I have met some of the most incredible people;
Jim Dempster - GCBP college lecturer.
Johnny Boyd - endorsed me to be trained in Belgium by Barco / Silicon Graphics at 19.
Pete Smith - put me in charge of the London office at 22.
Giancarlo Romano - my first client who still commissions me today.
Sally Elms - gave me my first commission at Tough Little Graphic despite huge opposition and internal politics.
John Baldwin - supported my business and offered industry insight.
Emmanuel Eribo - most amazing client I've met and moral compass.
Paul McManus - strategic thinker and visionary.
These people have been in positions of power and authority and taken a gamble that I would deliver. The opportunities afforded to me have allowed me to travel, be generous and support others. There are few people I would aspire to work for as an 'employee' but Paul McManus is one.
13) What are your strengths?
Accountability.
Adaptable.
Loyalty.
Respect.
When I founded Tough Little Graphic over 14 years ago I cold called the Composing Room. Founded in 1960 their then junior, a man called John Baldwin, worked his way up to be the owner of that business in later years. In short John understood what I was trying to achieve and I shared an office with them for over seven years mutually sharing clients and knowledge freely. I saw the long and arduous hours his team endured achieving great results for their clients and at times working for free to help people advance. John sadly died of cancer during this time and died in 2009. I place flowers by his grave every 6 months since his death and remember the amazing kindness gifted to me by John and the Composing Room in those fledgling years. John truly did meet thousands of people and had a cast iron reputation but as one of less than probably five people who visit his graveside helps keeps me grounded and reflect as well as motivate me.
14) What kind of design software are you familiar with?
2D, 3D, web, Adobe suite, Cinema 4D, Suitcase, Maya, Freeway and any offerings required to complete the project.
15) What is your graphic design process?
Conceptualise > sketch > collate > reflect if the deadline allows > refine > research > refine > deliver > refine > deliver
16) What have you learned from your mistakes as a graphic designer?
Keep everything you do whether the client likes it or not.
17) What can you tell me about your company/brand?
London based Tough Little Graphic delivers design and visualisation for image driven brands and Governments across existing and emerging platforms using specialist consultants.
18) What have you done to improve your knowledge of graphic design?
Work with better people.
Stepped away from the industry, relaxed and allowed the most inconceivable ideas to deviate into something tenable or not. Smell something different. Scare yourself. Challenge yourself in life, it will expose you to a different way of doing.
19) What kinds of print media have you worked with?
Everything from poster design, business cards, DL leaflets, coffee table books, print and newspaper advertising, plastics, stencils, 3D, exhibition stands, 3M match print, GMG proofing. Print is print, film is beautiful.
20) Can you tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure and how you overcame it?
Everyday. Pressure comes in all forms but rather than go into specifics I’d sooner proffer the advice not to take criticism personally, eat well and take time for you, even if it’s just an extra minute in the shower. You'll deal with pressure better this way. The longest I've worked was 58 hours with no sleep when I founded my first business, my sister used to bring me fresh clothes to work the next day. The pressure stopped when the project finished. My family supported me in all manor of ways, more than financial.
It’s important at this junction to note that pressure for a salaried person is the same as pressure for a consultant or freelancer. The salaried person still has to deliver where as the consultant can chose to exit the project but then seek further employment which is also a form pressure.
21) What qualities do you consider necessary for a good designer?
You've got to love it. That's it. Nothing else matters.
22) What kind of design projects interest you?
Technically challenging ones, you always have to push yourself. My father was an engineer and in later life I've been more reflective on industrial design and manufacturer. I particularly respect the way Swiss watch manufacturers produce an exacting narrative that surrounds the product. The projects that I find vacuous are based around social media due to the lack of longevity.
23) How good are you about sticking to your deadlines?
Awesome. How do you like being paid? Get the job done, get paid, move on to the new. Deadlines deliver focus and are imposed before the project starts, if you see them wain then you need to delegate or find the resource or talent to make the project happen. Not meeting your deadlines reflects on your professional reputation which should be motivation itself.
24) How long does it take for you to deliver the final product?
That depends on the client, there’s the version that your happy with and then there’s the vision the client had, hopefully the two meet, if they don't then a dialogue based around the objective and the possibility of starting afresh can frustrate expectations. Deadlines are generally imposed by clients who want to achieve an objective and need your help to do it, otherwise they would do it themselves.
25) How do you think others see your work/company?
How do you see the work and what are your thoughts? You would hope positive, maybe not?
People always draw comparisons, I recall a designer placing four logo options on their LinkedIn feed and asking which one people preferred. The diatribe was overwhelming, it confirms that you should only deliver what you were briefed and if your hearts not in it don't play to the crowd. Put your best foot forward. Not everything you create will go in your portfolio so remember to deliver what the client wants and not fret with regards to the size or prestige of a project.
26) Would you consider yourself a team player?
You have to be. The team extends beyond your office and clients, it goes to the heart of success from the cleaner to the CEO to my wife and family. Everything is connected.
27) How do you handle criticism?
Badly in the first 5 years of my career though times were very different culturally, there was a lot of testosterone and little diversity. It also depends who's criticising and the criticism levied. If it's a client then you have my undivided attention, if it's genuinely helpful then I love to hear it, if it's bluster then I'd sooner shut it down fairly quickly especially if there is little insight to be gained.
28) Can you suggest some interviews or articles that inspired you for you career choice?
No, I always had a flare for art and found a way to use it commercially. This is extremely powerful and moving;
Steve Jobs addressing Stanford University;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_ptbiPoXM
29) Which graphic designers / studios influenced your type of work?
I have a huge respect for bygone artists who's work I find captivating, innocent and charming in contrast to the tech fest today. I envy their skill and ability to deliver a beautifully crafted moment uninterrupted and devoid of the need to tweet or draw attention to their work. I don’t envisage a scenario where I or Tough Little Graphic will achieve this legacy but am not upset as my journey has been reward enough…. though the money also helps;
Brian Cook
Norman Williamson
Claude Buckle
Alan Durman
Attachments area
Preview YouTube video Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address (with intro by President John Hennes1) Describe your creative process?
1) Describe your creative process?
Tell me what you want. I'll make the magic happen.
Tell me what you want. I'll make the magic happen.
2) How do you get unstuck creatively?
Your either creative or your not. If you've been charged with a brief you execute it, the most rewarding part of problem solving is finding a creative solution.
3) What project are you currently working on?
NDAs prevent me from name dropping, however;
• Designing a booking engine for an award winning Scottish Hotel.
• Film project in Greek islands for a top 100 fastest growing UK company.
• Direct post production for a contraceptive company in India.
• Create a new brand identity for a council.
• Branding for a Monaco based couture firm.
4) How much of the concepting or strategy phase have you been involved in in previous roles?
Everything and nothing. 25 years see's you in roles from hero to zero and still making the tea in between.
5) Tell me about a time when a client didn't like your work. And how did you resolve this situation?
Most clients are reasonably pragmatic people, they have worked hard to be the decision makers. If everyone does their job then client resistance can be minimised through communication, i.e., tell me why you don't like it and don't sugar coat it. The worst client is the one who doesn't know what they want until they see it, never undertake any commission from these clients unless they understand they'll pay for your time even if they don't like the results. It really does help everyone and it weeds out the time wasters.
If you don't have direct access to the client then you are buffered by an account handler or third party so a lot of faith is placed in their hands to deliver your vision. It's worth remembering that if a project is being steered away from your initial brief that it won't be the only project you'll ever work on ever, ever, ever so persist and ask questions… shoot the injured and win the war.
6) How do you stay organised when you are provided with multiple design assets, files, and ideas?
Creative people are renowned for being untidy and if that's your thing then who gives a toss as long as your awesome at your job, however, If those same files are shared with others then you have to respect the structure and keep it tidy. No one likes stepping in dog shit even if it's there dog so bag it up and see the bigger picture. If I'm provided with ideas it must be part of the brief, so assess their weight and be honest if they lend insight.
7) What questions do you ask before you begin any design project? What information is most important?
Expectation, time, cost. If it fits we'll do it. If it doesn't then you'll know by the time we've finished our coffee but thank you for the opportunity. If we're commissioned then ask what is it you want to say and who is it you want to say it to?
8) Tell me about a time when you had to balance multiple competing priorities?
The birth of my daughter coincided with the launch of a multi million pound clothing chain two years ago. My daughter and only child was two weeks late and arrived two days before the launch and my wife had a difficult birth and had to stay in hospital for a week.
As incredible as it sounds the client couriered a hard drive of assets for me to review at the hospital. And whilst my wife and daughter slept through the night I was right by there side with my MacBook Pro reviewing the work. To a third party this must sound utterly devoid of love or emotion to my family but sound bites are easy. This is what being the boss means, I had delegated what I could and worked hard to win this business in the months before. If I did not deliver it would have made my family's life more challenging at the very time they needed stability and I was the sole provider at this point. Our closest family member lives 440 miles away and while they did travel down almost straight after the birth they did not arrive for two days later. I completed the job, ordered a courier to return the drive and stayed with my family every second. Two days after that we all left hospital and I drove us home to meet a proud gran and aunt. 1 hour after that I was on a train to meet my client and collect the next round of creative. Big business doesn't stop, it’s not that it doesn’t care it’s just that the owner of that new business also had people relying on him, people like me. I've since taken many days off with my family and continue to provide, the only guilt I feel is not being able to do more.
This is far from the worst example I can give but it is important to state it is not typical. If I have 10 live projects then I tend to dispatch the ones that are easiest first and reward the demanding ones with my time.
9) Tell me about a project you've completed that has made you the most proud?
The greatest sense of accomplishment I felt was in the first year of my career. The work was far from award winning but it was mine. As your confidence grows and the more projects you produce you gradually loose the sensation of pride as it becomes normalised. It's important to state that you still care, you just become better at what you do.
It returns when you bail someone out the shit or if you do a good deed relevant to your skill set. The surprise return of that feeling can be payment itself.
10) What rules, culture, or structure needs to exist to foster team collaboration?
Be patient, constructive and accountable. Your not there to be liked, your not mates, your not BFF. But you don't have to be a prick either. Encourage debate and tell someone if they did a good job, you’ll be respected for it.
10) What rules, culture, or structure needs to exist to foster team collaboration?
Be patient, constructive and accountable. Your not there to be liked, your not mates, your not BFF. But you don't have to be a prick either. Encourage debate and tell someone if they did a good job, you’ll be respected for it.
Don't patronise people, I've been patronised many times earlier in my early career and haven't forgotten how crushing it can be for simply not having experience or expressed an opinion. Nobody is born to the world with advanced industry knowledge, it is all learned through success and failures, particularly failure.
11) What’s your greatest weakness?
12) Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I love my work, I am incredibly lucky to have seen the changes I have witnessed in my industry and have been given and seized every opportunity. I was trained as an airbrush artist and then made the transition to digital as the industry adopted this latest technology and witnessed the demise of film processing, polaroid, ruby and manual page make up to be eventually replaced by pocket devices many times more powerful than the technology that put man on the moon. I recall how memorised I was by watching my then boss use the clone tool in Barco Creator in the early 90’s and when Photoshop introduced layers in version 3 and I don’t mean CS3. These were game changing moments never to be forgotten and will be difficult to convey years from now to my own daughter should she wish a career in the same industry.
During my time at Silicon Graphics in Ghent I saw the making of a film called ‘The Rock’ on an application called AliasWavefront (later to become Maya) where the closing scene involved 3D rendering fighter jets. I purchased the 3D application Raydream Designer for Mac on my immediate return and sent my colleagues minds into meltdown as I rotated a primitive can on screen, it was no F-15 fighter but the effect was the same. I only mention this because I may appear to be old to you but am only 43, the relevance of my experience now is measured not in the relics of old software or technology but the pace of change and the expectation that you will evolve with it. Your opportunities will not be the same as mine but will still be opportunities, I have met some of the most incredible people;
13) What are your strengths?
14) What kind of design software are you familiar with?
2D, 3D, web, Adobe suite, Cinema 4D, Suitcase, Maya, Freeway and any offerings required to complete the project.
15) What is your graphic design process?
Conceptualise > sketch > collate > reflect if the deadline allows > refine > research > refine > deliver > refine > deliver
16) What have you learned from your mistakes as a graphic designer?
Keep everything you do whether the client likes it or not.
17) What can you tell me about your company/brand?
London based Tough Little Graphic delivers design and visualisation for image driven brands and Governments across existing and emerging platforms using specialist consultants.
18) What have you done to improve your knowledge of graphic design?
Work with better people.
11) What’s your greatest weakness?
- Sugar.
- Questionnaires.
12) Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I love my work, I am incredibly lucky to have seen the changes I have witnessed in my industry and have been given and seized every opportunity. I was trained as an airbrush artist and then made the transition to digital as the industry adopted this latest technology and witnessed the demise of film processing, polaroid, ruby and manual page make up to be eventually replaced by pocket devices many times more powerful than the technology that put man on the moon. I recall how memorised I was by watching my then boss use the clone tool in Barco Creator in the early 90’s and when Photoshop introduced layers in version 3 and I don’t mean CS3. These were game changing moments never to be forgotten and will be difficult to convey years from now to my own daughter should she wish a career in the same industry.
During my time at Silicon Graphics in Ghent I saw the making of a film called ‘The Rock’ on an application called AliasWavefront (later to become Maya) where the closing scene involved 3D rendering fighter jets. I purchased the 3D application Raydream Designer for Mac on my immediate return and sent my colleagues minds into meltdown as I rotated a primitive can on screen, it was no F-15 fighter but the effect was the same. I only mention this because I may appear to be old to you but am only 43, the relevance of my experience now is measured not in the relics of old software or technology but the pace of change and the expectation that you will evolve with it. Your opportunities will not be the same as mine but will still be opportunities, I have met some of the most incredible people;
- Jim Dempster - GCBP college lecturer.
- Johnny Boyd - endorsed me to be trained in Belgium by Barco / Silicon Graphics at 19.
- Pete Smith - put me in charge of the London office at 22.
- Giancarlo Romano - my first client who still commissions me today.
- Sally Elms - gave me my first commission at Tough Little Graphic despite huge opposition and internal politics.
- John Baldwin - supported my business and offered industry insight.
- Emmanuel Eribo - most amazing client I've met and moral compass.
- Paul McManus - strategic thinker and visionary.
13) What are your strengths?
- Accountability.
- Adaptable.
- Loyalty.
- Respect.
14) What kind of design software are you familiar with?
2D, 3D, web, Adobe suite, Cinema 4D, Suitcase, Maya, Freeway and any offerings required to complete the project.
15) What is your graphic design process?
Conceptualise > sketch > collate > reflect if the deadline allows > refine > research > refine > deliver > refine > deliver
16) What have you learned from your mistakes as a graphic designer?
Keep everything you do whether the client likes it or not.
17) What can you tell me about your company/brand?
London based Tough Little Graphic delivers design and visualisation for image driven brands and Governments across existing and emerging platforms using specialist consultants.
18) What have you done to improve your knowledge of graphic design?
Work with better people.
Stepped away from the industry, relaxed and allowed the most inconceivable ideas to deviate into something tenable or not. Smell something different. Scare yourself. Challenge yourself in life, it will expose you to a different way of doing.
19) What kinds of print media have you worked with?
Everything from poster design, business cards, DL leaflets, coffee table books, print and newspaper advertising, plastics, stencils, 3D, exhibition stands, 3M match print, GMG proofing. Print is print, film is beautiful.
20) Can you tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure and how you overcame it?
Everyday. Pressure comes in all forms but rather than go into specifics I’d sooner proffer the advice not to take criticism personally, eat well and take time for you, even if it’s just an extra minute in the shower. You'll deal with pressure better this way. The longest I've worked was 58 hours with no sleep when I founded my first business, my sister used to bring me fresh clothes to work the next day. The pressure stopped when the project finished. My family supported me in all manor of ways, more than financial.
It’s important at this junction to note that pressure for a salaried person is the same as pressure for a consultant or freelancer. The salaried person still has to deliver where as the consultant can chose to exit the project but then seek further employment which is also a form pressure.
19) What kinds of print media have you worked with?
Everything from poster design, business cards, DL leaflets, coffee table books, print and newspaper advertising, plastics, stencils, 3D, exhibition stands, 3M match print, GMG proofing. Print is print, film is beautiful.
20) Can you tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure and how you overcame it?
Everyday. Pressure comes in all forms but rather than go into specifics I’d sooner proffer the advice not to take criticism personally, eat well and take time for you, even if it’s just an extra minute in the shower. You'll deal with pressure better this way. The longest I've worked was 58 hours with no sleep when I founded my first business, my sister used to bring me fresh clothes to work the next day. The pressure stopped when the project finished. My family supported me in all manor of ways, more than financial.
It’s important at this junction to note that pressure for a salaried person is the same as pressure for a consultant or freelancer. The salaried person still has to deliver where as the consultant can chose to exit the project but then seek further employment which is also a form pressure.
21) What qualities do you consider necessary for a good designer?
You've got to love it. That's it. Nothing else matters.
22) What kind of design projects interest you?
Technically challenging ones, you always have to push yourself. My father was an engineer and in later life I've been more reflective on industrial design and manufacturer. I particularly respect the way Swiss watch manufacturers produce an exacting narrative that surrounds the product. The projects that I find vacuous are based around social media due to the lack of longevity.
23) How good are you about sticking to your deadlines?
Awesome. How do you like being paid? Get the job done, get paid, move on to the new. Deadlines deliver focus and are imposed before the project starts, if you see them wain then you need to delegate or find the resource or talent to make the project happen. Not meeting your deadlines reflects on your professional reputation which should be motivation itself.
24) How long does it take for you to deliver the final product?
That depends on the client, there’s the version that your happy with and then there’s the vision the client had, hopefully the two meet, if they don't then a dialogue based around the objective and the possibility of starting afresh can frustrate expectations. Deadlines are generally imposed by clients who want to achieve an objective and need your help to do it, otherwise they would do it themselves.
25) How do you think others see your work/company?
How do you see the work and what are your thoughts? You would hope positive, maybe not?
People always draw comparisons, I recall a designer placing four logo options on their LinkedIn feed and asking which one people preferred. The diatribe was overwhelming, it confirms that you should only deliver what you were briefed and if your hearts not in it don't play to the crowd. Put your best foot forward. Not everything you create will go in your portfolio so remember to deliver what the client wants and not fret with regards to the size or prestige of a project.
26) Would you consider yourself a team player?
You have to be. The team extends beyond your office and clients, it goes to the heart of success from the cleaner to the CEO to my wife and family. Everything is connected.
27) How do you handle criticism?
Badly in the first 5 years of my career though times were very different culturally, there was a lot of testosterone and little diversity. It also depends who's criticising and the criticism levied. If it's a client then you have my undivided attention, if it's genuinely helpful then I love to hear it, if it's bluster then I'd sooner shut it down fairly quickly especially if there is little insight to be gained.
28) Can you suggest some interviews or articles that inspired you for you career choice?
No, I always had a flare for art and found a way to use it commercially. This is extremely powerful and moving;
Steve Jobs addressing Stanford University;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_ptbiPoXM
29) Which graphic designers / studios influenced your type of work?
I have a huge respect for bygone artists who's work I find captivating, innocent and charming in contrast to the tech fest today. I envy their skill and ability to deliver a beautifully crafted moment uninterrupted and devoid of the need to tweet or draw attention to their work. I don’t envisage a scenario where I or Tough Little Graphic will achieve this legacy but am not upset as my journey has been reward enough…. though the money also helps;
I don't invest in motivational lines though I do have a series of terse responses at my disposal if the need arises. I draw on the depth of my experience and ask myself honestly if I could look at the people who have supported me square in the in the eyes and say to them I did my best. Being good people they would be forgiving or at least understanding if I failed having no doubt faced their own failures in life.
I'm still young, I have a lot I want to achieve.
22) What kind of design projects interest you?
Technically challenging ones, you always have to push yourself. My father was an engineer and in later life I've been more reflective on industrial design and manufacturer. I particularly respect the way Swiss watch manufacturers produce an exacting narrative that surrounds the product. The projects that I find vacuous are based around social media due to the lack of longevity.
23) How good are you about sticking to your deadlines?
Awesome. How do you like being paid? Get the job done, get paid, move on to the new. Deadlines deliver focus and are imposed before the project starts, if you see them wain then you need to delegate or find the resource or talent to make the project happen. Not meeting your deadlines reflects on your professional reputation which should be motivation itself.
24) How long does it take for you to deliver the final product?
That depends on the client, there’s the version that your happy with and then there’s the vision the client had, hopefully the two meet, if they don't then a dialogue based around the objective and the possibility of starting afresh can frustrate expectations. Deadlines are generally imposed by clients who want to achieve an objective and need your help to do it, otherwise they would do it themselves.
25) How do you think others see your work/company?
How do you see the work and what are your thoughts? You would hope positive, maybe not?
People always draw comparisons, I recall a designer placing four logo options on their LinkedIn feed and asking which one people preferred. The diatribe was overwhelming, it confirms that you should only deliver what you were briefed and if your hearts not in it don't play to the crowd. Put your best foot forward. Not everything you create will go in your portfolio so remember to deliver what the client wants and not fret with regards to the size or prestige of a project.
26) Would you consider yourself a team player?
You have to be. The team extends beyond your office and clients, it goes to the heart of success from the cleaner to the CEO to my wife and family. Everything is connected.
27) How do you handle criticism?
Badly in the first 5 years of my career though times were very different culturally, there was a lot of testosterone and little diversity. It also depends who's criticising and the criticism levied. If it's a client then you have my undivided attention, if it's genuinely helpful then I love to hear it, if it's bluster then I'd sooner shut it down fairly quickly especially if there is little insight to be gained.
28) Can you suggest some interviews or articles that inspired you for you career choice?
No, I always had a flare for art and found a way to use it commercially. This is extremely powerful and moving;
Steve Jobs addressing Stanford University;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_ptbiPoXM
29) Which graphic designers / studios influenced your type of work?
I have a huge respect for bygone artists who's work I find captivating, innocent and charming in contrast to the tech fest today. I envy their skill and ability to deliver a beautifully crafted moment uninterrupted and devoid of the need to tweet or draw attention to their work. I don’t envisage a scenario where I or Tough Little Graphic will achieve this legacy but am not upset as my journey has been reward enough…. though the money also helps;
- Brian Cook
- Norman Williamson
- Claude Buckle
- Alan Durman
30) Could you possibly tell me a motto or a quote you follow by? Some kind of phrase that helps motivates your work and what you do?
There's lots of motivational one liners, my old CEO used to say 'There are two types of people in this world, the can's and the rest are just cant's.' but I wouldn't champion this as he was extremely arrogant, although we did get along professionally.
There's lots of motivational one liners, my old CEO used to say 'There are two types of people in this world, the can's and the rest are just cant's.' but I wouldn't champion this as he was extremely arrogant, although we did get along professionally.
I don't invest in motivational lines though I do have a series of terse responses at my disposal if the need arises. I draw on the depth of my experience and ask myself honestly if I could look at the people who have supported me square in the in the eyes and say to them I did my best. Being good people they would be forgiving or at least understanding if I failed having no doubt faced their own failures in life.
I'm still young, I have a lot I want to achieve.
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