Our
Students

Where do you work?
I run my own company called Darwin Publishing Ltd. We produce a local lifestyle magazine for Shrewsbury called Severn Magazine (the river Severn runs through Shrewsbury). I'm also launching a second magazine for another town in Shropshire. I've worked in magazine publishing most of my life, including time at EMAP which publish many major high street magazines and newspapers.

Describe your typical day.
My role is very varied; I co-ordinate all the editorial content and the advertising, overseeing all aspects of the magazine which keeps me very busy! I still get time to design some of our advertisers adverts which I enjoy. I also have a big input in the layouts of editorial (I like lots of white space; nice, clear and easy to read).

What do you love about being a designer?
When I started my career in magazines I was on the commercial side as a sales manager but always had an interest in the design side. My ultimate aim was always to move away from sales into the design side.

When did you graduate from Shillington?
April 2010.

What area were you working in before the course?
Advertising manager for a magazine publisher.

Did you have any design experience before the course?
No design experience although I did advise my advertising clients on what looks good when advertising in a magazine!

What was the most valuable thing you took away from the course?
That simple design is, most of the time, more striking than something really complicated. Also thumbnails and planning before getting started saves you a lot of time in the long run.

How did you find the college environment, facilities and teaching?
The classroom was amazing, just like a studio environment with great views and the latest equipment. The teachers were all great and patient, especially Sarah who I must have driven mad with all my questions!

How long did it take you to secure a job?
I got a job within a couple months at a publisher in Birmingham. It wasn't completely design work to begin with but I got to practise what I had learned and combine that with my skills learnt previously on the commercial side.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?
The day that I set my company up. Very scary but, in these tough times, I'm so proud of the success we've had.

Where do you see yourself 12 months from now?
My first magazine is well under way but, with the second about to be launched, I want them both to be a success. I have bought names to a couple of other possible magazines too.

Any advice for someone pondering whether to take the leap into graphic design and sign up for the course?
Just do it. Without the experience, I wouldn't have had the knowledge to set up my own business. I'm continuing to learn and I still love design. You do turn into a bit of a design geek when you pick up a magazine or newspaper and start checking out the design!