Where do you work?
I work for myself. I have started my own freelance business, Neu Creative.
What is your role?
Graphic Designer / Creative Director / Business Owner.
Describe your typical day as a designer.
I love to start my day with coffee, then emails and a few alterations on previous work.
Then stop for more coffee and maybe lunch and then fill my afternoon with new creative work and sometimes some follow-ups. I finish, last but not least, with invoicing.
What do you love about being a designer?
I love the freedom of running my own business and the ability to explore my creativity on a daily basis. Being able to target the kind of clients I want to work for is also a big bonus of working as a freelancer.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Working on a logo / branding project for a DJ duo over in LA. They were my first international clients and we got a great result.
When did you graduate from Shillington?
May 2008.
What area were you working in before the course?
Completing a Bachelor of Creative Industries and working in hospitality.
Did you have any design experience before the course?
A little. I had touched on Photoshop and had done a bit of design work for clients and friends.
Why did you decide to do the course?
I wanted to do graphic design professionally and needed the practical skills to get to the point where I was feeling confident in my skill level. Shillington definitely got me there.
What was the most valuable thing you took away from the course?
My portfolio. You can't get anywhere without a folio you are proud of.
How did you find the college environment, facilities and teaching?
A++ all round!
How confident did you feel about entering the design industry after you graduated?
With my portfolio in hand and the design skills I had just learnt I felt like I had the best start to pursue a career in graphic design.
How long did it take you to secure a job?
One week. It was with a club promotions office. I was given a temporary contract to help out with club flyer design, posters and other collateral.
What was the response like to your portfolio during interviews?
Amazing! They had been looking for someone to fill the spot for over a month and chose me after my folio viewing.
Any advice for someone pondering whether to take the leap into graphic design and sign up for the course?
As Nike so simply put it... "just do it!"
Where do you see yourself 12 months from now?
Heading a small studio, under the Neu Creative alias, and keeping strong ties to the Music Industry.
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