You just never know…
In 2006 I graduated from the then Norwich School of Art and Design, now Norwich University of the Arts with an FdA in Graphic Design. When I finished, I knew I didn’t want to be a traditional graphic designer and secured my first job in an agency as an account manager.
Whilst I was interested in the conception of ideas and design, I was also interested in the strategy of creating brands and products that satisfied a need and desire in the consumer world. After a year or so, I heard about a job opening at The Click Design Consultants. Attracted by their work, approach and attitude, I applied and secured the role of Client Director. Fast forward to today. Seven years later, I married the Creative Director, Bobby, and we had our son and muse, Stanley, three years ago. We live together in a converted Factory apartment in Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
A year after Stanley’s birth I launched our business, Nor–Folk. This was my first opportunity to use the years of experience in business, people I’ve met and places I’ve travelled to as a backdrop and inspiration for not only our home/interiors but also our business. During Nor–Folk’s first year, I have been overwhelmed by the support and excited by the designers who have taken chances by working with me. I’ve learnt nothing is definite as an outcome, the journey is the most important part and everything is possible.
– I knew I didn’t want to be a traditional graphic designer
Made.com is a brand I have been a customer of from the very outset. I first and foremost admire the aesthetics and products but, secondly, their unique, progressive and alternative approach to the traditional method of retailing furniture. They were bringing products to market at affordable prices which, to me, at that time, I couldn’t have afforded otherwise. Their story and ambition is as exciting as it is incredible. I’ve worked with them several times now and love that they push boundaries and support emerging talent.
When I was asked as a creative, customer and member of their Made Unboxed Community platform to be a judge for their Made Emerging Talent Award, I was humbled. It is perhaps one of my most significant professional honours to date. I am so grateful for the opportunities that were (and are) given to me during my career and understand how important they are to take. The brief isn’t just for designers, it’s for anyone with a creative mind and ultimately problem solving brain.
I’ve learnt nothing is definite as an outcome, the journey is the most important part and everything is possible.
The spoils for the winner is a share of the royalties, as well as the pride and absolutely priceless experience of working with some of the most forward thinking people in the country, if not the world. Pictured above are Ying Chang’s Grid Desk (2014 winner) and Jodie Morris’ Range Tables (2013 winner). Below is last year’s winning entry, the Overlap collection by Gina Design Studio.
I cannot urge you enough to have a read of the brief because, from everything I have learnt since graduating, is you just never know…