MA - Graphic Design

Drawing and doodling is something I’ve always done and always enjoyed, so it didn't take me long to realise that graphic design was something I could pursue as a career. My eldest sister studied at ARU and because I’d heard good things about, I applied for BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

Before I’d even graduated I was offered an internship by advertising and marketing agency Honest Ideas, which was then extended. The final-year Degree Show is attended by lots of companies and I was approached by another studio at the private view.

I realised though that I wanted to grow as designer, and that I needed to specialise my practice - to give me that push into being a really good designer. This led me to the MA Graphic Design and Typography. It’s much more focused and a smaller group, and it’s great as we can bounce ideas off each other. It’s helped me find the method that works for me: I need to react as soon as possible so I can get that initial response, so now I always carry a notebook with me.

Our course leader Will's invitation to Type Thursday has been a good opportunity to network and gain a huge amount of feedback. My confidence as an individual and a designer has grown enormously.

I never imagined I'd stand in front of people instilling skills like typography and how to use Photoshop, but I’ve been teaching on ARU's Saturday Art & Design Club and running skills session for neaco – an educational outreach project in the East of England.

Good typography allows people to communicate more easily. Graphic design certainly helps me communicate, and I like helping others communicate. It’s been fascinating working with people in the younger age group – there are no rules and principles. They just go with what they think looks nice; it’s instinct, a first emotional response, form over function. But it’s important to find balance - emotional response and function. That’s the challenge as a designer.

I’m now working on my final project for the MA which is a variable typeface inspired by Manga. I’m working freelance, and building up my own client base, with a view to opening up my own design studio.