So You Want To Be a …. Designer
By admin
Issued on behalf of Stills
Chris Carpenter is a designer and co-founder of leading Welsh brand communications agency Stills
What do they do?
The range of jobs a designer performs can vary enormously but each job for a client invariably starts with a brief which the designer must understand before they begin any creative work.
The design work usually involves a lot of thinking and doodling up front. The tools used thereafter can be numerous but in almost all cases involves an Apple Mac.
At Stills, the work covers a broad spectrum, from strategic development to creative application that may include brand guidelines, logos, literature, film, advertising campaigns or web projects.
“It’s enormously varied and good fun but we always make sure every team member involved on a job sees the full picture and that means understanding the brand, its values and how all the elements fit together,” says Chris.
What are the hours and conditions like?
Designers can work very long hours though it does vary from business-to-business and job-to-job.
“We’re very conscious of getting the work-life balance right but the whole industry is based on meeting other people’s deadlines,” said Chris.
Conditions vary too, from small work stations in the corner of a general office to plush modern studios. Stills recognises the value of a stimulating work environment. Their studio is based in a light, airy converted chapel close to Cardiff city centre.
The dress code is relaxed, encouraging creative individuals to express themselves.
What skills must I have?
Software skills are vital and, of course, being creative is essential. Designers also need to be excellent communicators, problem solvers and should have an understanding of how business works.
What qualifications do I need?
Chris suggests A-level Art, then a Foundation course in Art Design followed by a degree in Graphic Design or a design-related area.
“A-level Design Technology is okay but A-level Art is much more important,” said Chris.
“Similarly, while you can go straight from A-level to a degree, the Foundation course is an invaluable bridge between the two. It allows you to sample the many aspects of the creative industries in order that make the right decision on what to specialise in”.
What opportunities are there?
There are lots of design companies in Wales. Cardiff in particular has had an explosion in the creative industries in the last five years but there are other thriving design communities in Newport, Swansea and throughout Wales.
Stills has just recruited two new designers, but getting into the industry is very competitive.
Chris’s advice is: “Get as much experience as you can, get freelance work and get your foot in the door. And make sure you have a good portfolio that demonstrates the thought process, the application and the attention to detail.”
What is the salary like?
Salaries vary, typically between £16,000 and £30,000 depending on experience and ability.
Further information
* Design Business Association: www.dba.org.uk
* UWIC (Howard Gardens): www.csad.uwic.ac.uk
* Newport University: http://artschool.newport.ac.uk
* Stills: www.stillsdesign.com
