A thought provoking day of talks culminated in hearing the exploits of past Kingston students:
2007
Filmaker and art director, was currently working in L.A. after a series of successful jobs under his belt following his graduation. Boasting music promo's for Tinie Tempah, SBTRKT as well as commercials for Google Chrome and Nina Ricci.
His story was made even more impressive when learning that he just about managed to put a portfolio together during a rocky final year. There's hope for us all!
Ella Collinge - http://www.ellacollinge.co.uk/
2009
Another recent graduate who had been on a bit of a journey since Kingston. Her travels had seen her do a couple of placements. Work for Hatrick. Go to NY. And more recently settling down to work for Bibliotheque. Not bad!
James Titterton - http://www.jamestitterton.co.uk/
2010
Bit of a Kingston legend in my eyes as I knew all about him when I started in first year. Recall his board being the most accomplished and memorable from the class of 2010. Interesting to learn that he didn't get anywhere or enter either D&AD and RSA, the glamourous competitions drummed into our third year skulls. His self initiated projects made up the bulk of his short presentation and are the envy for us students to try and replicate.
Points of note:
- Everything you do should be documented + research/blog things.
- Vital that you remember you're designing for people eg. family members, friends..
- If you're not having fun you're doing it wrong!
- Don't burn your bridges, no use making enemies.
- Don't close a conversation, even if its a no on that occasion, be open to keeping a dialogue open for future networking. Lets keep talking, keep in touch.
- Don't go into a job interview demanding one, say who you are and what you have to offer.
- Collaboration in execution.
- Taking time over work, challenge yourself and use it as fuel.
- Go the extra mile when it comes to self promotion.
Spoke to him briefly when sat with the alumni at the end, admire how his interests have shone through in his work and to his credit form the likability and employability that has made him part of Wolf Ollins creative team.
Zoe Barrett - http://twitter.com/Zoe_Barrett/
2009
A success story in her own right has led her to becoming a project manager at YCN. She'd been involved in managing and curating work, ideal for her as it's maintained her interest in creative circles, without the emphasis on designing. Plenty to appreciate from her journey into the workplace, found her own area within the design world.
Points of note:
It's OK to not want to be a designer, but want to work in design
Alun Davies - http://www.alun-davies.com/
2004
Fascinating to hear from a guy who's deviated from the conventional graphic design route and found an area that suits his passion for set design and art direction. Another grad boasting an incredible series of commissions for big name clients such as Italian Vogue, GQ and within the music industry for stars like Lady Gaga and LaRoux A great example of someone who has collaborated with image makers and found a role that meets their interest and talent. Became apparent how enthusiastic he was about working with art directors.
Points of note:
Work faster, it's surprising how much you can achieve in a short time frame.
Ruby Steel - http://www.rubysteel.co.uk/
2008
Described herself as haphazard and a bit of a wildcard. However she had a clear passion for social design, the kind that relishes a RSA brief that we've been currently trying to tackle. Her interest in this field of design had resulted in her doing an MA in Innovation Design engineering at the Royal College of Art. She showed us a quick demo of her latest piece she'd just submitted: a device that works with a mobile phone aiding diabetics when injecting with insulin, strong idea. Her site has more of these prototypes and cutting edge product design propositions. Ruby seemed dazed, but that was due to sleepless nights and only finishing her IDE MA the day previously.
Paul Bean - http://www.deliveryofthought.com/
2005
Another grad with a great story to tell, a string of placements had followed his time at university including a job at Seymour Powell. Then decided to set up with fellow Kingston grad Danielle Matthews, realising that they both shared the vision of working closely with clients. A leap of faith in his words. Went on to win a D&AD award, got on one of their courses and eventually won the confidence of the Prince's Trust. Their studio was set up with a a network of collaborators across disciplines.
One of their contacts Guy Hipwell, provided them with the opportunity to create branding agency DOT, (delivery of thought) specialising in Brand Identity, Design and Strategy. The rest is history. Their list of clients has grown and become ever more prestigious.
Had the pleasure of speaking to Paul and Danielle (+ dog) at the end. They came across as really approachable people, ready to pass on any advice and firm believers in keeping a direct relationship with clients. No doubt a characteristic that has resulted in their successes in industry.
Points of note:
- Don't be afraid of contacting and asking.
- Send out CVs, online portfolio.
- Show your progress towards outcomes.
- Display your personality.
- Aim for a flying start into industry.
Mireille Burkhardt - http://www.bobdesign.co.uk/
2001
Heard a few things about Mireille who graduated in the same year as our very own Kieran O'Connor. The two of them formed BOB Design with another bloke and have been involved in some fascinating projects since then.
An idea to promote the Flatbook binding for BUBU in Switzerland. I really want one!
2007
Musician and all round good guy Kieran was the big finish to the lineup. He listed some influences: Antoine and Zamir from EatSleepWork/Play and David Lynch films. Big believer in the power of Storytelling. He spent a placement at the Partners in his 2nd year, and was then approached by Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) who'd scouted his musical talent. 3rd year was spent dividing his time between music and work. Graduated and offered a job at Multistorey who believed in his ideas and pursued some interesting projects. CHANGE OF PLAN came along when he released a track with Joe Goddard 'Shapeshift' Became acquainted with Micachu. Still needed a job however as he couldn't make money without a record deal. Became involved in teaching, schoolwork where he helped children involve themselves creatively.
Spike Jonze Music Video Phacyde - Drop
Created music video with Kingston mates US Design for track Shapeshift.
Signed a record deal with Ninja Tune. Unforgettable day!
Went on tour with MF Doom, saw his face, played with remote control cars, Xbox...
Released Gob and worked alongside US again to create the album artwork identity, metal gobstopper
Still got that creative urge, despite having a promising music career ahead of him. Not ruling out a return to graphic design in the future and admits he doesn't plan to spend his whole career in the music industry.
Next step is travelling to LA.
We spoke at the end when sat with selected alumni and he had this advice to share:
- Be open to collaboration. Don't get insular with your work.
- Push your strongest work to the fore and don't spread it too thin.
Came across as a modest bloke, willing to give back to his community someday, perhaps returning to a role in teaching. Found social work a rewarding thing to get into.
All in all a pretty inspiring day.
