In the previous blog post in this series, Lu explained the route she took to becoming a graphic designer. In this follow up blog post, I will tell you how my career in graphic design came about.

Unlike Lu, I was not always destined to work in the graphic design industry. Whilst I enjoyed Art at school, I certainly was not very good at it and could never produce the pieces of work you saw in Lu’s previous blog post. Throughout my primary and secondary education I did not show any interest or skill for graphic design and I was certain that I wanted to leave school at 16 and start some sort of modern apprenticeship. (more…)

I think I always knew I was going to slot into the art and design industry somewhere and am so pleased that I have a job I love. I can’t imagine doing anything else. In this blog post I share the route that led me to become a graphic designer and how I always knew I’d end up there.

Like most children I’d sit quite happily at a table colouring or painting away. My brother and sister got bored after an hour or so and would charge into the garden, but I’d continue until I was told it was tea or bed time. (more…)

As you may or may not know, Eightyone Design is made up of two designers, myself (Lucinda - or Lu) and my partner Steve. A recent project (which had an extremely tight deadline) caused us to have a (heated) discussion as to whether we produce better design work under pressure or to a distant deadline. This brought up two very different opinions on the subject so we decided to post our very different points of view.

This is the first of a two part blog post in which I explore the idea of not only working more effectively under pressure but also producing better quality work when working to deadlines. The second part of this blog post will be published in a few weeks and will see Steve delve into the arguably blissful world of no deadlines or pressure (to make sure you do not miss out on the second part of ‘Do you produce better graphic design work under pressure?’ be sure to subscribe to receive free updates from the Eightyone Design Blog by email or via RSS).

Part 1

I have to admit I quite enjoy working to a deadline. There is a certain buzz about having a great long list of items to complete before the day is out. For me there isn’t a better feeling than leaving the office knowing I’ve done a good days work. I believe that the quality of my design work is considerably better when working under pressure and here are a few reasons why… (more…)

As freelance graphic designers we enjoy a lot of freedom; the freedom to work from home - in a comfortable environment, the freedom to work the hours that are suitable for us and the freedom to decline projects that we think just aren’t right for us.

One freedom I particularly enjoy, which I’ve never really noticed until now, is the freedom to wear what we want. From working at home in your favourite jogging bottoms or your fluffy pj’s to meeting clients in jeans and Led Zeppelin t-shirts, we have the choice to present ourselves as we see fit.

I usually dress quite smart, particularly if I am meeting a client (especially if it’s for the first time). It’s often the norm to find graphic designers, photographers and artists in a more casual dress code and I believe it is acceptable due to the creative industry we are in. I don’t think it compromises our professionalism or work ethic. I love the Mac vs PC adverts and think the difference in dress demonstrates the difference between a “creative” and “non creative” excellently.

(more…)