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Advice

Words of wisdom from a host of creatives covering a variety of topics, from preparing portfolios to studying and side projects.
On Clients
On Portfolios
On Side Projects
On Starting Out
On Studying
On Portfolios

“Always throw in something extra; something unexpected”

Miranda Bolter, Design Director
On Portfolios

“Never apologise for dodgy ideas: take them out or redo them”

Michael Johnson, Creative Director
On Portfolios

“Only show work you’re proud of – it will lead to being commissioned to do more of the same. ”

Holly Hay, Photography Editor
On Portfolios

“Make sure your work is the main event: don’t over-design your portfolio”

Hannah Caughlin, Graphic Design Consultant
On Portfolios

“Don’t spend lots of money creating something with clever wizardry – the simpler the better”

Helen Parker, Head of Illustration at Blink Art
On Starting Out

“I’ve never met anybody who really, really wanted to do this and couldn’t”

Paula Scher, Graphic Designer
On Studying

“Take the time to reflect on what you’ve achieved. Let yourself feel damn good about it”

Roshni Goyate, Freelance Copywriter
On Studying

“It will always boil down to: Is there a good idea or not?”

Kai Hsiung, Managing Director at RSA Films
On Studying

“The only person standing in your way is yourself”

Lucy Hardcastle, Interdisciplinary Designer and Digital Artist
On Studying

“A course doesn’t have to feel like a perfect fit”

Alice Stewart, Illustrator
On Studying

“Returning to university is a big and potentially risky decision, but it is an investment in your future”

Theo Inglis, Graphic Designer and Writer
On Studying

“Don’t be afraid of producing work you like, instead of what you think other people will like”

Xanthe Simmans, Graphic Designer and Illustrator
On Side Projects

“Find someone to throw an idea at (no matter how crap)”

Sam T Smith, Graphic Designer
On Side Projects

“You don’t have to live for the job you do. Creative satisfaction can come from anywhere”

Ben Smith, Graphic Designer
On Side Projects

“Talk about your project with people to make it a reality”

Maisie Willoughby, Art Buyer and Creative Producer
On Side Projects

“Find a very motivated friend to help spur you on to complete your side project”

Barbara Ryan, Art Director
On Side Projects

“Think big – it might not make you a fortune or change the world, but there’s no harm in making that the aim”

Nick Asbury, Copywriter
On Portfolios

“Treat it like a strict brief with clear objectives”

Mark Hurrell, Designer
On Portfolios

“People always remember the worst thing on your showreel, so don’t feel you need to pad it out for the sake of length”

Grant Orchard, Filmmaker
On Clients

“Clients can be both good and bad yet both pay you money (if you’re lucky)”

Grant Orchard, Filmmaker
On Studying

“Treat it like a job, even a part time one”

Grant Orchard, Filmmaker
On Side Projects

“My advice (learnt through painful experience) is to start your side projects small”

Grant Orchard, Filmmaker
On Starting Out

“Don’t be an arsehole and don’t smell”

Grant Orchard, Filmmaker
On Clients

“It’s not what happens it’s how you deal with it, because shit will happen”

David McKendrick, Art Director and Graphic Designer
On Portfolios

“Be honest – don’t put shit in that you didn’t do”

David McKendrick, Art Director and Graphic Designer
On Starting Out

“Take a Stroll”

Laura Pannack, Photographer
On Starting Out

“In time, you realise that money is not made, it is earned.”

Astrid Stavro, Graphic Designer
On Studying

“Work fast, put on a show, and be brave”

Luke Evans, Artist and Photographer
On Side Projects

“Don’t put off the projects you’ve always wanted to do”

Alice Tye, Artist and Illustrator
On Starting Out

“The best ideas always come when you’re least expecting them so in order to catch them when they appear you need to show up”

Andrew Rae, Illustrator
On Portfolios

“Have a website but make sure it showcases your talents above all else”

Kyle Bean, Set Designer and Illustrator
On Studying

“Relax and be true to your instincts and passions as that will give you the motivation to do great work”

Kyle Bean, Set Designer and Illustrator
On Side Projects

“For your own personal creative development and happiness, side projects are very important. Don’t always think about the next pay cheque job”

Kyle Bean, Set Designer and Illustrator
On Side Projects

“Something that makes you happy is just as important as something that makes you money; In fact, even more so”

Darren Firth, Design Director
On Side Projects

“Personal projects allow you to explore and define yourself creatively on your own terms”

Rob Peart, Graphic Designer
On Starting Out

“I think as a young creative the most valuable thing you can bring to your profession, and those around you, is energy and enthusiasm”

Rob Peart, Graphic Designer
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Advice, insight and inspiration for the next generation of creatives

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