OUGD502 - SB1 - Interview with Simon Thorpe at CreativeRace

In preparation for writing the report on an industry professional, I met with Simon Thorpe from CreativeRace, based at No.1 Leeds. During the time I spent with him, I was able to gather information about ways to break into the design industry and how professional agencies will look for particular candidates based on their portfolio.

A series of questions were prepared for the interview with Simon, which would help to gather feedback and understand what life would be like as a graphic designer after graduation.

Question 1: What is it that made you want to become a designer?

Simon - Being heavily into music, drawing identities and logos at a young age. He also says he would look through different album covers for inspiration. Intro was one company that appealed to him for their work on album covers.

Question 2: What was appealing to you about CreativeRace in particular?

Simon - After finding work with a series of freelance clients, Simon went on to work at CreativeRace because it was a very sociable environment and a 3 month assignment had recently been turned down. 

Question 3: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to break into the industry?

Simon - Try not to be disheartened by set backs and competition. Make sure you make contacts with people and get more interviews that show your portfolio. While trying to get a work placement, Ben Casey offered Simon work at The Chase in Manchester, during his search for a placement and experience. Part of working with someone is about meeting new contacts that they know. Tailor your portfolio to the employer you are applying to.

Question 4: What elements of a portfolio do you think are most important to employers?

Simon - It is better to be specific to a particular company you are applying to. Start with the most impactful work at the start of the portfolio, to grab the viewers attention. The example Simon used was his rebranding of Andrex, in which he used photographs of the iconic puppy to explain the context and then from that explain the process of the project. 

Question 5: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Simon - It is hard to determine where you would be as the industry is constantly evolving and your ambitions may also change as a result. You could work for an agency for a while, then decide that it isn't for you, so you may then decide to return to freelancing. Simon the went on to explain his own ambitions, in which he would like to become the boss of CreativeRace or start his own company as a result of his experience at the company. 

Question 6: What do you think went well in my portfolio and what would need to be improved?

Simon - Talking about the things you were interested in was clearly shown when presenting your ideas, however I think it is important to give the audience a story to follow when presenting. Start by identifying the outcome and then the progress to that outcome, with the connections to marketing, branding etc.