Studio Visit - Lord Whitney

Lord Whitney Studio Space

Lord Whitney, founded in 2010 by duo Amy Lord and Rebekah Whitney, is a studio focused on Creative Direction, set design and art direction -  though the pair consider themselves as 'connoisseurs of make believe.'

They work on a multitude of projects spanning across different platforms and sectors, including film, advertising and television, editorial, fashion, music and also their own personal practice.

The girls met a Leeds Metropolitan University, now Leeds Beckett, whilst studying a graphic art and design course. A week before graduating in 2006, they were introduced to each other whereafter they began to develop their practice, initially in a larger collective, before establishing Lord Whitney years later. Though they admit they didn't immediately catch their big break straight out of university, their passion for creativity has ultimately lead them to huge success - working for clients including Cartier, Chambord, Vogue, Nicki Minaj and Hunger TV.

Lord Whitney's style is distinctly playful, immersive, innovative and captures strong attention to detail.

During an intimate studio visit, Amy and Rebekah spoke on their journey from university to now - providing insight and advice that was really reassuring to hear at a time when the pressure of university is beginning to take its toll.

Things I learnt from the studio visit:

• Always stay true to your style and who you are as a designer. Do what makes you happy as much as possible.

• You have to put yourself out there.

• Self initiated work will get you work, whilst driving your practice as a whole. Fund what you love doing personal work with the money you get from commercial briefs. Always develop.

• Its fine to change what you do and what you want. You don't have to be certain of what you want to do. Follow your instincts.

• Collaborate. Take inspiration from the people around you. Make and keep contacts. 

• There are people who want to be creative, and people who need to be creative.

• It is important to challenge yourself both during and after university. You have to do everything you possibly can to get what you want and where you want to be.

• Say yes to EVERYTHING, work out how later. You can never have enough experience and you have to take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way.

• Be a sponge. Take in everything that is going on in the world around you, not just from your specialist area, from everywhere. Future your creativity. 

Amy and Rebekah's talk was of great benefit to me personally. It was inspirational, reassuring and insightful. They were so down to earth, genuine and have relieved some of my anxieties concerning the future. The things I learned from the visit will stay with me throughout my time on this course and beyond.