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| Build Studio |
Build is an award-winning creative agency with an international reputation for creating 'strong visual narratives.' The studio utilises art direction and graphic design to create brand identities, websites, packaging and books for clients around the world. Some of these clients include Virgin America, Made.com, Getty Images and Nike, as well as a number of independent businesses, designer-makers, and events.
Practicing graphic design, art direction, image making, moving image, and typography, Build specialise in creating visual communications for 'forward-thinking clients' in the creative sectors.
Michael C Place, co-founder and creative director of the agency, studied Graphic Design at Newcastle College from 1988–1990. He openly talks about leaving before graduating in order to follow his dream of designing record sleeves, something that stems from his passion for music which has undoubtedly shaped his career in design. Michael notes Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Saxon and Black Sabbath record sleeves as key point of inspiration early in his design journey. Michael's initial career prospects were to be an architect due to his experience with technical drawing, however came to a turning point when his art teacher introduced graphic design to him through a book. After leaving school Michael did an art foundation in Scarborough. He has a strong interest in typography and Letraset, which he collects.
After gaining experience at various studios in London, Michael joined influential graphics studio The Designers Republic in Sheffield, where he worked for 9 years. Whilst there he produced some of the best-known works of the studio that have since earned a place in cultural history due as a result of their influential stature.
In 2000 Michael met his wife, with who he co-founded Build. They both quit their jobs and took a break from the design world to embark on a 10-month world trip, returning in 2001 to found Build.
Since founding the agency, Build has moved premises several times. Originally working from a basement flat in Camden, the agency has since worked in Fulham, Clapham, and then Walthamstow where they stayed for 15 years. Following this, Michael and his wife moved back up north to a studio in Leeds (Michael grew up on a Farm in Bedale, North Yorkshire). They now live in Otley, Leeds.
Advice
After gaining experience at various studios in London, Michael joined influential graphics studio The Designers Republic in Sheffield, where he worked for 9 years. Whilst there he produced some of the best-known works of the studio that have since earned a place in cultural history due as a result of their influential stature.
In 2000 Michael met his wife, with who he co-founded Build. They both quit their jobs and took a break from the design world to embark on a 10-month world trip, returning in 2001 to found Build.
Since founding the agency, Build has moved premises several times. Originally working from a basement flat in Camden, the agency has since worked in Fulham, Clapham, and then Walthamstow where they stayed for 15 years. Following this, Michael and his wife moved back up north to a studio in Leeds (Michael grew up on a Farm in Bedale, North Yorkshire). They now live in Otley, Leeds.
Advice
- Don't be a slave to current trend.
- It's important to keep being excited about design.
- Outside influences are important, they provide richer work.
- Self-imposed rules are important.
- Work for someone else before you work on your own.
- The business side of design is hard, but you must pay attention to this part of the job.
- Don't specialise in one sector.
All of the advice given by Michael is of great benefit considering the uncertainty working in the industry brings. I too believe it is important to keep being excited by design, and letting it and other passions influence your practice. The only exception being the advice to not specialise in one sector, as I believe if you can do something well, you should become a master of that practice and become the go-to for your specialism.
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