Interview with Ben Watkinson & Jane Crowther of G . F Smith - Reflection

Today I met with Ben Watkinson, northern sales manager, and Jane Crowther, paper consultant,  of G. F Smith. The interview took place at their Heritage Exhibition, which was on show at Leeds Beckett University's Rose Bowl.

Having already carried out two interviews with industry professionals Andrew Cottam (Foilco) and Ian Cavanagh (Pressision), I felt quite confident about talking to the pair. I had only anticipated talking with Ben, however when I arrived Jane was there also and so asked if she would take part in the interview, allowing me to get multiple perspectives and in-depth content for my third and final creative report.

Paper stock, especially from G. F Smith, is a passion within my practice. The tactile quality it provides to the physicality of print is something  that really interests me. We discussed this and what its like working for the company, the client range and perspectives on the print industry and where its headed.

This interview was so enjoyable as I really got the sense that both Ben and Jane were so very passionate about the company and proud of its heritage and standing within the creative industry. It was also fantastic to interview them both together, as it relieved my nerves and became more conversational.

Additionally, at the end of the interview, Ben and Jane asked me what  planned to do with the interview. I told them I had plans to produce a publication featuring each of the interview I had carried out with themselves, Foilco and Pressision. The told me that they would fully support the project in supplying the paper for the publication free of charge, and would also assist me in having Ian print the publication with foil from Andrew at foilco. Unfortunately to have this created in time for the module deadline was not feasible for myself or any of the interviewees as it would take more time to arrange meetings and begin developing the publication. However, this is an opportunity that I could not miss out on and therefore will be producing the publication in collaboration with each of the industry professionals over the summer. This is something I am very excited about and am so grateful for the opportunity to work with three of the most influential industry professionals to my practice.