Printerview: Industry Contacts & First Professional Printers Experience

A result of interviews undertaken for PPP last year, 'Printerview' is a publication produced in collaboration with G . F Smith, Pressision Print, and Foilco. 

The publication features interview content from Ben Watkinson and Jane Crowther of G . F Smith, Ian Cavanagh of Pressision Print, and Andrew Cottam, formerly of Foilco before a recent move to Fenner Paper. I conducted the three interviews separately last year, though the same questions regarding the power of creative print and finishing were asked, alongside more company-specific questions also.

As a part of Extended Practise, this project allowed me to re-establish contact with those involved, affirming them as industry contacts. This gave them the opportunity to amend/confirm the original transcripts from the interview before I started designing while re-opening conversational channels.

The publication uses G . F Smith Paper, Foilco foil on the cover, and was printed by Pressision.

'Printerview' is my first professionally-printed publication, the experience of which was completely new to me. Ensuring the files were print ready, approving proofs and dealing with missing type files were all a part of the experience, which was admittedly at times stressful. That said, I am very happy with the publication, and Ian couldn't have been any more supportive of the project since the first interview. I feel the experience has taught me what to expect from printers, and what they expect from me. 

Thanks to the involvement of G . F Smith, Pressision and Foilco, the publication was able to be produced at a discounted cost of £120, for which I am very grateful for. I had 20 copies produced, and plan to send all parties involved a copy, with thanks. 

PPP III Presentation, Notes & Reflection

Notes

1. Name, introducing self.

2-6. Self Branding. 

'Not Just For Show' Studio. Practice of high-end/highly crafted print design with aesthetic quality - underpinned by concept and function. (Not Superficial). 

Crown logo inspired by origin of name: Stephen (Stephanos) means Crown in Greek. Supports luxury intentions of studio. 

Identity created in first year, developed and refined over three years.

Typeface: Georgia 

Colour: White, Pantone 289 C, & Gold.

Paper: G . F Smith Colorplan Imperial Blue (Previously Gmund Treasury Beauty [Discontinued])

Custom wax seal featuring NJFS crown emblem used for studio communication. Communication is tactile and print based, representative of practice.

NJFS Studio visual language applied to website and CV.

7-12. Creative Practice

Practice focusing on print-based editorial/book design, stationary, branding & identity. Want to work with/for aspirational/luxury clients. 

Projects from 1-3 year. 

Significant project from this year - 'Printerview.' Interviews from PPP Level 5 turned into publication on the power of print and finishing in creative industry. In collaboration with Ben Watkinson & Jane Crowther (G.F Smith), Ian Cavanagh (Pressision) and Andrew Cottam (Foilco). First experience of working with professional printers. A little bi stressful preparing files but rewarding. Relationship with Ian led to free business cards printed by Pressision.

13-16. Live Briefs

Collaboration with Shelley - Starpack Student Awards, Brief to design a range/set of 3 Luxury Tea tins (Sponsored by Metal Packaging Association). Shortlisted in Awards. 

Brand Identity and Look-book for Louise Jessup, friend made on foundation. Studying fashion at Kingston University, London. Stressful working with friend. Difficult setting boundaries between friend/client.

Dan Air Diaries - most personal project. Retrospective book for Mum about life as a former air stewardess for airline. Good portfolio piece due to personal nature.

17-20. Engagement

Attended a number of events and workshops including 3 Career Track Tuesdays (Networking, Professionalism and Recruiting Creative Graduates), 2 Glug Events (Christmas Carol and Ladies Wine & Design VS. Glug), Matt Essam freelancing workshop and G . F Smith Paper City/Factory Tour.

Sent out Happy New Year mailers using self-branding visual language/correspondence style (foiled, wax sealed etc.) in hopes of securing a placement. Ignored by all but one, Studio Noel. Featured on their instagram and invited for a portfolio review in the future. Also achieved further instagram engagement from SO Creative agency (dream place to work) in the form of a follow and comment on work.

21-23. Placement

Securing placement one of the most challenging things ever done at university. Knew it wouldn't be easy but shocked at the amount of ignorance from studios/agencies. Tried multiple methods of contact  (Mailers, email, LinkedIn etc.) with no luck. Had multiple tutorials with Alec - not doing anything wrong, persevere.

Used relationship with G . F Smith (Ben Watkinson & Jane Crowther from Interview, and Steve Taylor who gave factory tour) to secure placement at G . F Smith, Hull, from the 21st-25th May. Will be working in a  number of positions, including the company's Make a Book service - relevant to practise.

24. Life After University 

After university I plan to apply for placements, internships and junior designer roles at print-based studios and agencies. I would ideally like to work for a smaller agency.

I would like to freelance, operate my own studio one day but feel it is important to continue learning from others/experience the industry more first.

Perhaps one day have my own business - Luxury stationary.

Also interested in interiors and interior styling - another potential career path.

25. Thanks

Reflection

Prior to the presentation I was very nervous and anxious as I hate being looked at/the focus of attention. I tried to alleviate some of the anxiety by being upfront and honest about my fear before starting. While there were nerves, I believe I managed to communicate the necessary information and remain composed throughout, which I am somewhat proud of. 

Feedback included that eye-contact would have been beneficial to those being presented to, but this is something I need to work on quite significantly. Additionally, Alec suggested that perhaps the 'extra' method of initial contact is best reserved for follow up contact, as then my time isn't wasted and I can gage the most appropriate form of contact.

Visiting Professional - Abbie Moakes

Abbie Moaks is a designer at Creative Communications Agency We Are Vista, which specialises in events though is expanding into design and film. She graduated 2 years ago from Leeds Arts University.

Notes

• Starting out, Abbie tried to make her CV and portfolio different, with more 'edge.'
• She found her first internship and job on LinkedIn.
• Whilst at LAU, gained industry experience from Ralph The Agency.
• First Job at UYR, a full service print and design facility in Pontefract - working typically across the bar, restaurant and dining sector.
• Now works at We Are Vista as a junior designer. 

As a junior designer, Abbie works on art working, idents, and collateral. She works with more senior designers and the head of design, though is given opportunities to work individually.

Advice

• When looking for design jobs, look at turn around times - how frequently people stay at the job for. This usually indicates if the studio/agency has progression potentials or if roles are short-lived.
• Know what it is you are looking for in a studio.
• Explore recruitment agencies - Craft, Type and Book.
• Use LinkedIn - Its not what you know, its who you know.
• Go to portfolio reviews - WPA Pinfold.
• Networking is key.
• Ensure you have business cards, especially important for the End of Year Show.
• Don't disregard larger agencies. 
• Artworking is part of the job.
• Deadlines are tight.
• Hard work is rewarding.
• You should have around 8 pieces of work in your portfolio. 

List of Studios/Agencies Contacted

London

Dot Studio http://dot-studio.org/6f29off9b2fvj28ipjmmjfb9qd6hlf (Mailer, no reply)

Without https://without.studio (Mailer, no reply)

Rose https://www.rosedesign.co.uk (email, reply, no placement opportunity)

Y Wilson http://y-wilson.com (Mailer, no reply)

Twelve Studio http://twelve-studio.co.uk (email, reply, would 'get back' to me)

Studio Noel http://studionoel.co.uk (Mailer, Reply, Invited for portfolio review but no placement)

Charlie Smith Design http://www.charliesmithdesign.com (Mailer, no reply)

Wednesday https://wednesdayagency.com (Mailer, no reply)

Made Thought http://www.madethought.com (Mailer, no reply)

Spinach https://spinachdesign.com (email, no reply)

SO Creative https://www.socreative.co.uk (email, reply, no placement opportunity. Insta follow & comment)

Leeds

Passport http://www.wearepassport.com (email, no reply)

Cotton Letterpress https://www.socreative.co.uk (email, reply, no placement opportunity)

Our Creative https://www.our-creative.com (LinkedIn message to alumni, followed by email, no reply, request to connect on LinkedIn, ignored)

On Fire http://onfire.agency (Family member, LinkedIn connection accepted, messages ignored)

UK Greetings https://www.ukgreetings.co.uk (Attended careers fair at uni, left details, emailed, no reply)

Pure Agency http://www.pureagency.co.uk (email, no reply)

Manchester

Only Studio https://onlystudio.co.uk (email, no reply)

Hull

Strawberry https://strawberry.co.uk (email, reply, potential placement once graduated)

Redsky http://yesyesbd.com (email, no reply)

YesYesBD http://yesyesbd.com (email, no reply)

Blink Agency https://blink.agency (email, no reply)

Ewens http://ewencom.com (email, no reply)