Be confident

Rosie Williams 
Graphic and Media Design

​Something I’ve realised recently is how much I love my generation for our individuality and boldness. We are also experimental, accepting and not afraid to challenge issues that need challenging. The prospect of young people being introduced to the design industry is so important and I am excited to be a part of it. This positive attitude young people have towards sustainability, responsibility and diversity being injected into the design industry will trigger positive change.
 
This week I started an internship in London at a company called Rare Design. They are a marketing company that work primarily on brand identities and packaging design. I have been working on designing packaging for one of their clients which has been hugely beneficial to me in terms of broadening my skills. My design style is contemporary and sometimes quite abstract so working on a commercial project like this has been a really good challenge for me. I have also improved a lot on my adobe illustrator skills which is something I wanted to achieve and continue to do. Other areas I have learnt about have been their work process and how they pitch projects to clients. I’ve learnt about brand guidelines and all the details that come with branding projects. It’s been really interesting working in a professional environment and I’m enjoying it a lot so far.
 
I have genuinely loved improving my commercial design skills and developing my professional persona but as a young designer I have also recognised I must keep developing my own individual design style. I want to keep adding to the younger generation of designer’s new and exciting take on design. As well as learning new digital skills I have continued using methods that I love like screen printing.  
 
I aim to do a placement abroad if I can, as I know how beneficial this would be for me. I will experience new cultures and gather new stimulus, which will enhance my work. It’s healthy to be surrounded by different environments. It’s an effective way to soak up new information, change your perspectives and a refreshing way to learn. Throughout this year I will also continue tackling areas of my practice I am less confident in such as digital design and moving image. Despite being less confident in these fields I have been experimenting with Cinema 4D and After Effects and also realising more of my designs digitally. I love analogue design and it will always be a vital part of my process, but by introducing digital skills into my practice I will achieve; adaptability, in some cases better time efficiency and wider skills. Although I have recognised branching into digital design will benefit me, I also acknowledge the importance of analogue design. With the design world (and the world in general) becoming progressively digital, analogue design methods are dying. This way of working has so many great factors that cannot be replicated through digital design. To lose these would mean losing a fundamental part of design culture. I love the individuality and personality that comes with analogue photography and printmaking. The outcome has an organic and natural quality. There is a story and journey behind each one and it requires you to make bold and final decisions. You can’t delete something and start again or preview the final result. It encourages you to be confident and not overthink.
 
I will continue to be fuelled by the positivity of our generation and the celebration of individuality. So far this year, one of the main things I’ve learnt is how useful it is to be able to work professionally and adapt to the client but to also inject a bit of your character into your designs to make them unique. By developing an original style it reflects your enthusiasm for the field your in and also reflects who you are. I’m excited for the rest of the year and for the new opportunities that will come. I am also excited to keep on being inspired by so many young creatives and I’m keen to keep supporting the liberal attitude in order for positive change to take place.