Just do you!

Lucie Walmsley 
​Graphic & Media Design


Working under the brand name Lucie Lemonade, my specialism involves exploring materiality and how different materials change the perception of design. Combining my photography work that analyses individuals and their personalities and the notion of escapism through dance. Embarking on the Diploma in professional studies I expect to learn an extensive amount about the direction I wish the specialise further. The opportunity will allow me to build up confidence, through working in studios as well as discover new skills and develop existing ones. Giving me an in-depth understanding and first-hand experience I will need to succeed as a creative professional.


To start my DPS year, I am flying to Berlin tomorrow to work at Any Studio as a graphics intern for the next 3 months. At the studio, I will be working on client briefs such as Hellerau - a European centre for the arts and The High bar, a drinking spot located in Munich. I will also be taking control of studio documentation and creating content for their social media platforms. As I start work on Monday, I have become slightly nervous about the experience, as I have only worked in a studio for a couple of days previously. A perfect example of when my anxiety can do its thing! :( … the fear of the unknown. 


From the very beginning of showing interest in doing the year in industry, I always knew I wanted to go to Berlin to work in a studio, so my current plans have followed my expectations and aspirations made in the initial proposal. Working at a studio that's identity aligns with my own and who’s clients are largely independent and cultural organisations, which is an important element to me. My aim is to design that holds a purpose within society and which creates an atmosphere for discussion. Designers hold a responsibility to use their skills proactively, to initiate change from the smallest issues to the largest. Upholding the proposals made in Ken Garland’s First Things First Manifesto originally published in 1964. My move to Berlin in mid-September shifts my timeline for the whole duration of DPS, meaning I will come back to London in January to work at another studio. This will be arranged on my days off whilst on my internship at Any Studio. 


Not to bring it up again… but the uncertainty of Brexit and what implications this will cause later on in my career has been playing on my mind recently. Political changes (could) make it incredibly difficult to move across Europe to work in design studios after I graduate as countries in Europe (could) introduce a mandatory visa which means permissions to work in the country will only be granted if you are earning more than 30k a year… which certainly isn’t the salary of a Junior Graphic Designer… Regardless of this, I am just going to continue as normal, as we don’t know what the future holds and everything surrounding Brexit is hypothetical.  


When the internship was offered to be four weeks ago I started to reach out to people in Berlin, which has meant arranging meetups with other creatives based in the city. On my days off from the studio, I plan on arranging a photographic collaboration with my friend Lin, who has lived in the city for most of her life. The plan is to collaborate on an initial project involving pairing personalises and people with textures, which could lead to editorial designs and the incorporation of typography. Being in Berlin also allows me to grab inspiration from a new city, I have set out to document every little thing that catches my attention over the next three months. 

Documentation across the city in the first few days.