Postcard from Stockholm

OLLY CORPS
GRAPHIC & MEDIA DESIGN

Hey!

​Its been good hearing about everyone's experiences on here and helped me overcome writers block (or procrastination). My first placement on DPS has led me out to Stockholm working with a branding agency, Bold Scandinavia (6 weeks done, 3 to go). Its been great to spend a few weeks in a area of the world that has always been of inspiration to me.

Its a medium sized company with a some big clients and I guess that with comes pros and cons. I feel that I would definitely like to compare this experience with that of a smaller studio. Along the way there have been some great moments and also a few flat notes, but I'm very happy to have had this experience in a area of world that greatly inspires me. Not having to work a part time job on evenings/weekends any more has been a godsend. This has allowed me to work on developing new design skills in the evenings at times when my studio jobs weren't so inspiring. I am looking forward to being able to have a second internship so that I can establish more context for my thoughts. Until then, heres some musings on life both in design and Sweden.

1. Pixel perfect is not a figure of speech
2. More anchor points, more problems
3. My affection for cinnamon buns is growing in direct correlation to my waist line.
4. Boredom can be an interesting catalyst for creativity. 
5. I realize the importance of maintaining a creative activity/side project to keep the creative fires alive during tedious periods in the studio.
6. Some designers I work with seem really impressed that we get the chance to do DPS, which made me feel very thankful to have this year.
7. Work/life balance is something that is more visible in Stockholm compared to London. The culture is a lot more laid back. At times I miss the energy and adrenaline of London but also feel more relaxed here. I'm from Cornwall (ie near lots of coast) so maybe Stockholm's proximity to the sea makes it quite a natural city for me.
8. (Despite your best intentions) Professional design can throw some curveballs at your principles and not all can be avoided. I feel the best thing is be able to reflect and adapt to these experiences so they can be avoided in the future.
9. Not all corporations are created equal. 
10. During DPS, establishing what you don't like about the creative industries is as important as discovering what you like.

Ciao for now!