A little about me
I'm Col, (short for Colin) I'm a 50 year old gay man that lives on a boat called Herbie with his dog, Lambie. I'm a passionate designer, often having opinions about opinions but will always be respectful of others. I've been called a bald headed hippy, (not sure how I feel about that... but hey) because I'm very much about nature, sustainability, community and treating others with empathy and understanding.
Work history
My career has been sporadic to say the least, I have been very lucky to work with some amazing brands and to learn grow and evolve as a designer. I would say the most important job I have ever had was at Tesco.com which was a baptism of fire. This was the place where I got to understand the importance of team work, collaboration, branding, user interface and more importantly the end user... the audience, because if you fail the end user, then who is going to buy the product and ultimately pay your bills? I have always been a designer that most recruiters have no idea where to place because as my old boss Matt Harris said of me "Col is a one man studio, he can go from building a brand, growing the brand and then evolving a brand and help sustaining a brand because he has so many design skills."
Design history
Many people assume that I have done design all my life...not in the slightest. Previously before working in design, I spent my 20's working either behind a bar, as a waiter and then ending up in Finance.
At the age of 30 I decided that rather than working in jobs that had no career progression, I would go to university to study Graphic Design. I enrolled (at 31 years old) at BCUC - Amersham in September 2005 to do a HND in Graphic Design & Illustration, this lead to going to BCUC - High Wycombe in 2007 to do a BA in Graphic Design & Illustration where I graduated with a 2.1 Hons. (Age 35)
Currently, I’m doing a part time course in Product Design to help improve my UX knowledge and streamline my processes.
Mental Health
For many years, I suffered anxiety, because of my nature, I tried finding ways of fixing myself including yoga, meditation, music and books. This has lead me to a passion of understanding, informing and educating others of the importance of mental well-being, hence why I'm i'm studying an MSc in psychology and neuroscience.
As a designer, I am a visual conduit in order to help others process their visual communication needs.
As a designer, I view myself as a visual conduit, facilitating effective visual communication for others. This is why it's crucial as a designer to be ego-free and open to criticism. By setting aside personal ego and embracing constructive feedback, I can better understand and meet the unique communication needs of clients and audiences. This approach fosters collaboration, encourages growth, and ultimately results in design solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, highly effective in conveying the intended message.
My workplace beliefs
Why it's important that a designer understands all aspects of design?
A designer's comprehensive understanding of all aspects of design is crucial because it enables effective communication across the business. When a designer grasps the creative, psychological, and empathetic elements of design, they can bridge the gap between aesthetics and functionality, making it easier to convey the brand's message, values, and objectives. This holistic approach ensures that design decisions align with the company's goals and resonate with the intended audience, resulting in more impactful and meaningful visual communication that can drive business success.
Why I believe that brand design is important at the initial stage of building a business?
Brand design is pivotal at the initial stages of building a business because it sets the foundation for the company's identity. It dictates the colors, typography, art direction, and tone of voice, both in copy and visually, which are essential elements in defining the brand's personality and values. This cohesive visual and verbal identity not only helps establish a strong and memorable presence but also ensures consistency in all customer touchpoints, building trust and recognition from day one. It's the visual and emotional face of the business, making it a vital component in shaping how the world perceives and connects with the brand.
My beliefs in mentoring new designers and creating a safe space for them to grow and evolve.
Mentoring new designers and fostering a safe space for their growth and evolution is a fundamental belief of mine. It's not just about passing on skills, but about nurturing creativity, boosting confidence, and instilling a sense of exploration. By providing support, guidance, and constructive feedback, it empowers the next generation of designers to flourish, innovate, and contribute fresh perspectives to the field, ultimately strengthening the entire design community.
Why it's important to create a safe space for a designer in order that they can give the best to the company?
Creating a safe space for designers is essential to enable them to give their best to the company. Such an environment encourages designers to take creative risks, share innovative ideas, and collaborate openly. When designers feel secure and supported, they can fully invest themselves in their work, resulting in more inspired and authentic contributions to the company's success. Additionally, having a well-defined design process is crucial for a company as it streamlines workflows, ensures consistency, and maximizes efficiency. A structured process helps avoid miscommunication, minimizes errors, and ultimately leads to higher quality design outcomes, which is vital for brand integrity and achieving business objectives.