OUGD502 - Studio Brief 1 - Creative Report - Summary and What I've Learnt

Creative Report

Summary 

Radhika is currently working at Split Studio in Leeds as a Junior designer. She comes from a mainly Fine Art background and didn’t discover Graphic Design until her Foundation course. This Fine Art influence led her to have a very conceptual approach to her design projects in university. Whilst studying at Sheffield Hallam University she was encouraged to work on things aside from traditional Graphic Design outcomes. She has a love for books which led to many of her projects being centred around typography and language.

After university she got an internship at Split where she then got a full-time job. Split consists of four team members with Radhika working under Creative Director Oli. Split mainly creates work for clients in the creative sector with the studio specialising in print and web solutions. Radhika has worked on projects for theatre shows, film festivals and Leeds College of Music etc. At Split they don’t have a definite house style, instead they tackle projects on a brief by brief basis which allows them to consider how to best approach the design.

For Radhika she aired towards a smaller studio because she liked the personal element within this setting. Before working at Split she hadn’t had a job, only work experience and internships, so this also influenced her decision to work in a smaller studio, however she said that its personal preference and she had friends that enjoyed working at a larger agency. She suggests that having experience in different studios will allow more understanding as to what type of company is right for you in terms of size, ethics and work, whilst also filling in any gaps in your knowledge as some university courses don’t prepare you completely for the industry. In hindsight she feels she could have done more of this. She expressed the importance of asking questions about anything to do with your future and that you never stop learning new things. She said that she used to put a lot of pressure on herself, however she is gradually getting a better work life / balance through experience. The industry she says is already quite stressful so adding pressure on yourself doesn’t help, instead keeping creativity fun is important.

What I’ve learnt and relate to

Splits use of experimental processes makes their work appealing to me as it is an approach I like to use in my own work. Working on projects on a brief by brief basis and not having a studio style I can relate to as my own work varies.

From Radhika’s responses there are lots of things that I can relate to both in terms of her journey and choices. I also hadn’t done Graphic Design until my foundation which I think has led me to also have quite a conceptual and experimental approach to my work which I enjoy. She was encouraged to do projects outside of traditional graphic design briefs at university as she would be doing lots of these in the industry. Considering this, working on projects that interest me next year will be important as this will be one of the best opportunities to do so and will also allow me to understand more about what I want to do. 

If going into the industry the need for experience was made clear as it will help me get a sense of what I like and don’t, as well as teaching me new things which I may have not learnt on my degree, making me more prepared for the industry. 

Radhika chose to work for a smaller studio because it was more personal, which if I was to work for a studio, I feel I would also be more inclined towards as well. Striking a balance between work and life will be important within the industry to keep the job fun. 

Asking questions and learning as much as possible was also highlighted, this will be important while I have access to the facilities and tutors. This will benefit my development and these skills and knowledge will help for the future.