As a designer I am always encouraging my clients to tell their story via their Social Media accounts, graphics & direct mail. It’s so important, especially as a small business, to show the people behind-the-brand. That’s what everyone loves to see!
On this note, I thought it was about time I shared my story with you – all about how Somerset Design Studio came to be! I hope it inspires you to share yours. Please read on…
I have always loved everything creative! Starting at school with a passion for Art, D.T & Photography! I then went on to graduate at Bournemouth University with a Degree in Interior Design… So why am I now doing what I do, instead of fluffing pillows??
I started my early career straight out of University designing shop refits which I loved, and I got excited about the psychology behind retail purchasing and merchandising! I have also had brief experience working within the interior design world as an assistance designer, designing show homes… which was amazing but just not for me!
I then ended up as a Creative Manager managing all the graphic requirements for Foot Shop Ltd to ensuring all work was completed to the brand guidelines, time scale and budget.
I started working closely with print suppliers to choose correct printing methods, papers, materials and quantities for specific projects including catalogues, flyers, packaging, POS and inserts. Which broadened my knowledge within the graphics/print/marketing world. I then got promoted to Catalogue Manager where I managed the Production of 25 catalogues per year, totalling approx. 3.5 million copies pre anumn. Including the management & critique of brand photography shoots, ensuring all imagery was suitable for through the line campaigns online and offline, for stockists and the end consumer. I daily worked with marketeers, copy writers, agencies, merchandising & analytic teams.
I was lucky enough to manage these projects from initial brief through to completion of project ensuring the development was in line with all other marketing activity including TV ads, social media and online advertising.
With all this experience I started doing some freelance graphic design work with some local businesses which led to me feeling so passionate about helping other businesses. This is when SDS evolved. I was missing the designing bit myself!! And to this day I love working with local businesses to design, evolve brand & creative. I have been so lucky to have been on both sides of the creative process, the briefing and the designing and just get joy from you getting good customer feedback because of their experience of your brand. I also love drawing on my iPad and being arty, hence the prints and cards, which also makes me so happy when you want them in your homes.
I would love to tell your story too. If you’d like some help in doing this effectively, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
