Full name/age/job title:

Sophie Stubbs/25/Graphic Designer

Please give us an overview of your average day.

Well every day is different depending on what jobs we have on. We start the day with a morning meeting to discuss the progress of all the current projects. I’ve been told our office is a bit like something out of Mad Men, where we lie on sofas and let the creative juices flow. As there are only two of us in the company, we both have a very involved role in each project that comes in and goes out.

Most of the time, my boss Lex and I have differing opinions on designs, so you can imagine that this sometimes results in somewhat heated debate. All fuel for the engine though! I think it is important in any creative process to allow yourself to open up to being judged – otherwise you never really learn anything and your ideas are in danger of becoming stagnant and laboured.

I also keep artistically active outside of the day job with my involvement in Glasgow PodcART and attending All The Young Nudes life drawing class, while finding time to develop my own artwork.

What is the most common misconception about your job?

That we are all computer geeks! A lot of projects involve very hands on organic work, so I get to do a lot of sketching, playing and experimenting. I think people’s tastes are now beginning to step back from a more polished aesthetic and are embracing a more hand drawn approach, which looks more unique and individual.

What is the hardest thing about your role?

Compromise – finding a happy medium between yourself, your own design knowledge/tastes, and what the client wants. It is difficult to let your head overrule your heart when you create a design or concept that you really believe in but the client “doesn’t really get it”.

When did you decide what you wanted to do with your life and how did you set out to achieve it?

I’ve always known that I wanted to do something creative. I am suppose I’m quite lucky because there was nothing else I ever imagined myself doing and I was really encouraged during the early years at primary and high school to persue art as a career. I was also lucky in that I absolutely loved what I was doing and had the freedom to explore techniques and themes at school and at Glasgow School of Art. I worked all the time, but I didn’t see it as work because I enjoyed it so much.

What can you do to get a head start?

The best advice I could give would be to build up a substantial portfolio. Always keep sketchbooks, even if you just write in them. Do as much work experience as you can because in the big bad world after art school, design agencies want to see that you don’t just have your head in the clouds thinking up crazy concepts. They want to see that you can complete briefs to a high standard and on time. Sounds a bit dull, I know, but if you can do this along with having the creative imagination, then you will be able to handle the commercial graphic design world.

Could you describe the creative element to your job?

Creating visual concepts that a wide audience can engage with. This is done through whichever means necessary. How best to get the message across is always unique to each project.

What one thing do you wish you had known at the start of your career that you know now?

It’s not always about you!

Which organisations/websites/resources do you think would be useful for people entering your industry?

Laurence King Publishing – excellent creative books

Central Station – social network for creative types

It’s Nice That – art and design blog

Human Resources – art and design blog

For more information about Sophie’s work, visit her website.

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