Creative thought can be a winner
Oct 4 2007
by Our Correspondent, Western Mail
NEW technology and a more sophisticated approach to branding in business have led to a boom in design work in Wales, yet competition for jobs remains higher than ever.
The UK design sector has grown to be worth £11.6bn a year, making it the largest in Europe, and Wales has enjoyed its fair share of the business.
A government report earlier this year, called High Level Skills for Higher Value, recognised the importance of the sector to the British economy.
It acted as a blueprint to prepare the industry for the future, recommending schools, colleges and universities forge closer links with employers and focus on a joined-up approach to design training to ensure the UK stays at the forefront of world design.
But, while the industry waits for these recommendations to be acted upon, it remains a challenge for would-be designers to get jobs.
Chris Carpenter, who co-founded brand communications agency Stills in Cardiff in 1981, has witnessed the growth of the industry in Wales and understands the plight of people wanting to work in the sector.
“The creative industries here have seen an explosion, especially over the past five years. Cardiff in particular has led the way in the design sector but it is also thriving in Newport and Swansea and is pretty strong throughout Wales.
“In theory this means there are a lot more opportunities but, with so many people wanting to get into the design industry, competition is fiercer than ever. So it’s important that people make informed decisions to give themselves the best possible chance of getting their foot in the door.”
To this end, Chris suggests the best route to take begins with A-level art, followed by a foundation course in art design and then a degree in graphic design or a design-related area.
“A-level design technology is OK but I wouldn’t recommend doing it without A-level art, which is much more important,” said Chris.
“Similarly, while you can go straight from A-level to a degree, the foundation course is an invaluable bridge between the two. It allows you to sample the many aspects of the creative industries so you can make the right decision on what to specialise in.”
In addition to paper qualifications, there are other qualities Chris recommends would-be designers focus on to give them an edge in the career stakes.
Creativity is vital, of course, but beyond that, designers need good software skills, should be excellent communicators and problem solvers and should understand how business works.
“We’ve just recruited two more designers at Stills and, of course, we’re an established agency so we’re bound to attract plenty of speculative applications.
“But it is important that young designers don’t just look at the well-known agencies like us.
“The most important advice I can give to anyone is to get as much experience as you can, from wherever you can.
“Get freelance work and, above all, get your foot in the door.
“And, while you’re doing this, take every opportunity to build up a good portfolio. It doesn’t necessarily have to be high-profile work but it should demonstrate the thought process, the application and the attention to detail.”
Once you are in a job it can be a very rewarding career and, with Britain aiming to stay at the forefront in design, the world could be your oyster.
For further information on Design training and careers opportunities, contact:
n Design Business Association: www.dba.org.uk
n Uwic (Howard Gardens): www.csad.uwic.ac.uk
n Newport University: http://artschool.newport.ac.uk
n Stills: www.stillsdesign.com