Tell us a little bit about you… What role do you do in AA9?
I’m a Senior Creative specialising in print design. I started working for Anytime After Nine as a Junior designer when the world was still in black and white. I’ve been here for over 24 years now and could easily be mistaken for a piece of antique furniture.
What does a typical week look like for you?
No two days are the same therefore a typical week doesn’t really exist. This might well be why I’ve stayed here so long as every day is a fresh new challenge.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
First and foremost I need my fix of freshly ground coffee. Then I’ll run through emails and review any project feedback from clients.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Although I’m in the art business, I’m terrible at drawing, however, I find scamping out ideas or simply doodling before starting most projects is essential.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Usually my Daughter insisting I wake up.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere in the world around me, often when I least expect it too. MCRs Northern Quarter is a hive of creative activity so having an office here is wonderful. It’s fair to say many ideas first hatch on the walk into work.
What’s the secret to running a successful project from start to finish?
I don’t think there’s any big secret to it. As long as the brief is clear and concise, ample time is allocated for creative thinking and regular client contact is kept then nine times out of ten it will be a success
Best advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received lots of useful advice over the years but one thing I still practice today is starting any new logo concepts in black and white. Once you’ve secured a strong mark the rest is just colouring in!
What is your favourite thing about working at AA9?
Without doubt the team that surrounds me. Some of us have been together over 20 years. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and we have developed into a seamless team – bringing the best out of each other, enabling us to deliver projects ‘on brief’ time and time again.
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