Creative Report: Contacting Designers

In order to start developing my connections with designers within industry I've identified a number os studios and designers whose work I admire. In order to get something out of making the creative report I've chosen to focus on designers who've set up on there own in order to gain advice and perspective as this is something I would like to do in the future. Therefore I contacted some studios identified earlier such as Hungry Sandwich Club and Alphabet, as well as designers I've found and followed over the year such as Benjamin Craven, Ben Mottershead.

Hungry Sandwich Club:

Hi, Andy and Martin 

Hope your both doing good, I’m currently doing some research into designers who have set up on their own and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions, as you where both very helpful last time. 

Why did you both choose to set up on your own, was there a specific event that made you want to go out on your own?

How did you find the first year of running your own studio, was it difficult to finds clients?

Do you think working in industry before setting up on your own would off helped you in the first year of running your own studio? 

What has been the hardest part of running the Hungary Sandwich Club?

What advice would you give someone considering setting up on their own straight out on University?

Kind Regards, 

Neve Ball 

Benjamin Craven: 

Hi Benjamin,

I hope you well,  I’m a graphic student as Leeds Arts University currently doing some research into designers who have set up on their own and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions as I really like the work you do, especially your recent Look Mate London, love the jazzy socks.

Questions:

What was it like setting up your own practice after leaving university, was there anything your where concern about when setting up on your own?

What has been the hardest part of setting up one your own?

Do you think your distinct style has helped you stand out and build a client base?

Why did you choose to set up on your own rather than going into industry first?

Kind Regards,

Neve Ball 

Franklyn:

Hi, 

I hope your all well, I’m a graphic student as Leeds Arts University currently doing some research into designers who have set up on their own and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions as I really like the work you do especially the studio section of you website. I was wondering what made you incorporate the hidden aspects to the illustrations of each staff member?

What do you think are the key aspects your approach to design that allows you to succeed as a studio? 

What was the hardest part of running your studio went you first set up on your own?

Why did you choose to set up your own studio, was there a specific event that made you start up on your own? 

Kind Regards,

Neve Ball 

Ben Mottershead

Hi, Ben

I hope you well,  I’m a graphic student at Leeds Arts University currently doing some research into designers who have set up on their own and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions as I really like the work you do, especially your recent branding for The Turing Shed.

Questions:

Why did you choose to set up on your own, was there a specific event that made you want to go out on your own?

What was it like setting up your own practice, was there anything you where concern about when setting up on your own?

What advice would you give someone considering setting up on their own straight out on University?

What is the best part about having your own practice? 

What has been the best piece of advice you’ve received since setting up on your own? 

Kind Regards,

Neve Ball 

Alphabet: 

Hi, Sam, Sebastian and Abbas

I hope your all well,  I’m a graphic student at Leeds Arts University currently doing some research into designers who have set up on their own and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions as I really like the work you do, especially your recent branding for The Bureau. 

Questions:

Why did you choose to set up on your own, was there a specific event that made you all set up together?

What has been the most beneficial aspect of setting up as a team rather than you each going out on your own?

What advice would you give someone considering setting up on their own straight out on University, should you get industry experience first?

What is the most difficult aspect of running your own studio and do you think working together has helped reduces the stress of setting up on your own? 

To what extent do you think your unique approach to design helps you stand out against other creatives?

Kind Regards,

Neve Ball