Meg's First Week at Imaginate
After completing my first year of University studying Fine Art, I re-evaluated why I was there and how it was going to help me on to a career path.
I realised I would benefit more from a hands-on experience in a working environment than what university was offering me. This is when I decided to look at apprenticeships, particularly in design, an area I feel very passionate about.
Coming from a Fine Art background was fairly challenging when it came to interviews; a lot of companies I spoke to were confused as so why I was making the jump from Art to Design, and some questioned my commitment to the job, suggesting I’d be distracted. This is when I saw Imaginate Creative in the heart of Leamington Spa, who were looking to hire two Apprentices – one in Graphic Design and one in Web Development. During my interview they understood that you can be an artist at home and a designer at work, which was very refreshing.
They offered me the job as Apprentice Graphic Designer, and of course I bit their hands off for it.
I didn’t really know what to expect during my first week at Imaginate, maybe just shadowing people and making tea, the latter I have so far got away with avoiding, as the tea orders here are for 8 cups plus each time! Jamie has taken me under his wing and shown me the ropes, but it’s not just me sitting around watching him. He has thoroughly involved me in ongoing projects, from web design, to creating visual staff profiles.
My first taste of being a Designer was helping Jamie design a new logo for a company that is looking to re-brand, which involved initial ideas sketches and working with illustrator to create some mock ups. We then moved on to web design, where I assisted Jamie completing a design in Photoshop for a Brewery. He then asked me to try my hand at responsive web design, which is very challenging and had me wanting to throw the computer off the desk, but I think I’m beginning to understand it a little bit better, thanks to a brief explanation from Sush, the Digital Director here.
The office is a great environment to be in – it’s an open-plan warehouse with a mezzanine above the workspace, and quirky details all around the walls. The space is shared with another company called Media Beard, who know social media inside out and upside down. Everyone is really friendly and made me feel welcome straight away.
I’ve learnt so much in my first week here at Imaginate Creative and I can’t wait to see how I improve over the coming months.