The Kinsale Sharks Awards are Ireland's most enduring international creative awards event, having been in existence for over fifty years, and held in the beautiful fishing town of Kinsale. I was asked to take a trip over and be a speaker as part of their education events this year. It was an honour to be included amongst the ranks of previous speakers, including Paul Burke, John Hegarty, and Mike Scully.
Thanks to all involved, it really is a wonderful location, and a great bunch of people.
I was lucky enough to be honoured once again this year with a mention in the 2015 Drum Designerati list of the top 100 creatives across all disciplines in the UK. Thanks to whoever nominated me, I really appreciate it.
I've indulged myself a bit over the past year.
First off, I moved over to California and worked for GS&P, then shifted a few blocks down the street to Stranger and Stranger. It was fun and I've enjoyed every minute of what's been a fine adventure, but lately I've found the pull of home getting stronger. California is a wonderful place and I love it, but it'll never be home. So after a lot of soul-searching I've made the decision to move back home to Scotland. The decision was made much simpler though, as I've been offered the opportunity to work with the amazing D8. I'll be taking up the role of Design Director in their beautiful studio in Glasgow and will be working there full time upon my return in March.
In my view, D8 have been at the top of the tree of studios at home for years now, and over that time I've got to know the guys pretty well, so being offered the chance to work with them is an honour. Their client list is one of the best around, and they back that up with beautiful work. I can't wait to get home and settle into things.
I was recently honoured to be named in the inaugural Designerati list, organised by industry magazine The Drum. The list is a collection of the top 100 UK designers working across all disciplines in the creative industries and is compiled through suggestions from The Drum's annual Design Census, so it's nice to know that you've been nominated by your peers. Being part of a list that includes the likes of Jonathan Ive, Wayne Hemmingway, and Dan Germain is incredible.
I was also interviewed by The Drum as part of the accompanying publication. Thanks guys, I'm truly honoured.
I was honoured to give a talk in Glasgow's Citizen M hotel on Wednesday 15th May, after being invited to speak by the organisers of Gab.
The guys at Jam Hot are running a great morning talk setup over there and it was great to speak in Glasgow again where there were a few familiar faces in the audience.
The talk was based around the route I have taken over the past four years, and how I developed my methods and techniques, as well as mixing in some of my ideas on how to conduct a career in the creative industries – especially if you're an independent or freelancer. Gab looks set to become a regular event throughout the year on the Scottish calendar, and it'll be a great one to keep an eye out for as it inevitably grows.
Thanks to Graeme and Craig for inviting me.
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