How did you begin your career in Design?

I came to design a bit later in life, having worked for twelve years or so alongside the engineers at Scotland’s busiest port. I’ve always sketched and had a bit of a reputation for doodling in meetings and one day a representative of Northlink Ferries caught sight of a scribbled drawing of a viking on the side of one of their ships. I didn’t realise it at the time, but it was one of those moments that changes your life...

Twelve months later the first of their three ferries returned from dry dock with a fifteen meter high viking called Magnus painted on the side. My silly little doodle hadn’t just prompted a well-known company to rebrand, it had become the inspiration behind one of the most distinctive transport and travel identities in Europe. I’d never felt pride like it.

It took a while to build up the nerve but a couple of years later I quit my job, started the Graphic Design course at Glasgow Clyde College and now here I am.

What’s been the most memorable experience at SPEY?

I think my first creative pitch to a client has to be at the top of the list—in the run up to the call a dizzying mix of terror and excitement and then afterwards a sense of relief so deep and sweet it’s hard to describe. I can’t say who the project is for or what it is about just yet, which is exciting enough, but we’re putting the finishing touches to it now and all will be revealed soon...

What’s been your favourite project to work on so far in your career?

I’m very lucky to be working with such a prestigious selection of clients at such an early stage in my design career and can hardly begin to choose my favourite project. If you forced me to, I’d pick the production of supporting material for the relaunch of Benriach—to have been even a tiny cog in such an important piece of work felt amazing. 

What do you get up to when you’re not at work?

I live by the sea so kayaking, rockpooling and long walks on windswept beaches are go-to activities outside work. I still doodle and sketch and also enjoy taking pictures. 

What is your favourite book?

I’m a sucker for lowbrow, can't-put-’em-down crime and spy thrillers but my favourite book of all time has to be My Family and Other Animals. I never tire of its warmth, charm and humour, nor of Gerald Durrell’s passion for the natural environment. Every time I pick it up I discover something new to love about it.

I also enjoy Craig Atkinson’s Cafe Royal Books, weekly zines that champion the rich diversity and history of British documentary photography. They’re fantastic.