Advice on entering the Design industry

Former Ayrshire College student Andy Shields, Head of Creative at AM Publishing Ltd (the company behind Ayrshire Magazine), came back to where it all started to speak to our current HNC Visual Communications students last week.

Andy studied HND Graphic Design & New Media at the Kilwinning Campus way back in 2004.

 After working in the competitive industry for over a decade, Andy gave the students his top tips for starting out.

He said…

I know how difficult it can be to gain experience in design.

My focus was to get them excited about the world of work. We covered many aspects of design, but the important thing to know is that if you have passion, devotion and talent then you will succeed.

I explained everything from how I got started, what it takes to work as part of a successful design team, website design, eCommerce, to how important it is to stand out from the competition when it comes to job hunting.

Getting started

I got my start through my sheer brass neck of asking one of the managing directors of a well-known UK fashion retailer, where I worked part-time, if he needed any design work. He put in a good word for me and I ended up working part-time in the shop and at their head office for a couple of years. I’ll never forget the kindness he showed me.

From there I worked for some very successful design agencies. I worked with some fantastic people who showed me the details and skills involved to become a designer.

You learn many lessons along the way. What I will say is always keep it professional, educate about design, keep a level head and don’t burn your bridges. Not one day is the same, you meet some interesting people and learn about lots of different businesses.

Design is everywhere. Whether it be on the ‘Alpen’ box you pick up for breakfast, the screen you’re reading this on now, or the advertisement for that new car you’ve been thinking about getting. I always say you need a designer on a pub quiz team, as our general knowledge is usually above par!

Ayrshire Magazine

We hope to see a few of the students enjoy a week’s work experience to give them a fuller understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. There are always opportunities for work experience at Ayrshire Magazine – whether that’s design, creative writing, photography or administration.

You’ll be able to read more on Andy’s career and of his day back at Ayrshire College in the next copy of Ayrshire Magazine – available to pick up at locations throughout Ayrshire, including our college campuses.