A big congrats to Christopher Edwards (@cedwards), one of our 30 TDK Awards winners' for 2019. A De Montfort University graduate from London, their work was chosen by Caroline Bagley and Sohee Kim from COLLINS in San Francisco: “We really loved his Practical Printer editorial pieces that were inspired by Japanese gardens. We can tell that Chris is an experimental maker with a strong sense of form and typography. We could get lost in all the little details inside of this booklet.” We asked Chris to answer a few questions for next years TDK Awards hopefuls.
What do you wish you’d known now when you started your design course?
Personally, for me, it would be the integrated work process of design agencies. Whilst, I have worked at various Studios, each with their own system and capacity of workflow; I do still find myself tripping over the general tasks at hand from time to time. In part, I would also relay this question towards freelance; where the management of workflow, social relations with clients and financial responsibilities each makeup for a sustainable practice. However, at the age of 23, I am certainly still learning and soaking up as much as I can.
What originally lead you in to design, and how has that changed - what do you want to do/are doing now?
If it was not for my years in Secondary School focusing on street art, particularly with sketching abstract lettering influenced by graffiti in my sketchbooks, then it would be my introduction into Swiss typography during College. Thus, I became more fascinated by how traditional design practices could be implemented within my work. Gradually over time, I was met with a transition from drawing letters, to using them as a key element within my design projects. Whilst, University became an integral part of this process where I applied my focus towards typography, branding, editorial, photography and mixed media processes. With that in mind, my aim is to look at how I can implement my existing practice into the development of visual systems that convey thought-provoking narratives. Meanwhile, I seek to work with a Branding Agency to develop my craft and knowledge within a commercial climate to better understand the function and behaviour of brands.
Any hot tips for getting ahead at uni?
The trials and tribulations of University are best navigated with an open mind; as you become accustomed to its forthcoming and often unpredictable realities. You begin to adapt over time where both the social, and creative arcs become paramount to each other. Whilst, I do implore young and upcoming designers (such as myself still today) to be both ready and willing to embrace change. With that in mind, build and share meaningful experiences with people, and pay attention to the details of your own process. Follow your gut and do you, until it all starts to make sense.
What do you love about the design scene in your city and what companies are on your dream list to work or collaborate with?
Whilst I can only draw on my experiences as a commuter who is not natively based there, London in its own right appears to have much more to offer than meets the eye. If not the architectural landscape itself and ecosystem of diversifying cultures, but how well preserved and contained this all is. Meanwhile, events such as Creative Tuesdays (Hosted by It’s Nice That), London Design Festival and D&AD take centre stage. Bringing together Agencies, Students and Independent Artists from across an interdisciplinary spectrum of Arts and Design alike. Thus, I have found so far that London is a city not only welcoming to Arts & Design in the traditional sense, but also of a new age.
My top Agencies I want to work with:
2x Elliot (London)
Build and share meaningful experiences with people, and pay attention to the details of your own process
Where do you see your career in 5 years?
I often speculate these realities; yet they currently remain a little scattered in mind. Although, I do foresee what knowledge and experience I am gaining now to play an even greater part in a significant role later in my life. Whilst I can’t say what this might be, it is actually quite an exciting thing to think about. However, I would like to think it is something I have built not just on my own, but perhaps with those I have cultivated a collectively shared vision with. As someone who’s always been a bit of an oddball, I am still very much finding my place in all this. But so far, this process is definitely telling me that I am working towards something that has yet to reveal itself.
2019 for you in a sentence?
I anticipate a year of opportunities, development and growth.
Where to find Chris Edwards online.
Instagram: @cedwards
Behance: /cdavidedwards
