Josh Dring

What have been some of your biggest disasters and how have you learnt from it?

When I was a younger me and my best friend Ryan decided to build an underground music streaming platform. We had a big pitch fast approaching for some funding so we decided to redesign and rebrand the whole platform just 7 days before the pitch.

Ryan’s parents had a pimped out shed with electricity so we claimed it as our startup's headquarters. We spent a solid week sleeping, eating and working on our project in his shed. Just 2 Days before the pitch my laptop’s hard drive corrupt and we lost all of the work and progress we had made on our project. Unfortunately, this resulted in us not having enough of an impressive project for them to invest in. Obviously, the big lesson learned here is to back up your work thoroughly and regularly.

What advice would you give students graduating in 2018/19?

Gain as many different experiences with projects as you can, building up your experience and confidence as a designer is a very important asset for a career in design. Also experiment with different mediums and explore ideas that float around in your head this is a great way to challenge your creativity.

What do you think the design community could do more of to give back?

I really like reading and hearing about designers working collaboratively on projects that raise awareness about real-world issues such as climate change, renewable energy and innovation. Therefore, using design as a tool to effectively communicate important issues around the world.

What is the art landscape like in your city and where do you fit in?

Well, this is an interesting question! I was born and grew up in a small northern seaside town called Morecambe, United Kingdom. Famously known for its family summer holidays, pavilions and amusements in the 1950’s & 1960’s. Growing up in a town with not much art, opportunity or even things to do.

I grew up skateboarding and taking photographs on my Dads old film camera. I think this is definitely where my creativity started. However today there seems to definitely be more of an art scene brewing. As most of my experience is as a digital designer I use online platforms to distribute my work. I am however fast approaching the end of my poster challenge and would love to do a solo exhibition in Morecambe.