When I started the course I felt a lot of pressure to define my style. I met a lot of other students who knew immediately away what kind of design they liked. I was feeling overwhelmed with finding a style. Now I understand that being a designer is a constant process of defining your style.
I was always creative. Dancing, playing the piano, taking photographs. I studied photography and sociology after high-school, but I didn’t know how to connect these two things in a creative way. Through graphic design, I have found a way to combine all my skills as a researcher, art director, photographer and creative.
I landed my first job at Otherway London. I feel incredibly lucky to be working here. When I graduated, they were one of only a handful of companies in London that I really wanted to work for. Every day I am excited to be surrounded by super creative people and work with a diverse range of clients.
Research, research, research. It might sound cheesy that as graphic designers we are “problem solvers” but this is actually what we are doing. So you need to deeply understand the problem brief to solve it. And to do that you need to do your research.
Some people say that London is very exclusive and that it can be hard to break into the design industry. But there is so much going on in terms of events and meet-ups. Just be quick when it comes to booking tickets. You can meet the superstars of design out there. You just need to follow the designers and design studios on social media and see what is out there.
I am enjoying working on commercial projects, but I would also love to collaborate on projects that spark social and environmental change. I am inspired by the creativity of people such as Brian Collins, Jessica Walsh, and Paula Scher. I really like to follow innovation in design. Some of my favourite examples are the augmented reality projects being done at OMSE Studio and Wolff Olins.
I’m really into London right now, but I would love to experience living in other cities around the world. I like the idea of challenging myself and changing environments. I want to contribute my experience and knowledge to events where creatives can network and exchange ideas.
Be bold, be brave, and don’t be afraid to be myself.
Website: jprocak.com
Instagram: @justprocak