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For a very long time, I’ve always found myself problem solving. It’s not something that’s straightforward and has an answer, like science or maths in school. There’s thousands of ways you can answer a question in design.

I really came into my own at university and developed my conceptual thinking. That was my strength. I would dump all of my notes onto pages upon pages, combined with research before putting pen to paper and getting my design cap on. But that’s the part I enjoy – the process and thinking behind the final idea. It can be a very long process (and sometimes you hate it and want to throw in the towel) but there’s a passion in it and a fire that motivates you to get to that end product that you can sit back and be proud of.

So when I left university, my first thought was: how am I going to do this in the real world?

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I never really thought I’d end up at Fred. I lived in London and worked for a few agencies there but in 2019, took a leap and moved to Essex. Compared to London, the agencies were a bit different, but when I discovered Fred it was like finding a diamond in the rough. I remember applying for the role and Nick called me back as I was taking my cat to the vet and she had escaped in my car – it’s safe to say his first impression of me was probably a bit chaotic. 

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The other agencies taught me the fundamentals of the job and the working world, but my career really hit a catalyst at Fred. Here is where I felt truly challenged in every aspect. I started as a Midweight and now 4 years later, I am the Design Lead at the Chelmsford office. Crazy right? It hasn’t come easy. It’s been a lot of learning, making mistakes, learning, and then making even more mistakes. But I’ve soaked up every minute. That feeling when you crack the code of the right strategy, the perfect brand, and a great team – and you end up creating something really beautiful and original. It’s addictive.

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Whilst we specialise in ‘property marketing’ (I hate that term), I think everyone has a preconceived perception of this; seeing ‘for sale’ signs etc. But it’s so much more.

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You’re designing for people. Something that determines their lifestyle, where they’re going to live, and influencing arguably the biggest financial decision they’ll make in their life. You’re designing for a vast range of people, properties, and purposes. From luxury homes to Shared Ownership, hotels to leisure. It’s branding and design on a whole new level. The thinking behind the scenes before you even get to the final piece is crazy, but I love it. The conceptual thinking that I loved at university is finally being applied to the real world. Result.

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I’ve seen the industry flex in so many ways that I didn’t envision. Stepping away from traditional printed works to everything being catapulted into the modern digital era. You have completely immersive digital experiences like websites to creative-directed brand film pieces with models and the lot. Even using AI, which four years ago, seemed crazy but now it’s a part of day-to-day life. It’s a whole new kind of creative that I’m relishing.

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Fred, in many ways, has been my stage to perform. I joined, not entirely aware of my own skills. I was a graphic designer largely using InDesign or Illustrator. Now I’m versed in further softwares where I’m creating animations, websites and fully-fledged lifestyle videos – as well as diving head-first into the world of branding and strategy. Something I never saw coming.

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In the four years I have been here, I’ve learnt so much in an environment that is encouraging, friendly and boundary-pushing. We’re always looking to branch out into new spaces, leave our comfort zones for something new, both as individuals and a team. It’s pushed me in ways I never imagined. But I wouldn’t change it. 

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My advice? Take your time. I tend to want to move very fast, and want to know absolutely everything and get it right every time. But after making mistakes, and learning, and applying those learnings, I’ve realised that that’s what it’s all about. It’s all about enjoying the ride. Oh, and the part about “it hasn’t come easy”... but apart from that, it’s bloody great.

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