What does design mean to you?

When I was a kid I would spend most of my time doing arts and craft, making and creating things, like most kids I would I suppose. I'd design handmade greeting cards, paintings, friendship bracelets and candles which I would try and sell under the name 'SLD company' to my family and friends. I was very business minded for a 10 year old.

- 15 years on, and not much has changed to be honest. I am still working and finding ways to sell my work. I studied design at university and have worked in the industry ever since.

One of the first questions we were asked at uni was ‘what does design mean to you?’ - A question I couldn't answer at the time. But as the years went on, I found myself diving deeper into the realm of design and only now am I beginning to understand this question a bit better.

Design: a visual language

I don't have very strong writing skills and have always struggled with vocalising my thoughts, ideas and emotions. I believe that design is a visual language in which I can use to express myself as best as I can. Through designing, making, filming or illustrating there are so many mediums to explore thought processes. I guess you could even say it is a universal language that can be interpreted by anyone around the world, when used right.

Design: a powerful tool

Design is a powerful tool which can be used to help inform, influence and educate people, it aids social changes and when used correctly can impact people on global scales. An example of this would be through propaganda or protests. Look how powerful something as simple as a ‘black square’ on our social media feeds can impact such a powerful message and movement.

And this is what design means to me. It is the weapon (a peaceful one) in which to make social change. When designing I am always mindful of my work and the message it puts across. Design decisions from the colour choices, font styles and imagery are extremely important to consider when conveying a message and when illustrating I am always conscious to include diversity and equality in all instances.

So in short, that’s what design means to me.

What doe design mean to you?

Drop me an email, I'd love to hear from you x