Originally from Hampshire, UK, I graduated from Winchester School of Art with a degree in Graphic Design back in 2013. Since graduating, I’ve worked in both permanent and freelance roles within a mixture of industries; including property, FMCG, government, and transport. I enjoy working with brands across a variety of projects, seeing them develop and grow. As a designer, it’s such a sense of achievement to be a part of that.

The application and interview

I was told about a position at P6 (Point 6) through a recruitment agency. They suggested I should look into P6, and let them know if I found them interesting. Turns out, I did! I applied for a freelance role, with the option of becoming permanent. A little while later, I heard the team were very impressed with my portfolio and CV, and wanted to invite me in for an interview.

A week later I came to the office at Queens Park to meet with Creative Director Russ Hodgson, and Account Manager David Gould. We spoke through the role’s responsibilities, how the team works, who their clients are, and what kind of work I could expect to be doing.

Of course, I discussed my past experiences and what I’m looking for in a role. I presented a portfolio of my work, and highlighted the projects I’m most proud of.

I received a call the next day with enthusiastic feedback from the recruitment agency, who told me Russ and David were interested in swapping the freelance role for a permanent one. I wasn’t expecting that! It made me feel great that they saw something in me they liked.

I was then called back for a second interview within the week. This time, I spoke with Russ and David, but I also got the chance to meet some of the other team members. This included designers, copywriters and the Managing Director Sally Forsyth Spark.

The team discussed how long they had been at P6, how P6 works, and what their roles entailed. Plus, I got the chance to talk about my work experience. I found this exercise really useful, as it was reassuring to get a feel for people I could be potentially working with. After this, I concluded my time with Russ and David by running through some more of my work.

About a week later, I received the call: I got the job!

My first week at P6

Arriving at the office, I was greeted by Russ welcoming me to my desk, with an iMac and supplies ready to go.

My first two days were already laid out: I had to complete a whitepaper design for a client. I was supplied with brand guidelines, copy and images. With support from David on any questions I may have, I was tasked to apply my design experience and eye to the task. After producing a proof which I felt happy with, I received some feedback from the team, before making my final amends. My first project had gone well – phew!

During the rest of the week I worked on a range of different projects, including the internal branding at P6. This included producing a welcome toolkit to help new members of the team, used as a guidebook on how everything works at P6.

I applied the brand guidelines and existing material to pitch four design concepts to David, alongside Account Manager Carla Juniper. We spoke through my proposed designs before It was showcased to our directors for approval and feedback.

This project is still ongoing, and I’ve really enjoyed working on it. Learning about P6 in such depth has helped me transition into my new role, and I’m now more knowledgeable on P6 life! Plus, I could question the content from my newbie perspective, which helped the team spot any gaps.

My first week hasn’t been all work, work, work, we went to the pub on Friday which was great to meet the team outside the office environment and get to know them more personally. Finding out where they live in or around London, what they have done and what their interests are. The office is not only near a few pubs but a variety of shops and cafes within minutes. It’s great for a lunch time stroll or even a walk around the park – lots of dogs are always there so if you need some dog therapy – you know where to go.

The team is busy with such a range of work, but has been very friendly and always enthusiastic when you walk through the door with “morning Brad”. An added bonus of working at P6 is the flexible hours. We all work the same amount but have a choice to start between 8-9:30. Which means I can go to the gym in the morning before work or come in early and leave early.

My first week has been interesting and varied, covering a range of clients, visuals and being part of the P6 team.