OUGD502 - My Creative Report - The Engine Room/Robot Food

For My second year I wanted to really think about and find out who I am as a designer. Even though I am not totally sure about what direction I want to work in, I feel that branding is currently my most enjoyable and strongest method of design. I want to peruse this interest and begin by researching more into the creative industry that deals with branding, at the same time I want to contact creative branding studios to find out more about what It is like to work for a successful business and what it it like balancing personal work with the personal expectations of clients together. Since I someday want to start my own business (possibly in branding) I have felt that now is the time to become a more professional individual and become more familiar with the industry.

I first started with contacting a creative branding studio from my hometown, I had previously visited the studio and met the team to get a feel of what it was like in a more creative/professional environment.

I first approached the engine room by explaining who I am as a designer currently and what my purpose/interest is. I then moved on to asking a few various question, things I wanted to know about The Engine Room. Since I have contacted and visited the studio in the past it gave me more confidence to now ask them a few interview questions.

Why the name ‘The engine room’?, What inspired you to make a career in branding?, What is it like working with well clients?, Are there any companies that you would like to create branding for?, Who is your favourite artist/designer?, What is it like working in a professional studio?, Is the overall mood of the business laid back or serious?, What qualities do you look for in new designers possibly wanting to work with engine room?,

Can you describe your studio in one word?

I have not yet heard back from the studio which is a little disappointing however it is early days and I will continue to wait for a response so I can go ahead with my interview.

I have also contacted a second studio based in Leeds called Robot Food, a studio that I am unfamiliar with, again the business is a creative branding studio, I wanted to approach this studio because the work that was presented had been designed for very well known brands such as Cadbury chocolate and others similar. I approached the studio in a similar way to that of The Engine Room as I felt that approaching such a successful company will give me a lot information and inspiration especially when it comes to perusing my own interests in branding in a professional way.

I have yet to hear back from Robot Food but I am excited to use similar questions from The engine room for this studio, to gain more knowledge and connections within the industry.