Thoughtful Design Agency

Since the beginning of the second year of the B.A Degree, a Manchester based graphics company called Thoughtful has been working with us and attending our lessons helping our process in design work, idea’s generation and helping us figure out what works and what doesn’t in our own creative pieces. They announced in September that they planned to move into the campus and have their studio based on the floor above our classroom. They explained they wanted to be involved with us as much as they can which meant moving out of their original studio in the city centre. I have to admit, my first impression was why would a well-established graphic agency move from the city centre, to the classroom? I then started to think how good this opportunity was. Three experienced designers at our right hand side for advice and help on our work was mouth watering to say the least.

When the editorial design brief started, Thoughtful started to attend every Thursday to help the process of our ideas. They would sit down and advise what worked and what didn’t. They explained the strengths and weakness within our designs which was a real help. Chris, James and Stuart, the three and only members of Thoughtful could not be more helpful towards the work I produced. I felt inspired just speaking to them. Getting their feedback was so useful and I would advise anyone with a sillier opportunity to grab it with both hands.

Thoughtful also announced their plans for 2009. They announced that six members from our class was going to work with them and be involved in real live briefs. Other jobs included speaking to clients, pitching work and playing a vital part in the creative process of their designs. The idea was for James, Chris and Stuart to select the six students they felt were the most talented after assessing everyone from their visits and take them to the fourth floor for the rest of the year. This meant the six would not be part of the lessons besides critical studies (essays etc) and the work they contribute to would fall in the marking criteria for the degree. As the six were announced in the new year, I was unfortunate to miss out. I did feel slightly disappointed on missing out on the opportunity but I felt the six which were chosen, were the right ones to have this great chance. I feel really happy for them and wish them well throughout this great experience.