Mike Rigby

Today, Mike Rigby came along for a talk to discuss his experience with design, his work and some general advice when leaving university and getting a good start within the industry. After finishing his degree at Preston, Mike began his career at the Chase and left after four years to travel around Vietnam and Australia. He was successful on getting a job at a design agency in Sydney called Landor and then arriving back home to work for Pentagram. After a shot period, he moved on to Manchester based agency True North where he recently given in his notice to work in Australia once again. Mike seemed very motivated on the subject of design and talked about some useful subjects within the design industry.

A topic I was mostly interested in was why do people work in the design community. He explained no job is the same and you become a temporary expert in different type of subjects. The competitions are also an added bonus as achieving awards for your ideas can be motivational (plus a free night out with your work mates). Like Michael Wolf explained at the Liverpool symposium, Mike said that all though we are in a recession, the opportunity of work is greater than ever due to the ease of setting up your own studio by only needing a computer, mobile phone and a desk. The positive impact you can have on a business is fulfilling as advising them on branding and improving there identity can improve revenue, which was incorporated by you as a designer.

Mike also pointed some negative areas within the job as long hours, unpaid overtime, the pressure and lost pitches can sometimes make you feel low as a designer but getting over that and doing what you love will get you through it. Mike encouraged to all that a placement was key when looking for experience. The areas of improvement within a placement will speed you up on the thinking process, working on real projects with real deadlines and also meeting important people within the industry. Taking professional pride in all your work is vital. Mike explained ‘’ there is only one letter what comes between mock up and cock up’’. Asking questions, being motivated and always offering to make a brew are key elements within a placement.

Mike finalised his talk by telling us to expect rejection. Many agencies will refuse your application for a job but that doesn’t mean to stop asking. Working away to another county is something not to rule out. Working in Australia opened up many doors for Mike and insisted on everyone to try it. His work for True North and the Chase was interesting to see. His Chase work was ironically the branding designs myself, Nick and James worked on with the Chase and the work shop at the symposium a couple of weeks ago. The True North designs was interesting as working for the Bristol Museum and the Gustav Klimt exhibition at the Tate seemed to be his best work.