Curiouser & curiouser

The journey started…and I say journey because this experience that I have partaken in has been a journey – of learning, discovery, culture, wisdom, education, innovation and inspiration…Monday 9:00am on February 19, 2007.

In a terraced-lined street in the heart of suburban Carlton, a historical hall that has been re-created into a new and unique working environment, brimming with great flair and imagination, houses the studio of David Lancashire Design. Small in numbers, but ever growingin terms of the quality of work and projects undertaken, DLD handles an abundance of clients and wide range of work; from identity design and print, to packaging, signage and exhibition, and environmental and cultural interpretation.

From the first day I was thrown head first into a hands-on experience involving finished artwork, concept development, research, creative writing, document preparation, studio archiving and more. Working on a range of projects for both new clients and those who have been with DLD for a number of years, I have had the opportunity of meeting new people, opening networks, and observing the every-day goings on of a design and business world.

I have had a front-row seat to the creative process; the initial briefing, researching, developing concepts, presenting ideas, finished artwork and finally the production of a piece. I have been involved in meetings, photo shoots and press-checks. I have made models, prepared tenders and attended numerous events. I have asked questions and received a lifetime of knowledge in return.

In my time at DLD I have been most inspired by my observations. Working at DLD has meant that I have been lucky enough to work with creative people who are passionate about design; whose passion drives them to be able to create wonderful, original ideas out of seemingly nothing. The unusual objects they surround themselves with; beautiful or visually interesting Environment. Art. Architecture. The ability to work collaboratively, uniting ideas and cultural inspiration. The quietness and concentration creating a calm environment in an otherwise frantic industry.

And I must finally make mention of David Lancashire himself. With more than 30 years experience in the industry, and a highly-regarded standing within the design community, it has been no less than an honour to be working for David during my time at DLD. David is most often found in his office, amongst piles of notebooks, sketches, magazines and design books that often clutter the desk, turning his life of experience and knowledge into new ideas, or travelling the country working on a new and exciting project. In between, I have been privy to sharing time with a man with a wicked sense of humour; being shown his archives, sketchbooks and bottom drawers, and hearing stories fromall over the world – of his studies, encounters, collaborations, fascinations and adventures.

My time at David Lancashire Design has been a truly fascinating experience, one that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Seeing my work publishedis a great feeling, and I am eternally grateful for this opportunity to be exposed to the inner-workings of the design industry. I can now take this knowledge, and the culture, values and passion which has been instilled throughout my time at DLD, and translate them to working through challenges, solving problems, and creating new ideas and original designs in the future.If there is one thing I will leave feeling, it’s Inspired.

The journey doesn’t end here – it’s really just the beginning.