Matthew Allen's Online Portfolio

What inspired you to become a graphic designer?

I have always been very interested in art and design but I had never really considered it as a career option. A few years ago I was working in the sales and advertising department of Javelin Media, their designer was on holiday and they needed some design work doing there and then, and so they asked me to help out, it spiralled from there really so you could say that I became a designer by accident.

Any regrets? Do you still enjoy graphic design?

No regrets whatsoever, I love graphic design, graphic design is a passion rather than a job, its a job in which I can express my ideas and opinions however I choose, it is really satisfying to see your work online or in a shop and to see people’s reaction to the work you have created.

So what is it that you like so much about graphic design?

Design is thinking made visual. I am able to express my ideas through design, it allows me to be creative and original, and although there is often a specification for the work that I do it is essentially my own idea and vision that becomes the final product. Also the world of graphic design is constantly changing, programs and trends our constantly evolving and so there is never any fear of the job becoming mundane and boring.

You said about different programs? What programs do you use?

There are numerous programs available but I primarily use, Photo shop, flash, illustrator or Freehand, quark express and indesign.

Is your entire work computer based then?

The final product is always done on computer but with most of my designs they are hand drawn first and then scanned in. I like to use mixed media. I believe it is important for the creative process to do work away from the computer as well.

Have you done any other design work?

I have done screen printing, one of my most recent projects was for my own t shirt line, the main theme is the Seven Deadly Sins. I created seven different t shirts designs for each of the seven deadly sins. I also designed a range of t-shirts for the company Clothing pimps. I have also done model making and I am currently working on a design project for my own range of land boards.

So what companies have you done work for then, any I would have heard of?

I have done work for a wide range of companies, some small business such as hotels, salons and restaurants for which I have designed their business paraphernalia, for example menus, business cards, advertisements etc. I have also done work for many high profile companies as well such as, Ribena, MTV, Genesys (the online meeting centre) The Guardian, the popular new television show Cook yourself thin, Kog Industries and a variety of applications for the online social networking site Facebook.

That’s quite an extensive range you must be highly qualified?

Qualifications are important but in graphic design it is creative talent and your port folio that employers want to see. I studied for my HND (aka. Has No Degree) at the college of west Anglia but most of my experience is self taught, I find it very easy to pick up and learn new programs. Qualifications are important but at the end of the day experience and talent is what will get you noticed as a graphic designer. I do not feel that having a degree would have had much affect on my work or career as a graphic designer.

What sets you apart from the other graphic designers out there?

I am not a conventional designer, I have learnt my craft through trial and error and I am a better designer because of this. Designers who have studied in classrooms for years to get their degrees often have little or no knowledge and experience of the actual design world, if they come across a problem they have not covered in class then they just stop, I on the other had because of my past experience thrive on this and keep working until the problem is resolved. I have not studied a set curriculum or program for graphic designers and as such I am not confined by the rules and conventions of many designers. I have not been forced to follow a certain set of rules and as such I am able to think outside the box and produce a distinctive more creative final product.

So graphic design keeps you very busy then, any outside interests?

I have lots of outside interests really, and I think it is important to have hobbies outside of graphic design. In terms of creativity I enjoy photography and use this as inspiration for my graphic design work. In terms of spare time I often spend my weekends and free time kite boarding, jet skiing, bmxing, free style motor cross and spending time with friends and family.

Sounds exciting, so what are your long term goals and plans?

My long term goal is to run my own studio. To be recognised as a talented designer and to hopefully win a few awards along the way, preferably a BAFTA or DAD award.