Dines

Can you tell us about your career journey so far, and what a typical day looks like for you?

My journey so far in the design game has been an epic one. There have been some highs, some lows, some challenges, and some epic moments. I wake up in the morning with a focus and conquer a new goal/milestone. My day always starts with a 10/15 minute meditation to clear my cluttered mind and allows more space to create ideas and solutions for the world’s biggest brands.

A quick coffee is vital, 35 minute gym session to get the blood pumping, dreaded email check. and a quick daily plan write up. Once these are all aligned, I’m ready to smash my working day. I’m very lucky to have an amazing team that can inspire and motivate me to create new ideas that push Studio BLUP forward. A daily check-in with team members to see how projects are getting on is key to building a successful business.

Once the manic daily dust settles, I like to gather inspiration and ideas, and I’m constantly absorbing new creative trends that allow me to stay on top of what’s happening within the industry. As the working day draws to a close, I write down new goals and visions so I know exactly what I need to achieve the following day. Once the sun goes down, it is down time with the wife, friends and family. Life balance is vital.

At night when it is completely silent, this is my most inspiring time. This precious moment allows me to create and tap into my creative zone.

What has been your greatest moment in your career so far?

There have been many amazing moments but the one that stands out was right at the beginning of my career I got invited to talk on stage at OFFF Design Festival in Barcelona. The room was packed with over a thousand creatives.

The vibe was incredible, people enjoyed my show and this was the moment I realised that people actually wanted to hear about my work and what the journey was from uni to building a business. I felt a sense of acceptance within this guarded industry and it was something I still hold dear to me to this day.

How do you feel your studies at Solent helped prepare you for your career?

Solent was absolutely key to my success. I had amazing tutors who supported me and helped nurture my design skills and thought process. That helped me develop to the designer I am today and I’ll be forever grateful. Uni life prepared me for the real world and made me understand that if you don’t do it for yourself then no one will do it for you. So stay focused.