Aidan Nolan Visit On Thursday 2nd of August I made a visit to Graphic Designer Aidan Nolan, the Creative Director and founder of A.N.D Studio in Huddersfield. I went to visit Aidan with a long list of questions about his job, experience and advice. The questions included:
When did you know what sort of designer you wanted to be? What made you want to be a Graphic Designer? How easy or hard has it been setting up your business? What motivates you? What do you enjoy most about your job? Have you always worked for yourself? How do you promote yourself to get clients? Do you have any advice for an undergraduate? What’s it like working in a studio environment?
Aidan told me that he left university studying a Design BA (Hons) and went straight into business with a fellow student. Their business was based around many things, including Graphic Design and furniture. Aidan then decided to set up his own business focusing on Graphic Design and in particular branding and Identity. His studio A.N.D (Aidan Nolan Design) is based at The Media Centre in Huddersfield. Aidan told me that setting up his own business was difficult to start with but if your work is good then you should have no problems finding clients. He said that he really enjoys working for himself and wouldn’t have it any other way. He told me he could get very busy at times and other times be very quiet. The most projects he has had on at one time is about 6, but the time scales vary for which one, from one week to six weeks. I asked him if he ever gets designers block and how does he overcome it. His answer in a nut shell was think of a bacon sandwich. He explained that once you know what works well in design you can change and adapt the idea and form to make something new. Just like a bacon sandwich, if you have bread and bacon for the perfect start you can then add tomatoes and mayo to adapt and improve. I see where he was coming from but the idea makes me hungry. He asked me what I wanted to do and what I was interested in, I couldn’t lie to him and didn’t see the point of doing so, I have no idea what I want to do and that is exactly what I said to him. The chat lasted about 20 minutes and I found it very helpful. I gave him my CV in case he needed any help and he said if I ever needed help then I could give him a bell.