602: Rob Watson - RAW Talk

CAREER:

Art diploma liverpool then BA

RAW - his initials 

Made a raw meat pack sent 6 out to designers he's researched and got offered 2 jobs from this. 
- Being deliberate with where he sent his work.
- Making it personal, the company will know that you've put effort in and it'll stand out. 

Took a punt and set up his own company, focus on the work, do really good work and the clients will follow you.

Moved to Islington mill studios in Salford. 
- Environment has an impact on what you do.
- Working in an environment that encourages creativity. 
- Had creative neighbours (Johnny Marr)

Moved studios, great space, environment that encouraged creativity.
- Open desks
- Flat structure, studio space didn't present a hierarchy within the staff team.

When you start you might not know who you want to work with, but over the years realised who they were and that they wanted to do good work for nice people. People that are wanting to make a difference in the world. 

How did you manage the business side of the studio? Did you take any business courses?

Realised he didn't want to sell the company, felt like he was in a rat race and realised even if he won the rat race you're still a rat. 

Made big changes to his company because of this. 
- There's a balance between money rich and time rich.

Decided to pack lighter and more further. 
Made the choice to go on a different path do took the team from 10 to just him and his wife. 
- When in a positive headspace he works better in 4 hours than 8 or 10

TIP: Don't open tabs and email and social media at the start of the day. Instead make a list of 3 tasks you want to get done the next day then do those first before anything else.

Felt a sense of freedom after reducing his workload. Was able to work from anywhere as long as he had his laptop and could plug in. 
- Decided to let go
- As a designer/creative you should design your own life. You don't need to follow the traditional path that's been set for you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WORK:

Creative Process:
1. This is awesome
2. This is tricky
3. This is shit
4. I am shit
- Don't pack it in at this point
5. This might be ok
6. This is awesome

Self initial project:
- This can help with your branding. 

Project about Jim, a man who wanted to make a scarf to wrap around his house.
Rob and his wife decided to help him get to his target of 400 metres. 

Made a website to help Jim get people sending him scarfs, got people sending scarfs from california.

Worked on the project for free, thought am I going to benefit from this, do I need to be paid with money? 

Client Work:

Wolverhampton Wolves - did a rebrand 
Research is really important, get a deep understanding of what you're working on. 

Wanting to make space intimidating for the away fans and players
Worked with local photographer to get honest shots of the fans.

Philharmonic - Worked with digital artist to develop photographic landscapes.
It worked, they saw 50-100% increase on ticket sales.
Play to your strength, Rob couldn't create these images so reached out to those with the skills that would bring something to the project.
When a brief comes in they think 'who could we bring on to help with the project'. Don't be afraid to reach out to people.

Philharmonic (pt.2) - This time worked with paper artist. Felt fresh, didn't alienate old audience. 
It's not about being the best, it's about being your best. 

Set up: Make Work Play
Make products to help all ages with their environment: Len Legsworth a children's book about a spider. 

Bed Buds: Animal themed bed set
Thinking about impacts of products ethically, on the planet and for people's lives.
Another issue was gender stereotypes in kids products. These were on the mind during the projects.
Educate kids about animal habitats around the world and impacts of our actions and encourage kids to think creatively. Worked with an ethical supplier to make sure the product was having a good impact. 
Had an animal on one side and then the other has a map with all the animals on, and the idea is to encourage the children to look on the bedding on the underside and imagine stories of them in that world and then the kids were encouraged to write wake up stories.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PERSONAL BRANDING TASK: 

Personal branding doesn't need to be just a logo.

Creative Pep Talk - podcast
- Every episode has a new piece of artwork attached to it.

Research 3 projects that other designers have produced that have been turned out to be an impressive piece of self-promotion, and write down what it is that made these pieces standout.

Now come up with some ideas for your own self-initiated piece that will capture people's attention. It could be a topic that is close to your heart, or just a fun idea that reflects something that is close to your heart, or just a fun idea that reflects something you are interested in but most importantly is true to yourself. 
- Just ideas don't need to make the whole thing.
- Projects that help promote that freelancer/

4 page pdf document to present next week or week after in groups:
3 pages = 3 practitioners
1 page = own project

Look on the reading list on eStudio for stuff to read. 

Contacts:
@rob_watson_ (instagram)
@rawdesignstudio (instagram)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where to go for inspirations?
- Was going to events and talks but realised he wanted to absorb more information from areas that aren't related to design. 
- Was looking at creative review etc but found other areas not design related were beneficial to practice, and helped with coming up with ideas.
- When you reach out to people, don't feel bad if people don't reply.
- A piece of post is more likely to be opened than an email.
- Do you research and figure out why you'd be a good for for them. 

Event 2+2:
Students do a one day workshop with other uni students but as well with industry professionals.
- 25th March
- Team up with other designers and industry leaders for one day. 

Motivation from home?
- Was willing to set up own company 
- If workspace is clear mindset is clear.
- Go on a walk in the morning 

How many projects do you have on the go at once?

- In studio would have 20-25 on the go
- Now have 5

Tips for overthinkers in relation to having fun with their work?
- There's no bad idea, often can get caught thinking I won't share that idea because it's not good but saying things out loud can get rid of the ideas that aren't relevant.
- IT's okay to have several bad ideas and then you get to the good bit. 

Does location matter?
- No, especially now.
- When working in manchester most clients were in London but would drop on a call or a train. 

Did you reach out to companies that weren't necessarily hiring or seeking applicants?

- Don't need to wait for someone to be hiring.
- Getting in touch regardless, put yourself out there.