What does a graphic designer actually do?
In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Darren, Head of Design at digital brand experience agency Odd Common, to unpack what really goes into building powerful brands in the digital space.
From typography and visual storytelling to managing creative teams and pitching to global brands, Darren shares how he turned a childhood love of art into a career designing immersive digital experiences for companies like Nike and BMW.
We discuss:
• Wanting to be an artist (and why graphic design felt “safer”)
• Studying art and design at university
• Building a portfolio with no industry connections
• Sending cold emails and facing rejection
• Landing his first junior design role
• Working on global campaigns for major brands
• Why design is about problem-solving, not just visuals
• The impact of AI on the creative industry
• How to stand out as a junior designer
• The importance of curiosity and creative hunger
Darren also opens up about:
• Being dyslexic and finding confidence through creativity
• Feeling stuck early in his career
• Why recruiters can be powerful allies
• Staying outside your comfort zone
• Supporting underrepresented talent in the creative industries
If you’ve ever wondered how brands create unforgettable digital experiences, or how to turn creativity into a career, this episode is for you.
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