‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’.

This was almost certainly the case for me when trying to find a placement for my year out from university. It had proved much more difficult than I anticipated, possibly due to companies being under pressure during the recession.

After numerous phone calls and e-mails I was still struggling to secure even a two-week placement, until a friend (Lee Fairhurst) mentioned that a marketing company he works for were looking for placement students. A phone call, and an interview later, I had got myself a month’s work placement at Red C.

During my interview Red C found out that I had completed some work experience at TBWA, an advertising agency also based in Manchester where Julian (Red C’s Creative Director) had previously worked.  My Nanna, Betty had secured me the placement there,  she’d worked there for years as the tea lady. She was incredibly famous for ‘hot spooning’ anyone that gave her lip – and Julian, described by Nanna as one of the ‘naughty boys’, still has the scars to prove it.

In addition to work placement, Julian has given me this opportunity to showcase my portfolio in reception as the ‘book of the week’. I am studying at the ‘University of Huddersfield’ on the BA (HONS) Creative Imaging: Graphic Design course and, as part of my course work  for my 2^nd year final project, I had to create a book of all my current work.

My book consists of the university briefs I’ve worked on, group compilations in and out of university, personal work, personal live briefs and a large chapter on photography, mainly based on New York.

Working in the Red C creative department has really opened my eyes and helped me understand the creative process. Whether you are producing a television ad, direct mail or a web banner, so much thought goes into ensuring the message is effectively communicated through design, copy and creative execution.

I am extremely grateful for the chance to work on some live briefs with the senior creative team, who have helped me start to think like a creative. I can truly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Red C Marketing and feel that it has given me the confidence I need to face new challenges in the creative field.

Cheers guys… and Nanna!

Tags: Copy, Creative Department, Creative Execution, Creative Team, Design, Design Portfolio, Direct Mail, Graphic Design, Photography Portfolio, Student Placement, Television Ads, Web Banners, Work Placement

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