Welcome to our Talent Talks series, where we speak to member companies who are currently advertising on our Jobs Board to explore what they look for when hiring and discover what they are offering future employees. We also find out how some of their team got started and their top tips to help you land that dream job!
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In the first of this series, I spoke to Jem Egerton, Founder and Creative Director of Liquid Studio, a brand design agency based in Lewes. They’re currently looking for a Junior Graphic Designer and a Creative Artworker to join their team.
What is your position, how would you describe your typical working day?
To be honest, there is no ‘typical’ working day for me, my days are really varied – anything from taking business development calls, overseeing the creative output of my team, to building contacts and making the tea. I am involved with every facet of the agency.
It’s busy but highly fulfilling work. I love it when I can see the team is ticking and getting to grips with a project from a client.
What qualification(s) did you obtain for your current role?
I completed an arts foundation course and then undertook a graphic design degree at the University of West England in Bristol. But to be honest with you, if it was not for getting the chance to learn how to work on the first Apple computers at my very first design agency, I wouldn’t be running Liquid Studio today!
Over the first three years of my career, I was able to fuse my graphic design skills with schematic design computing skills and keep up with the constant demands of working to deadlines common in all small agencies. I was young and driven, but I think it was realising the demands of the business whilst quickly working to targets that kept me in the job. Looking back, it was the day to day learning that helped me the most, often having to teach myself new techniques whilst on the job.
What do you look for in a prospective candidate for a role in your team?
Good question! In the past, when looking for creative designers, I have focused on prospective candidates based on the degrees they hold, but now, I’m more interested in finding someone with true ability and drive.
Intelligence and a creative mindset are not innate to everyone, so if someone can genuinely show their creative ability and show me their designs, I would be open to speaking to them. On the other hand, if someone is proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign CC (Mac), but is entirely self-taught I would also consider them for a job.
What opportunities are there for someone to develop at Liquid Studio?
There really is no limit to what we can offer. That is the beauty of working for a small agency, if you show talent in other areas of the business, you could make this area your own. Over the next couple of years, I am looking to grow the business so any new member of staff could grow their skills and career very quickly at Liquid Studio!
What is the single most engaging part of your job?
When every member of the team knows what they are doing, and are working to their strengths, and all of the designs are starting to come together, that is one of the best feelings as a business owner.
If you’re interested in working at Liquid Studio, check out their latest job roles here.
Calling all recruiting companies! If you want some extra exposure for your job advert/s and to raise your profile amongst job seekers, getting involved with Talent Talks is a great way to do so. Get in touch if you’re interested: mia@wiredsussex.com