Hello, world! My name is Robert Musgrove, and I’m a 37-year-old graphic designer living in Nottingham.

I am originally from Derby where I studied at Landau Forte College, studying A-Level Art, Design Technology and IT. Alongside this I also did a GNVQ in Engineering.

My graphic design career originated from my interest in fine art at college. I naturally gravitated towards the art block where I was regularly spotted drawing and painting in between lessons and sometimes even helping other students with their work which was rewarding.

I especially enjoyed painting and eventually started showcasing my work at competitions, such as Derbyshire Arts Festival. This early love of fine art is something that assists me in my graphic design work today, particularly in my use of colour and exploration of ideas. I feel that this gives me a unique advantage over other designers and enables me to think broadly in terms of my ideas.

Later, I would complete a diploma in Art and Design and eventually go on to Nottingham Trent University, where I studied a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design.

When I left university, I was lucky enough to be offered my first full-time job as a Graphic Designer at Fairbrook Design in Alfreton, Derbyshire where I worked for 3 years. I worked within a close-knit team of three fellow designers who helped me adjust to the role quickly, developing my skills and learning how to work commercially within time constraints. Within weeks I had literally gone from finishing my dissertation on my mum’s dining room table to sitting at a desk receiving my first brief for a global company.

It was a really exciting time for me and I loved the thrill that each fresh creative challenge brought. I particularly remember receiving my very first box of brochures that I had been working on and seeing all my hard work in its finished form. It gave me a real sense of satisfaction and I knew that I had made the right decision in my career path. It was a great opportunity for me to explore many different paths and stretch my creative skills. This laid strong foundations for my future design career.

I was then appointed to a more senior graphic design role at appliance manufacturer CDA, where I worked for almost 12 years.

Throughout my time at CDA I was given a large amount of responsibility, being trusted to work with major high-street retailers such as Homebase, Wren Kitchens and Currys, to name a few. I worked closely with the Product Development Team gaining valuable insight in to the world of manufacture and bringing products to market. This involved many different areas of design and encompassed a variety of specialisms. For example, there were times I was called upon to help with the design of the product itself, which was a really exciting eye-opener.

Another key responsibility was planning and directing all consumer lifestyle and product photography across the entire collection of appliances, sinks and taps. Sometimes I even took the photos myself when there was a change in circumstances – it certainly taught me about being flexible and how to be a fixer.

I was also lucky to be involved with many exhibitions, product launches, marketing campaigns, creative brochures, point-of-sale, packaging, website designs and branding that attracted new customers to CDA’s products and services.

Everyday was different which was really rewarding and this allowed me to learn many new skills.

This role brought new responsibilities and opportunities like working within budgets, liaising with external suppliers, time management and improving my communication and interpersonal skills. It allowed me to manage my own projects from initial brief right through to completion which is something that I feel is important in the creative process.

Whilst the role was extremely challenging and pressurised at times I genuinely felt I could really make a big difference, which is something that I really enjoyed. It was really much more than a job – it was a way of life! I feel that this depth of experience will prove highly valuable and I look forward to my next chapter.