Leticia Credidio
Graphic DesignerWhat have you been up to since leaving UAL?
When I was studying at university I had a part time job as a graphic designer. I worked for a design studio with a heavy focus on charities and NGO. I enjoyed the work so much that after graduation I continued working for them. The work I do now as a social designer at the design studio focuses on a charity for children. I also help with few NGO clients who are involved with charities.
Are there any particular skills that you have come to rely on?
Being able to build relationships. You don’t learn that in school, but being flexible and listening to people with different points of views is very important. For me, listening to what your clients want and being open to change for the client, not just doing everything the client says but listening to their suggestions has helped me a lot in my career.
What, if anything, would you do differently?
I would have invested more time honing my own style more. I think I was willing to copy and learn from big names and big designers from the 1960’s and 70’s but I wasn’t trying to find my own style. I wish I would have worked on more personal projects and got feedback from my tutors.
What would be your advice to a student graduating now?
From my experience, what I see is that many students think that after they graduate they know enough, and so they stop wanting to learn. The courses prepare you really well for the work you will be doing but it doesn’t prepare you for the market. You still need to learn as a graphic designer; you need to learn all the time. Another piece of advice is for students to be open to criticism as well.
