So much to say - I don't know where to begin.
Firstly, I'll fill you in briefly on the details…
It was back in November, 2009 that I chose my brief for the MPA Roses Student Competition. After receiving a nomination for it in March, 2010, I also received an email from one of the judges at Taxi Studio asking me if I would like to undertake a two week work placement with them in Bristol. I was over the moon, of course. It is a wonderful feeling to be recognised, regardless of winning.
I had a long wait ahead of me. I travelled down to Bristol on 10.10.10 and what an amazing two weeks I had.
I have a few tips for those reading this.
1. Try and get work experience whilst you're still at University, or even college! Not just because that is when you should get your training in, but also because, student loans will help you out immensely. I admit that I struggled financially, but see it as an investment.
2. Work placements are essential for getting experience (obviously), but also for meeting people, creating contacts and to give you an insight as to whether working in that sort of environment is right for you, without making the commitment.
3. Do your research. It's a conversation starter. It's polite. It makes sense! Work placements are hard to get into, so don't make a fool of yourself once you're there.
4. Go in there with an open mind. I did not have a clue what to expect. I was lucky enough to have worked in such a laid back atmosphere… BUT I know, and they know, that it's not always like that!
5. Funny one for me… Don't get lost! I was an hour late on my first day. Why? Because I trusted my Maps App on my Blackberry, but also because I didn't take a map! I was in a large city, far away from home and had blisters on the back of my feet for a week. Not cool.
6. Take your portfolio with you. Not only because you could in fact get a job out of it, but also because these people are professionals who can advise you on how to improve it. It's great to get feedback from someone who employs creatives.
7. Do what ever they throw at you! (Without making a mockery of yourself). Show that you can be a team player, have a laugh and muck in wherever possible. They will be very grateful of your help and it gives you a chance to show who you are and not be forgotten. I learned that some of the other students who had done work placements there actually refused to do some of the work… and have they been asked to go back? No.
8. Ask for more. If you have finished the task they have given you, don't sit there twiddling your thumbs, ask what else you could be getting on with. Show that you are a fast worker with your own initiative.
9. Keep a diary, take photos and/or create a blog… like me! This generally works on a personal level, but for me, it helps. I want to remember my time there, what I got up to and how I was feeling in that particular moment, and it's great to share your experience.
10. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions. Especially if you are wanting to start your own business. How did they get to where they are now? What training did they need? What do they need to look out for? Anything!
The tips I have given you have come straight from the heart… what I did and what I should have done!
As you might gather, I had a great time at Taxi Studio as well as enjoying the city of Bristol. I worked in a small village called Clifton. It was beautiful and interesting to see the historic aspect of the village against the latter-day convenience of the large, infamous suspending bridge. I stayed in a B&B whilst I was down there and it was the first trip I have ever done like that on my own. Luckily for me, I don't mind my own company.
First day on the job and like I said previously, I was late! For anyone who knows me, this doesn't come as a great surprise, but I really could have kicked myself if it wasn't for the large, swelling blisters on the back of my ankles. Ouch! My first task was very interesting. I had to gather images and research on 3 fictitious characters from the Target Audience of a particular brand that Taxi Studio are currently working with. I had to look at where they shop, what they read, what they drive etc. The reason this was so interesting is because it was pretty much identical to a project I did at Uni, almost a year ago, with Scott Cross and Louise Whalley. It was good to see it come to life.
Taxi Studio was set up by 3 creatives. The great thing about the studio is that everyone can wear what they want and the Directors don't sit there in suits, letting everyone else do the work. They get stuck in! The rest of the team is made up by a Strategy Director, a Studio Manager, two Administrators, two Design Directors, two Senior designers, a Mid-Weight Designer and two Juniors, with help from Freelance Designers. Quite a large team which has grown in such a short space of time.
They have just had their studio refurbished and the place looks stunning! As you walk into the building, you are faced with an open gallery of their previous work, which leads onto a seating/waiting area. It is very contemporary with shades of red, yellow and black. Along one side of the wall, lit up by tiny spotlights, are the trophies and awards which Taxi Studio show off so proudly. Upstairs is the creative suite, where all the team sit together. They have worked hard to get to where they wanted to be, but they make time to banter, chat and do the rounds of tea now and again. (I am officially a pro at brewing up!) It really is a pleasant atmosphere.
It seems I am singing their praises quite a bit, but that is because I am genuinely shocked at how good it was. I learnt so much and I've met some great people.
A common question I have had since coming back to good ol' Lancashire is… "Was it worth it?"
Yes. It was good to see the projects you get at Uni put into practise and to learn how they handle the work load, clients and of course, their business.
I have also been asked to go back as a Freelancer in the spare time I may have from my job, which is fantastic news! Everything pays off in the end...
Unfortunately, I can't go into too much detail about the work they are working on the minute, due to confidentiality reasons, but they have worked on some top brands including; Clarks, Tesco and Coco-Cola. Their website is definitely worth a look at www.taxistudio.co.uk
Thank you for reading, any questions… do not hesitate to ask.
