Jim Clarkson is a graphic and web designer based in the South East. His work is influenced by visual culture, print media and online media, but much of his design inspiration comes from the outdoors – from the sights and sounds he experiences when he's out on his bike. But his keen interest in the environment doesn’t stop at the great outdoors: he's firmly committed to using ethical sources of paper for his work and to using his bike or public transport to get to meetings. He's also an avid cyclist, in all forms, mountain-biking remaining his favourite. We spent five minutes chatting with Jim to see what he's up to...
Tell us about yourself – who are you and what do you do?
I'm Jim Clarkson, Graphic designer, web designer and illustrator in working hours and the same again plus dad / cyclist / wood letter carver in the off hours.
What are you currently up to? Are there any exciting projects ongoing?
I've just done an illustration for ActionAid to go into boneshaker magazine, and as longer term project, im building an e-commerce site, using Lemonstand, for www.centralbikes.co.uk Also a few print jobs, some small coding things, the usual logo designs.
Who or what inspires you?
Pretty much everyday life – visual culture in general, the 'net provides a lot of inspiration and also the great outdoors – more that it's a place to think and expand on the first initial ideas.
What’s your best project/work to date?
I have a few for various: First is for a logo that I created for The Rare Breed Pig Company, the second is an illustration I mentioned earlier, and finally the re-design on Doctor Who Magazine a few years back in conjunction with the editorial team.
Anything new going on? Or in the pipeline?
I've got a new shop/site launching this autumn selling hand-crafted wooden blocks with letters carved in – a bit like kids building blocks really! www.letter-block.co.uk
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I like to be outdoors, on the mountain bike or road bike, or at home with my family or in the garden weeding the veggy plot.
Finally, what tips or advice could you give to other creatives, just starting out?
Believe in yourself, become more than just a designer, become familiar with all the aspects of running a business/studio. And get people in to do the work you can't do/or don't want to do. Its better you focus your skills where they are strong and make use of others skills to assist you. Oh and read. Lots. Anything!
To see more of Jim's work visit www.jimdesign.co.uk.
