Interview with Sam Hodges
Sam Hodges is currently studying BA Graphic Design at the University of Leeds. Sam's stunning portfolio grabbed my attention from the outset. His professional design is mixed with the experience of working for some of the world's major brand names.
Getting to know this bright new talent led me to ask a few questions about his experience in design so far...
Q. Your website tells us you started your graphic design career in London...
A. Yes, I was working for an advertising and brand agency called The Bank, they have worked with clients like O2, Peroni and Easyjet. I got to work alongside all areas, from PR, to the photo studio, to the design suite. The experience I gained whilst in year 10 at secondary school, was invaluable. I suppose it was this that made me realise I had a passion for graphic design.
Q. So why did you decide to study graphic design at the University of Leeds?
A. Being the first place I visited, nothing really compared to Leeds afterwards. The dynamic of the University played a big part, including the impressive portfolio of student work, and infectious vibe of the city. I prefer to be a small fish in a big pond!
Q. Now that your here, what do you enjoy most about studying graphic design in Leeds?
A. It’s probably discovering such a big design community. It’s great to have so many people around who are into similar trends, there are some great opportunities and resources to explore!
Last semester, Nous Vous came and visited our seminars to give their input into our student work. I got some great feedback.
Q. What has been your favourite design brief solution?
A. It has to be the book I recently created. As a second year student, we produced a sixteen page (minimum) book on whatever we wanted with no other constraints.
It’s the most freedom we’ve had on a serious brief before. I used the opportunity to experiment with the packaging, and tried to produce an impressive alternative to a book. I am really pleased with the result, it is quite a personal piece of work.
Q. Do you have a designer you aspire to be like?
A. I suppose I would like to be a better version of myself..! Having said that, I love the work by designer's Tom Hingston and StudioKxx.
Q. What inspires you most?
A. When I first experienced working with a camera, I was really proud of the samples I produced. Since then, I have always loved photography. I am still fascinated with all aspects of design, I don’t think I have 'specialised' yet.
Q. You mentioned an internship in New York. What do you hope to be doing there that you can't here?
A. As a designer, I feel the importance of reaching further than my comfort zone; there’s more to learn and more to gain. The idea of going to New York is to discover a new environment and culture, fresh opportunity to learn new skills, and develop my own identity as a designer.
I’m not hoping for an easy year, rather looking to learn as much as possible and work my hardest in, what could well be, a make or break year. Ideally I would like to work on print and type. I’m also quite interested in brand design. Anything that keeps me on my toes will suit me nicely!
Q. Is there anything else you would like readers to know?
A. Only thank you very much to Creative Boom Leeds! Oh, and don’t forget to check out my website at www.samhodges.co.uk. You can also follow me on twitter @samjhodges...
