Nurturing creativity: the next wave of design talent

This summer, the Spiral studio buzzed with fresh perspectives as we had the pleasure of hosting Charlie Winters and Lucy Russell, two incredibly talented graphic design students from Leeds City College.

Work experience opportunities bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional workplace – and students like Charlie and Lucy bring their energy, original ideas and new ways of thinking.

We think providing this kind of hands-on work experience is about more than just giving back – it's about investing in the future of design. A commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the creative industry is something that doesn't just support the students – it benefits the creative sector as a whole.

We spoke to Charlie and Lucy about their journey into design, what they gained from their time at Spiral and their aspirations for the future.

Lucy and Charlie – please tell us a bit about yourselves!

Lucy: I’ve just finished my BTEC in Graphic Design and now I’m going to Northumbria University! I love watching ice hockey and cricket – and I’m a member of Girlguiding where I’m a Ranger and Young Leader.

Charlie: I’ve just passed my final project so I’m going to Nottingham Trent University to study Graphic Design. I’m hoping to do a placement year there. In college, I mainly did editorial and poster design with software like InDesign and Photoshop – but I’m also really interested in animation and creating pieces in AfterEffects.

What sparked your interest in design – and what do you want to do with your design skills?

Charlie: When I was 14 I got AfterEffects and taught myself how to use it by watching tutorials on YouTube. I think it came from an interest in gaming and seeing all the animations on screen. Then I got more into the design history side of things and realised this could be a great career for me. College has helped me understand more about what I want to do, which would be working in the music industry on things like album covers, merchandise and even lighting design for festivals. My dream would be to do freelance design work while travelling as I love experiencing new cultures and finding inspiration in different parts of the world as well.

Lucy: For me, I think GCSE Art really helped as I could do lots of different kinds of design and see what was out there. I just love creating and making new things! I would like to be a packaging designer – preferably for children products.

What did you want to gain from your work experience at Spiral?

Lucy: I really wanted to learn about how the industry works and what everyday working life was like. Also, to help me decide what I would like to do after finishing studies.

Charlie: I’ve done work experience before at another design studio, so I hoped it would be just like that – and it was! Everyone is really friendly here and it hasn't been serious or strict – more of a fun, inviting and comfortable environment. I’ve learnt more about team building, giving constructive criticism and communication. I think work experience is a great way to build your connections, your portfolio and your experience for future work.

What's been the most interesting or surprising thing you've learned?

Lucy: The differences in the jobs that come through has been quite surprising. Some are smaller and simpler – but some take a lot of time and can actually be quite complicated.

Charlie: I think learning about the history of the company has been really interesting – seeing how far back it goes and how well-established it is. It’s incredibly organised and the team is totally streamlined. It is also weirdly surprising seeing how we have the exact same resources as the big studios!

How do you think hands-on experience differs from college learning?

Charlie: Weirdly, I felt more OK asking for help. In college I found myself trying to be better than I actually was – but here I knew I was around people who had years and years of experience and that helped me learn new things about print and editorial. I found I could focus a lot more too – designing for hours with no lack of motivation. It felt inspiring designing for big brand names too.

Lucy: Yeah – as well as that, I think it’s helped me learn a lot more about working life too. It’s helped prepare me for the professional workplace.

What's the one thing you'll take away with you from Spiral?

Lucy: Talk to others about your projects – get opinions or some help. The people you speak to might see things differently to you and help you develop or improve the idea. When you talk to others about things, this creates a friendly environment too.

Charlie: I agree. Everybody questions things, gets confused and needs help. No matter where you are, there is somebody there who can help or who can be confused with you! Also, it’s OK to be mad at InDesign – everybody is.

Finally – if you could design anything right now, what would it be?

Lucy: I’d like to design something with lots of colours and fun illustrations for children. Not too sure what that would be – but definitely a product for children to use!

Charlie: A tour poster for Radiohead if they ever tour again. That’s the goal.