TRAINING TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Profile-Marcio Rosa
Course-BTEC National Diploma
Education-7GCSE's at Dormers Wells High School including Art & Design
GS-What made you want to become a designer?
Marcio- It was at school, during my Art & Design GCSE. We were right at the beginning of the course and had to do a poster design project based around an anti-vandalism message. We had to go to the graphics department and it was there that I first used Photoshop and it really inspired in me a desire to learn more.
GS-Are any of you family involved in design?
Marcio-Yes, my Dad is an architect in Portugal. I remember being dragged on endless architectural pilgrimages, and then watching him sketch drawings and build models. In fact, thinking about it, it was watching my Dad as an architect that laid the seeds of a designer in me.
GS-Are there any specific designers or design styles that you find inspiring?
Marcio-I love the work of the English Graphic Designer, Neville Brody. He started out as a record cover designer and then went on to be the art director for the really popular 'That Face' magazine. He then went on to be art director at 'Arena' magazine and also was in charge of a design overhaul at 'The Guardian', ‘The Observer' and 'The Times'. His team also recently designed a new look for the champagne brand Dom Pérignon, having been appointed to help the brand with its strategy and repositioning.
GS-Are there any exhibitions or museums that have helped your studies?
Marcio-The Design Museum in London is an incredible resource for anyone working in the field of design. They have an incredible range of exhibitions, talks and workshops and they also have educational material available to students to support the work that you see there. There is an exhibition coming up that I am really looking forward to, it’s called 'Super Contemporary' and it charts and celebrates London's role in design since the 60's.
GS-What advice would you give to someone who is considering studying design post GCSE?
Marcio-The main thing would be keep to your deadlines! It’s really important that you are able to work to tight deadlines. You have to be able to work alone and in a team, and be able to take criticism of your work.
GS-And finally, how have you found your time doing work experience here at Smaart Publishing?
Marcio-It’s been great, I've loved the challenges I've been given and the people are really friendly and helpful. I loved seeing my drawings up on the website, it was fantastic going home and showing my published work to my family.
