Mentor Interview

For part of our professional studies module, we had to interview someone working in a creative industry. I spoke to Bob Mytton, co-founder of Mytton Williams, a brand and design consultancy in Bath. I met him at the Creative Bath ‘Design Matters’ event at Jika Jika on 7/2/12 and his talk was very insightful and interesting so I asked him if I could interview him. 

Bob has worked for several design and brand agencies with design experience that spans over 25 years. Mytton Williams was founded in 1996 and has worked with clients such as Bath Spa University, Waitrose, The National Trust and Thermae Bath Spa. 

http://www.myttonwilliams.co.uk/

Did you always want to work in the field of design?

Yes

How did you get into the design industry? 

 I did a degree in Graphic Design at Maidstone College of Art. I was offered my first job in my final year.

What was your first job? 

Pentagram, working with clients such as Polaroid, Royal Caribbean and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Do you get inspiration from other designers and professionals? 

Yes

What advice would you give to someone starting out in design and other creative industries? 

1. Be a team player. It’s not just about having a good portfolio. 
2. Presentation is important – and that’s everything from turning up on time to the care you give to your portfolio.
3. You don’t have to be great at everything.
4. Never give up. Be persistent, but always polite. 
5. Think about who you want to work for and why – don’t send in your CV addressed to ‘Dear Sir/Madam’.
6. Make sure your CV and portfolio are considered carefully – it’s amazing what you can tell from a CV. And check the spelling.
7. Keep your email, CV, Portfolio simple and to the point. Portfolio needs about 8 projects, short descriptions and an overview of you.
8. Do some placements – it shows determination and enthusiasm. The more ‘real world experience you can get the better.