A Journey Worth Celebrating: Gratitude for the Scandinavian Business Award

When embarking on the arduous journey of building a name in design, one can never truly anticipate the twists and turns that lie ahead. It is a path filled with countless challenges, sleepless nights, and relentless dedication. However, it is precisely this challenging journey that makes the destination all the more rewarding. This week, as I proudly receive the Scandinavian Business Award for Best Branding and UX Agency, I am filled with gratitude for the remarkable passage that has led me here. Looking back, it feels like a lifetime since the humble beginnings of my ambition. Countless hours were poured into building teams of talented individuals who shared the same vision and passion for exceptional branding and user experience. We faced obstacles that tested our resilience, but we persevered, knowing that our commitment to excellence would guide us through.

The road to success is not without its challenges. We encounter moments of self-doubt, face fierce competition, and navigate through economic uncertainties. Yet, it was during these moments of adversity that your passion and determination separates the strong from the crowd. It was through these challenges that I found my strength and resilience, emerging stronger and more determined than ever before. Receiving the Scandinavian Business Award for Best Branding and UX Agency in Norway is an incredible honor, one that I humbly accept on behalf of my journey.

This recognition is a testament to commitment and building new skills that elevates my profile over time. In addition to the award committee, I am deeply grateful for my family’s unwavering support and dedication throughout this process. I am also grateful for my valued employers and clients who have placed their trust in me to bring their brand experiences to life. Each collaboration has been an opportunity for growth and learning, pushing me to constantly exceed expectations. Their belief in my capabilities has been instrumental in succeeding, and I am honored to have played a role in their brand's transformation.

As I stand here, holding sit here, reading my recognition from the Scandinavian Business Award for Best Branding and UX Agency, I am reminded of the countless hours, late nights, and sacrifices that have led me to this remarkable achievement. My voyage has been filled with challenges, but it is these challenges that has pushed me to dig deep and build even more resilience. With immense gratitude, I extend my deepest appreciation to my exceptional network of supporters and the wonderful clients for their continually putting their trust in me. With renewed determination, I look forward to the future, ready to take on new opportunities, and continue the pursuit of creating spellbinding branding and remarkable user experiences.

Reflections of 2021 and plans for the year ahead

As the year flew past, it seemed hard to find time to stop and reflect. In some ways it appears that the world is still mentally stuck in 2020 when our way of life shifted. My personal experience in 2021 has been extremely bountiful and I have been lucky enough to progress in many areas of my life without having to break my back.

2021 Reflections

And plans for the year ahead

The biggest shift for me and my family was to locate away from the busy streets of London. After spending over a decade in one of the world’s grandest and arguably most famous cities, we decided to seek refuge in suburbia. Here we have more space, more nature, less pollution and some of the best schools in the country. The reception couldn’t have been better, we got cards in the post by neighbours welcoming us to the neighbourhood. A real difference from the over populated areas of London where you see the same people every day but don’t even greet them. Studies have been made to show that people living in the city become unmoved by others and block out the outside world. Considering everything that’s been happening, moving to the “country” was the best decision we made. In addition I got to fulfil my longstanding ambition of having my own studio at home and make use of this space every day. I guess one can say that 2021 has been a year of more physical work and less mental boggles, which has helped me to remain positive despite countrywide events.

Whilst the distance is greater, the actual commute to central London is roughly the same time but much more enjoyable. Now that hybrid working is in effect at most companies, the distance doesn’t pose any problems. Some companies have asked me how best to retain talent, and it’s pretty obvious that the employers that offer flexibility and freedom will see the biggest pull for key players in the digital space. The lockdowns have made most of us realise that we can offer value and expertise to companies from the comfort of our homes, and that we can be in charge and design the life that we want.

Finally there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, the fear seems to be fading away and faith is beginning to be restored in humanity. Now we know what we have been dealing with and how to reduce the damage. But as mentioned, I think people struggle to move on and get mentally trapped in the illness and refuse to let go of the pandemic. Personally, I think we should (not trying to sound like a fad) keep calm and carry on. After a somewhat long downturn, there are brighter times ahead. Focusing on the opportunities ahead, should be an exciting thought for anyone.

In the year ahead, I plan to publish my book Coaching Cre8tives and have begun putting together a website and LinkedIn group. The other major goal in relation to this will be to establish a network of mentees that I can help to thrive in their respective careers. By focusing on giving and helping, one’s limits for success becomes obsolete. I firmly believe, and have seen this in so many successful people, that the ones who come from an unselfish place in the spirit of spreading positivity, will always go far. I will take this opportunity to invite any readers to join my LinkedIn group or reach out to me directly if they want advice on their creative career, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a student. In addition to this, I have will be making additional announcements with regards to my professional career progression, so watch the space.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who’s helped me in the last year, send my blessings to anyone who lost loved ones, and wish you all a fabulous year ahead.

2020 Reflections

This year has been so much different from any other year, plentiful with global events and polarised highs and lows. It is with mixed emotions I reflect upon 2020 which for sure is up until now, the most significant one in my lifetime.

Reflections

The year of 2020

From the start we got thrown right into turbulent catastrophes ranging from climate disasters to social disruptions on a global scale. It was almost as if we could sense something about to happen. Before any outbreak in Europe, we already had two losses in our Family. The darkness was spreading over the globe like a thick smog, chocking us with angst.

We all saw what was happening in China with the virus, but were merely joking about such a thing happening to us. When Italy went into lockdown, the heightened sense of anxiety could be felt amongst friends and colleagues. By the time it finally reached our homes, people here in London were preparing from armageddon and buying up all soaps and toilet rolls. I too bought 40 kilos of rice to make sure I could feed the family. Lucky for us, it didn’t turn out the way we feared. It turned out much better.

Having the privilege of working from home and being able to spend more time with my child has been the single biggest upside as a result of the lockdown. This year I have probably spent more time with my daughter than any of my forefathers have with their children. Previous generations didn’t have the technology we have to log in from your breakfast table and zoom your way through the year. It is surely something we take for granted. Waking up and having those moments with your loved ones every morning is another thing we gloss over and forget the importance of when we’re in the rat race. Even though my other half lost her job as a result of the pandemic and made it financially more tricky for us, I still am grateful for what’s happened. I feel that the last nine months have brought us closer together as a family and that we’re bonding on even deeper levels. It made me disregard all the things I do not have and made me appreciate even more how much I do have in life. It made me realise that I am rich in the truest sense of the word, even though my accounts don’t have countless zeros behind the figures. The people around us are our most valuable treasure. Real, meaningful relationships brings us happiness.

For once, I had time to reflect, set goals and work on personal projects which I’d been putting off. This unlocked freedom of extra hours in the day which I’d usually spend standing upright on a crammed tube was given back to me. I’m pleased to say that I managed to use it productively and not squander it. In the first few months of lockdown, I wrote a book. Not long after, I began designing products and selling them online.
I was never a keen runner, but when the sun came out in the summer I formed a new habit of morning runs. Looking back, I’ve never read as many books and created so much new art ever in my life. In all honesty I felt like I was living like ‘I was supposed to’.

Even though this period has allowed me to work heavily on myself and my own ambitions, I still remain sceptical of how this situation is being handled. There has been many theories thrown around on how it came about and what needs to be done to bring things back to normality, but in most cases they are extreme to one end or the other. Truth is that things will never go back to how they used to be. We are all part of a cosmic evolution which sometimes takes a downturn to correct itself. Whilst I am upmost sympathetic to any victims to the pandemic (our granduncle passed away from Covid), I do feel like the stats are being blown out of proportion. The way the media presents the figures appear to be deliberately boosted to make a bad situation seem even worse. The virus is real, and the people who die are real - but the figures are viewed from a skewed perspective. The number of people who tested positive for the virus 2 weeks prior to their death are all being pulled into the growing number of deaths. Does that mean someone who caught the virus and recovered, only to be hit by a bus the following week is also part of that stat? Never have we seen coverage like this, and it does not seem to help people cope better. If anything it is spreading fear into the minds and hearts of people.

What we need is healing. Not only physical but more importantly mental healing. With everything that is going on, there is no better time to look inwards and learn how to become at peace. I really hope more people will take up meditation and breathing exercises to calm their spirits and connect with their higher minds. Stepping down from the hamster wheel of life where one sees colleagues more than their own children is nothing but good. However many find it claustrophobic and hard to cope being trapped in their own house. For this very reason, internal reflection is a wonderful practice which costs nothing and can be accessed by anyone from anywhere.

I think what’s happening is a natural stage in evolution when a virus comes in to ameliorate it’s host. How we’ve reacted can often come across as a human experiment on how much the governments can control the masses. We are the first generation to be fully aware of the damage we are causing and we have to face the mirror to reflect on how we are living. Can we eat better? Can be recycle more? Can we change our lives in such a way that we can be more happy and do less damage? Our duty now is to figure out how we can become better. Both on an individual and a global human level.

It is well known amongst Kabbalists that in order to build something new, you have to tear down the old. A shift has begun, and it will carry on for some time. It is part of the new age of Aquarius? Perhaps?

Reflection drawing of 2020.

Stay friendly, yet respected

Whether it is a recent aspirant or an inherited scrapper, it is essential for you to keep friendly relationships with everyone in your team. As it is with any affinity, keeping a level of respect whilst you remain amicable is an everlasting balancing act. Creatives are the type of people who prefer a laid back and informal approach to work, so it is important to incorporate this aspect in your leadership style. Keep it nice and friendly, but at the same time you must watch it so your teamsters don’t get too comfortable around you. Here’s how you go about it.

Respect cannot be demanded, it has to be earned. And you can only earn it by giving it.

Respect cannot be demanded, it has to be earned. And you can only earn it by giving it. The more you respect your team, the more they will respect you. Sounds very simple, but in reality can be quite tricky. The reason being that most leaders struggle to treat their employees with respect and tend to literally - boss them around. Always show gratitude. Saying thank you doesn’t cost you a dime, but it goes such a long way in making people respect you. Showing appreciation for their efforts makes them feel important and valued, which in fact everyone is. The more respect and appreciation you give, the more you will get in return. 

It’s important not to confuse respect with fear. Being respected is good, whilst being feared is terrible. When people fear you, they do things out of fear and for a creative person that is not a great motivation as they need to think and act freely to bring out their best.

Have you ever had a boss who made your stomach turn as soon as you saw an email from them in your inbox? It might just have been a short FYI mail, but because you associate their name with bad news and negativity, your emotions skyrocket long before your rational mind has time to decipher the message. This is a clear sign the leader has instilled fear in you. If you can relate to this feeling, I am sure you wouldn’t want to make others feel like that. 

Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously, learn to laugh and make fun of yourself. By doing this you mien as a fellow creative, and become more relatable to the players on the team.

Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously, learn to laugh and make fun of yourself. By doing this you mien as a fellow creative, and become more relatable to the players on the team. Have fun and banter with your gang, make them laugh and joke around. This immediately brings down their guard and makes them more relaxed in your presence. In their mind they’ll be thinking: He’s cool, he’s one of us. Then you can be viewed as a respected friend people can be open around and speak their mind, but respect your position and follow your direction. You have found the equilibrium of good creative leadership.

4 great interview questions for creatives

When it comes to hiring creatives, you also have to consider personalities. Hiring the right designer with the wrong interpersonal skill could shake up the whole team for the wrong reasons. Creatives have usually very big identities, and as part of a group they all need to feel they have a special place. Most people like people who are similar to themself. That’s why you see best buddies being so similar, or meeting someone’s circle of friends and noticing the same expressions and mannerisms amongst them. Aim for a similar dynamic when building a team. A gang that can discuss serious topics and collaborate on finding solutions, all comfortable and trusting to openly share their views and ideas between each other. A gang that throws disses at each other and laughs together over a pint after a tough week at work. A gang that compliments each other and makes it all happen, together. 

When filling an open role with external hires, the whole team is walking around wondering what kind of person you will pick. They all will be judging your ability to recruit based on how they will feel around this new person.

When filling an open role with external hires, the whole team is walking around wondering what kind of person you will pick. They all will be judging your ability to recruit based on how they will feel around this new person. If they feel good around the new starter, they will think you’ve made a good choice. On the other hand, if you sign an egocentric hot-shot designer with the hottest client list but insults someone in every meeting, they will think you have no idea what you are doing. Having a happy team is priceless. And people are happy when they work with people they get along with. 

During the interview it is vital for you to get to know the real person behind the facade. The soul behind the name, the guy or gal behind the CV. Spend the first ⅔ of the interview speaking about the role and their experience and how they can contribute to the team with their skills. If they tick all those boxes and seem to be talking a good talk, take some time to ask them some random questions that give you a view into how their mind works. 

• How do you deal with conflict?

Ideally you want them to speak about a situation from a professional environment. If they are graduates, they might have an example from university.

• Have you ever broken someone’s trust and how did you restore it?

Specify that it doesn’t have to be work related, but could have occured with friends or family.

• Name your 3 favourite movies?

This is a really good one because movie genres can tell you a lot about a person. If they name a bunch of comedies, you can tell they like a good laugh. Now if they’re into psychological thrillers, they might be more complex folk.

And finally, my personal favourite:

• If you could host a dinner party and chat through the night with five famous people, who would you invite?

Most people get really thrown off initially but always manage to pull together their guest for the night. If any names are more unusual or unexpected, ask them why they’ve chosen them. It usually opens up wider conversations about their interests and hobbies. If some of these match some of the other team members, you’re onto a winner.

You should be close enough to your team to feel which candidate will fit in. Choose the one who will blend in the easiest, but still can deliver a heck of a job at the end of the day. Avoid anyone who has a different vibe and could cause disruptions within the team. Now you never know a person fully after a couple of interviews, but I’ve come to learn that our gut usually gets it right. Ask the right questions and listen out for any warning signals, your gut will tell you when you got the right one.

How I usually look when I interview people :)

Starting out as a creative

As with everything in life, the beginning is always slow. This is also true for any creative, even the most ambitious. If fact, the more ambitious you are, the less patience you will have to keep working through the tough times. Everyone has to go through the grinding phase where no one really gives a toss about you or your skills, not because you’re not capable, but simply because you have no experience. The first step for most people is to take up a university or college degree. All though this has been the norm for a long time, this is slowly starting to shift. Nowadays you have the abundant university of the internet where you can learn almost anything by watching videos or reading illustrated how-to blogs. Times are different, even for someone like me who graduated in the first decade of the millenium. Back then universities were king, whereas now it’s all about talent, determination and smart work that gets one ahead in the professional life. The educational system can’t keep up with the exponential advancement of technology and the professors are struggling to learn all this new stuff at the pace it’s coming out. Adobe releases a creative suite with new features every single year.

That’s how a young kid who grows up in the digital age gets an edge over the analog old-schoolers. 

You may be from the old-school (meaning non-millennial) and want to get better at leading your creative team or you may be a young entrepreneur with a creative flair wanting to learn more about building design teams. Either you’ve been through the slow and painful process of starting out, or you are completely unknown to what the future awaits for your chosen profession. The truth is that most people only work with someone who has a track record, therefore you must work very hard (and often for free) just to build up a body of work. I remember my own struggles when I got really frustrated because neither the fame or the money came in, no matter how much sweat I poured over my projects.

I graduated during the height of the recession in 2009 and the first industries to suffer were the so-called luxury professions such as art and design.

Some 15 years later I realised that the struggle was part of the process. We all know the famous saying; The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. And if this whole thing came easy, I don’t think we’d appreciate it. After my studies, I was living in (a rough part of) south London with only a handful of pounds to my name as I hustled my way through odd design jobs to make ends meet. At one point I did consider giving up, but took up a part time job as an interpreter to get by whilst I built up my design credentials. I decided to keep going because I’d worked so hard to get to where I was. There was no way I was going to go back to Norway as a failure. And you have to be determined and set your mind at the end goal in order to get through the initial uphill.

Once you get momentum, keep pushing and you’ll be surprised how far you will go.

T-Shirt made for an upcoming Norwegian urban brand during my post graduate studies.

Commercialising your style and talent

When I came to the UK and began my studies, everything was like watching a movie. It all seemed like a dream. The language, the culture, the backwards traffic, the double-deckers, it was all a bit surreal. I felt free. For the first time, I was living on my own and could do whatever I wanted. But rather than going all out and causing havoc, I actually became more responsible and found a way to commercialise my creative talent. The only work I had been commissioned thus far was graffiti for some Russ-buses. (It’s a tradition in Norway when you graduate to chip in on a bus and paint the name on the side, full of sound systems, drive around to party for weeks right before school graduation.) I had also hand drawn the logo for our rap group and made stickers and t-shirts, but that was as far my graphic experience had gone thus. All by hand, no computer graphics. When I look back at it now, I guess I was old-school, even though I was half the age!

Arriving at the campus at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design was like entering an international student conference. I met people from all over the world (including my future wife!) whilst studying and learnt so much from each and every one of my classmates, tutors and professors. To this day I recall thinking - “What a good choice!” (More like chance - this was the only course in the whole of Europe that offered me a place. My final school marks were horrendous, I was getting in trouble and was doing drugs but somehow managed to finish…..)

Throughout every class I was absorbing the new subjects, experimenting with traditional techniques and learning new technology. From photography to typography, from image manipulation to colourful illustration – it all came very natural to me. I couldn’t help thinking that the letters I had been spraying on to trains had prepared me for these undergraduate modules. Amongst the students, I naturally found my fellow writers, and hooked up with local artists to go on painting jams across the midlands. Those were the good days! No responsibilities, just freedom and following your passion through the course. My final coursework was creating a wine brand using digital calligraphy. It made me finish top of class – First Class Honours. I carried on doing my post-graduate studies and started working for a local print shop. That was my first design job. Business card and flyer designs gave me such joy and a sense of achievement. We all start somewhere, and it’s often the humble beginnings that lead to great stories….

You might be starting out on your path, or you might be in the exact position you want to be. In any case, this will hold true; your success is based on your ability to create a product or service people are willing to pay for.

All of us have some type of outlet and need to adapt it to the modern, monetary world by channelling it in the right direction. If you liked to dress up dolls, you might become a great fashion designer. If you loved building houses with lego, you might study architecture and become the next Philip Starck. Your creative curiosity should have brought you to this point where you are now. Your mission is to follow it through to the end. By expressing your creativity in a medium which is commercially viable you will achieve the success you want. Even Picasso knew he had to build a brand to become a historic icon. His signature has literally become a trademark. Today we have an advantage Picasso never had (not that he needed it!). We have more advanced technology and the ability to produce and sell our creations faster, directly to a global market via the internet. 

The world is digital, we are living in the digital age.

If you haven’t done so yet, learn how to make a digital product using your talent. The digital world has only been around less than a century, and it is only the beginning of its impact on humankind. It will continue to change our lives and influence everything we do and think about. Therefore it is key for you to position yourself correctly to take advantage of this monumental milestone of homo sapiens.

Final University project for a brand created using digital calligraphy.