Inspired

I can find inspiration in anything. For example, after years of buying food purely for its packaging, my wife now refuses to go to the supermarket with me. Not only do I double the bill, I treble the time spent in the aisles. You see, as a designer you never stop looking and you never stop thinking.

So how do I channel the inspiration? Well, everybody needs space to think and living on the edge of Edinburgh provides me with that perfect opportunity to escape.

In addition, I was born in Barnsley and there’s nothing like returning home and taking in a match at Oakwell. Football and design have many things in common. Footballers have the power to inspire, lift spirits and put a smile on our faces. Indeed, when Brian Howard scored to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup and seeing Barnsley walk out at Wembley was truly inspirational, if not a little emotional, for me. And as designers we strive to stir the emotions too, in whatever we create.

I appreciate how crucial it is to get the right blend of people capable of achieving something special. Searching for ‘that’ team and giving them their chance is incredibly rewarding, particularly when you provide someone with their first job opportunity. Their fresh thinking is an inspiration to me and our business and seeing them progress through their careers, picking up various accolades, is wonderful.

Then, from time to time, the inevitable happens and you have to bid farewell to one of your team. Sometimes it’s not what you want. But at least it gives you the chance to dip into the transfer market again.