Welcome to my vision of package designer utopia…

After months of painstakingly searching for a career opening, I had the good fortune to be offered my ideal job.

The company, who are a specialist packaging consultancy, are based in a converted warehouse overlooking docklands, with leafy surroundings, inspirational shops nearby and, wait for this, free car parking!

The design team is lovely, really friendly and helpful; they were keen to find someone they could nurture. But I like their sense of humour, even with the strains of a tight deadline, someone still manages the odd joke!

Best of all, I get to work on all types of gift packaging, with lots of interesting briefs from smaller companies, and some challenging ones from well-known retailers. Luckily, I am responsible for taking the brief through from start to finish. It is also great for me to use my knowledge of packaging technology, plus designing some stunning graphics. All those awards I won at college weren’t for nothing!

They certainly appreciate my hunger to learn. They are also impressed with my marker pen visuals. ‘How do you make those so well?’ is a question I am often asked.

The best bit has to be coming up with some innovative and effective packaging. Nothing beats that feeling when you know you’ve cracked it and are on to a winner.

Who is this company that has a brilliant opening for someone fresh out of college?

Well they don’t actually exist silly, it’s all in my head! I’m still looking!

Sandra Stephens

sstephens@freenet.co.uk