#portraitoftheartist is a feature in which artists discuss their work, their careers and their inspirations.
During my time so far studying Graphic Design at Camberwell College of Arts I’ve learnt that it isn’t just limited to designing logos and websites – it goes way more in depth than that. Some students go into film making, others into fashion and fine art. As a graphic designer I feel you have the freedom to design anything you desire, which is perfect for me as I’ve got intentions to go into areas of design such as fashion, interior and sound at some point in my life. Throughout my childhood I was constantly drawing and designing things, from helicopters, cars and trains to football stadiums and football boots. I think I always subconsciously knew I would go into some form of design as a career as I was never really the academic type at school.
I would say my main inspirations are mid century designers, architects and illustrators such as Charles and Ray Eames, Dieter Rams, Le Corbusier and Tom Purvis. I find it incredibly fascinating that the work that these people designed during the middle of last century is still so relevant now. I think that’s the most important thing with any design: it needs to stand the test of time. I believe Dieter Rams came close to figuring out the winning formula for long lasting design through his ‘ten principles for good design’ and I try to keep them in the back of my mind when I set out to create any piece of work.
My own work stems from my interest in type design, which is something that gets so easily looked over in every day life but is actually integral to so much good design. I’m lucky that my course teaches us in depth about typography and how to create our own typefaces. It’s a relatively long and tedious process but the outcome is so rewarding. It’s such a thrill to be able to go into a word editor and type anything in your own custom typeface. As a graphic designer you have to be versatile to meet the needs of any brief you get given, but at the same time you need to have some sort of distinctive style that separates you from the rest of the competition. This is what I’m trying to learn as a student: finding my own style through experimentation and research so I can build up a portfolio of work that I can truly call my own style.
My most notable project in my portfolio so far is a custom typeface designed to reflect the three different periodical buildings throughout Camberwell College of Arts and to show off the diversity that can be found at the university across the different courses. It was mainly a learning experience for me, with it being my first proper typeface but I’ve learnt a lot from it and I plan to churn out a lot more type design from now on.
My other work includes more type implementation, collaborative publication and book design and a few experimental poster designs. My course is very much ideas orientated, teaching us to push the boundaries of graphic design and finding a more conceptual approach to the briefs we are given.
George Cudby
George is a graphic design student at Camberwell College of Arts. He likes to think he’s a big time DJ in his bedroom and tends to lay in bed reading coffee table books and magazines while indulging in junk food. His goal in life is to own his own design studio making anything and everything. His portfolio website is coming soon but for now you can follow him on Instagram: @georgecudby.
We encourage all of our readers to donate to this season’s organisation: Refugee Action.
If you want to stay posted with PTL content and musings, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
If you’re interested in getting involved with PTL – drop us an email on prancingthroughlife@outlook.com.