Two of my favourite things in the whole world are film and graphic design, (there are of course other wondrous delights like profiteroles and sunbathing that could be classed as favourite things, but I won't go into that...). I came across this article whilst browsing the always fantastic Creative Review site and it got me thinking. How exactly would you get into this profession, it looks and sounds incredibly awesome. One day you're writing a blog (ok, got that bit) and the next (well not quite the next) Wes Anderson gives you a call asking whether or not you want to design for his next film. Yes please! I often feel that graphic design is an overlooked skill and art form, sometimes considered to be an after thought and something that can be done by almost anyone who has Photoshop. It is very true, there are a wide range of software packages out there and are readily available, but one quote that stood out for me was this one by Annie Atkins, lead graphic designer on the recent Wes Anderson film "The Grand Budapest Hotel:"

You're not always designing for the camera: much of this work will never be seen by a cinema audience, but still you have to create an atmosphere and a world for the actors to work their magic in.

This sums up what being a graphic designer means to me. Graphic designers provide the attention to detail that makes a scene complete. Whether it's your corporate branding or a submission to win business or an exhibition stand or web presence, we set the scene of expectation for the recipient. First impressions count and style can very much add to the substance. It's great to see that graphic design plays an important part in the world of film. Just think of all the newspapers characters read, or train tickets or notebooks the characters carry, I was blown away by the graphic design section on the Harry Potter Studio tour. Image really is everything... For now though, I think I'll stick with freelancing for small businesses, but you never know in years to come I may be designing for the stars! http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2014/march/grand-budapest-hotel