Graduation was followed by many job applications and finding my first job in an agency in Sunderland. The work involved decorative designs for Corning’s (Pyrex) glass ware. No doubt many of us will have something I worked on in their kitchen cupboard!
I wanted to design packaging however, so months later I moved to a Birmingham carton manufacturer, Box Carton Ltd. I designed packs and graphics for home ware, sports goods, gift ware. Birmingham being an expensive place to live after 18 months I looked North in the hope I could move nearer home.
I joined Alf Cooke Packaging in Leeds, one of the main cartons manufactures at the time. This, my first venture into the confectionery market which was to become my speciality. Customers included Nestle, Mars, Terry’s, and Cadbury’s. After a company restructure, I found myself making another move, this time to a transfer print company, designing for home ware and fast fashion transfer print on to clothing, shoes, bags etc. After a year of financial problems in the company I wound up redundant so took a few months to work freelance.
My next job was with Yorkshire Post Newspapers, creating editorial graphics and advertising to tight deadlines, after 3 years I moved on.
Next stop, still in Leeds, Waddington Cartons. Part of the Waddington's group, famous for Monopoly, Cluedo and playing cards. A studio of 26 designers covering game designs, playing cards and packaging as well as external customers in food and confectionery. Over the years the company changed and ultimately became a large packaging manufacturer - now Graphic Packaging. I left after 18 years when the creative opportunity reduced
I have worked at Field Packaging, (now Westrock) for 19 years. I design packaging for confectionery, personal care, food and drink. I am now a Graphics Manager and mostly work from home. The work has changed, even though some of the brands remain the same. The transition from drawing boards, markers and paint to Macs has changed the job in many ways but creativity remains. These days there are fewer physical designs or mock-ups other than digital prints and most of my work involves 3D modelling, VR and AR rendering pre artwork and repro.
My work life which has been non-stop and I did not expect to be still doing this after 44 years. During which I have been married, divorced had two sons - Richard (37), Alan (27). I live in Leeds on my own, never got to move back up north! I am interested in Astronomy (I have a telescope) and have been working an allotment for the past 16 years growing my own fruit and veg. I love all things creative - I make my own wine, cook, sew and crochet. I enjoy time on my own and I am less inclined to travel these days other than to see family. Looking forward to retirement next year!
