I was lucky enough to visit Andy at Graphic Thought Facility today, which was really fun. 

Here are the only sneaky photos I took of the studio: 

Andy was a really nice guy - Originally from Sheffield, he knew Leeds well, so we had a common ground to discuss. 

I took him through the work on my website, he was particularly interested in the type revival I produced for my COP practical. We discussed typeface revivals in general, something both of us were really passionate about. 

Interestingly, Andy explained how they commission A2 Type Foundry to produce logotypes for them,  instead of designing them in house for their clients. Unfortunately, places for interns are full until September. Andy said I can keep in touch and keep busy until then. He also said it could be beneficial for me to get some experience at A2 type foundry, who he obviously has links with. 

I promised to keep in contact, and hopefully working at either A2 or Graphic Thought Facility at some point could be arranged!

If i'm honest, I did not really like the environment at Graphic Thought Facility. It felt too office like, and not as relaxed as my placement Two Times Elliott was. However, their work is by far my favourite of any studio, so I would love to give it a try before making a sweeping assumption. 

After discussing work experience with Andy from Graphic Thought Facility at Christmas, I was informed that they only offer internships. I planned to discuss this at Christmas time at the studio, but unfortunately Andy did not have any time to see me. 

After some of Graphic Thought Facilities work was displayed at the Design Of The Year, I took this as a great excuse to email Andy with a catch up of what i've been up to. Even though I have very little time before I go back up to Leeds, I thought I could at least try to see him.

My email:

Andy's response:

Fingers crossed he will have time to see me. Graphic Thought Facility is my favourite studio, and working there is really convenient, with the studio only being 30 minutes commute away from home in London. 

As mentioned in my end of year PPP Presentation, I would love to work in San Franscisco briefly to work at Manual. 

http://manualcreative.com

As you can see by my favourite project of theirs, for Google, their work is really intellectually stimulating and well considered: 

After researching into their internships, I came across this PDF:

I also researched into the studio's design team, and noticed their founder is from Yorkshire. This is something to remember and could be a way in:

Tom Crabtree

Creative Director & Founder

Born in Yorkshire, England, Tom began his career in London working for leading design studios with clients in art, architecture, fashion, and music. After a decade in London, Tom relocated to San Francisco to join Apple's design team, working on packaging design and art direction. In 2009 Tom founded Manual with the intention of creating a design studio that fused these two backgrounds—combining creative expression with highly disciplined brand creation.

Below is the email I sent through. From interviews with Tom, he seemed like quite a relaxed person, so I decided to be slightly more informal and personal in my email:

Fingers crossed something great will come of it!