We say YES to championing future talent
At P+S, we know how important sharing knowledge and experience is.
Our Digital Designer, Louis Le Bon, shares his experience of helping students navigate their creative careers.
Since starting the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) mentorship scheme, colleagues have shared how valuable peer-to-peer guidance has been – some of whom still remember and live by the advice they were given by mentors. I’ve also heard how a lack of mentorship can leave a void of support, direction and clarity during the crucial early years of a creative career.
So it with this in mind, I attended AUB’s annual Graphic Design Networking Event, meeting second-year students and supporting them with portfolio reviews.
Why did I choose to get involved?
After completing my Art & Design foundation degree in 2018, I went on to study Graphic Design at AUB. I’ll always credit the university for the success I’ve had in my career so far. The diverse nature of the course, combined with the nurturing environment the lecturers created, meant I was able to explore different areas of design. This helped me develop a broad skillset that’s been key to getting me where I am today.
I often think back to a coding module during second year, where we were tasked to build our own portfolio websites. At the time, it was my least favourite unit. But now, working as a Digital Designer at Proctor + Stevenson, I can really see the value of that experience. Coding my first website gave me the foundation to pursue the digital side of design – and ultimately led me to the role I’m in now.
Having taken part in the networking event as a student myself in 2020, I know first-hand how valuable this experience can be. So it was amazing to have the opportunity to pay it forward and be back on campus with a different perspective.
I joined a brilliant lineup of industry professionals from various agencies across the South of England for an evening of student portfolio reviews. We were able to spend 15 minutes with six students looking through their portfolios - which gave us an opportunity to gauge the type of design work they’re interested in and the chance to answer any questions, offer practical advice and constructive feedback on their work, and what to expect upon graduating.
The work on show was impressive, but what stood out most to me was the energy and curiosity of the students. They asked smart questions, welcomed feedback, and were eager to learn how to make their portfolios stand out in a competitive industry.
Given how quickly the design world has shifted and how competitive the creative industry has become in recent years, it’s so important to offer support to the next generation of designers. It’s essential that they can stay agile and build strong foundations to be able to succeed after graduating.
At Proctor + Stevenson, we’re committed to supporting emerging talent and making the transition from education to industry more accessible – especially in fields where access and opportunity aren’t always equally available. And, to empower those who may find themselves at a disadvantage, we believe in championing those from marginalised communities and underrepresented backgrounds.
Supporting initiatives like the AUB mentorship scheme and their Graphic Design Networking Event not only helps students. It also helps us stay connected, inspired, and reminds us of why we do what we do. We’re looking forward to the next opportunity to support and inspire the next generation.
Louis
Digital Designer, Proctor + Stevenson
