Can you describe your role within your organization?
I'm the founder of a planet-centred design agency. Founded in 2004 off the back of my heading up the graphics team at Eden Project from 2000.
My role has quite a few facets, from ideation of creative concepts for client briefs - which we always challenge positively to make sure people and the planet are baked in. Looking at branding to low carbon website design.
Lots of meetings which I call conversations of change. These can be online - I use Crewdle, which is a more planet-friendly video conferencing tool. To meet up in person and walk out ideas with clients, to 'board' meetings in the warmer months where I might paddle board with a client to help unlock ideas. It's a way for me to get out, and in nature and away from my laptop.
Across a day, there could be 3-4 meetings, in different timezones, alongside idea creation, co-creation and planning. Our clients are varied, but all have a connection to wanting to authentically do good in business for future generations.
Ultimately my day, every day is to help move hearts and minds creatively, everywhere, in any way I can.
How did you get in contact with the field of space and your discipline?
The contact happened for me to get involved in space when I and my design agency Leap were approached by the now director of Spaceport Cornwall to look at what 'Good Space' could be in action. We were tasked collaboratively to work on Spaceport Cornwall's branding, display, and promotional work, alongside designing and building a low-carbon but high-impact website and exhibition displays right down to eco-friendly branding clothing and the mission badges. Our most important piece of work was working with Spaceport and their crew on creating their progressive impact report.
From having a love of space and nature since a young age, this was a wonderful opportunity alongside to marry together environmental skills and actions alongside design output, all for a very progressive team at Spaceport.
I was also brought in to host a panel on Space and Climate Change through Spaceport for the Goonhilly Earthstation 60th birthday event. Where I chaired a panel of scientists in both space and climate.
How does your specific non-tech discipline or expertise add value to your organization?
I'd say being very curious and making sure my inner child wondering 'why this', 'why do we do it that way', 'why does it matter', 'how is that possible' and other questions alongside challenging the brief really help. Especially to peel back the layers to get to the heart of the 'why' and then help creatively translate it to make it easier for others to access in different ways.
It's about constant learning and learning enough to make a difference with it. My clients will come to me asking for a creative partner but my true aim is to be a thought partner. Keeping our minds curious, and always researching, in the nexus or bridge between society, industry and the planet is essential. At the same time knowing my strengths and vulnerabilities so I can lean into those with knowledge, skills, process far better than mine. The best crew for any ship whether a spaceship or a creative studio like our own, is a multi-disciplinary crew able to support anywhere at anytime each with core strengths to complement others in the crew.
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