In Conversation With Dave Rowswell

Next up in our ‘In conversation with’ series is Dave, our Creative Designer. He’s a coffee bean enthusiast with a knack for drawing the Thunderbirds air force.

What made you get into design?

I’ve always had an interest in photography from a young age and I love how this married with magazines and layout design, and how the photography and type worked together.

I visited the Barbican in London with college in 2004 to see an exhibition of UK design which covered things like album artwork from Sex Pistols to Primal Scream. Ever since then I’ve been hooked on Brutalist Architecture and Graphic Design.

I can’t imagine not doing a job that you are truly invested in the result. I’ve always been obsessed with seeing behind the curtain and knowing how things are made and produced.

What’s your favourite type of creative?

Nothing hits me as hard as an art book or posh magazine that has been designed meticulously, and I get that feeling like I wish I had done it.

The other part is something with true intentions or a social conscience. Design should be used to make the world a better place.

Who, or what, inspires you?

Creatives who aren’t driven by money. The creative field is quite often funded by whoever is paying the bill – but this doesn’t always lead to good work or a good story behind it. I think if you can be a creative or designer and also uphold your morals and ethics, that is pretty special. That’s the work you can be proud of as the time passes on.

Surrounding myself with like minded people has always been a source of inspiration to me, it feels so motivating to meet with other creative people and see them succeed despite the many obstacles facing creative industries in current times.