Sarah Medway Interview

Place of birth: London, UK
Work: Professional web/graphic designer and photographer;
Branding, corporate identity, web site design, design for print
Study: BA Hons in Graphic Design, Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
Interests/Hobbies:  Photography, cats (anything feline), writing music, playing guitar, cycling

1) When did you start speculate about your future as an artist?
Pretty much as soon as I arrived in the world! As soon as I could hold a pencil I drew… and drew, apparently I was always attached to a pencil or crayon. I still have a fascination with any kind of pens, pencils, notebooks and stationery!  When I was about 13 or 14 I looked into what was around in the whole art world, graphic design really appealed to me. I spent five years at art college doing a  two year diploma and three year degree – which set me up and on course into the art world.

2) What art or website do you rate as your best?
I like really clean crisp looking web sites. The web sites that I have done generally follow that approach, depending on the brief and clients wishes. I guess I like the branding and web site I did for Chocolate Rain, who wouldn’t enjoy working with chocolate?! Also, generally, the latest thing I am working on I try to make my best!

3) Do you work with your own photos and paintings?
Yes I do – photography is a big part of my life particularly landscape photography. It is always a thrill to be able to blend the two things I love together. Sometimes I will do a shoot specifically for a client. But I also use a variety of other photographers depending on the brief, ie for product, food etc.

4) Have you ever bought any photos?
I do buy stock photography and I commission photography, if it falls out of my comfort zone for me to shoot. Personally, I admire so many photographers, sites like Flickr and JPGMag have brought great talents together… so I am hoping to buy some work from a few photographers to add to our collection at home.

5) What do you think about amateur sites? And what do you recommend to beginners?
For either designers or photographers, get your stuff out there, join some communities and get involved, ask questions and talk to people. Some great talent has been discovered amongst the community sites and some have been commissioned by big agencies and companies. By get involved it allows you and your work to shine. There are also tools out there now to put your own site together without needing to know coding which are perfect for a first time out in the web world. Or perhaps team up with another designer that can put a site together for you, maybe you can do a skills exchange.

6) Are you going to any new project?
I have some great projects going on at moment, a CD cover for an inspiring up and coming vocalist. The CD is also going to use some of my landscape photography which is exciting. I’m also working on a web site for an international orchestra, a 40 page brochure for a communications agency that I have done the branding and website for, so moving onto their printed literature is great to be involved with and work with them in their development.  I have a solo show for my photography opening on Sunday, plus I am currently putting a book together based on my landscape pics….. never a dull moment.