Design in the genes
When artists and designers are faced with a dilemma of ideas, there is a term used within creative circles. This reluctance to decide is known as “analysis paralysis”. Ben Peckitt is a graduate of the British Academy of Graphic Design and while he may not have been paralysed by options, it seems he tried and tested a few different avenues before arriving at the academy. This is neither unusual nor is it a disadvantage. In fact, it is often those who have moved around different careers who bring the most creativity to the table. It is after all, the wild and wonderful experiences of life that will enrich the imagination.
Before enrolling in the academy, Ben worked in security with his eye on a future with the police. But having pursued this path for some time, he felt something wasn’t clicking. His heart has always been in football and faced with the luxury of choosing your own life path, why not go towards what you love.
“However being the age I was at the time there wasn’t much hope in going pro and I didn’t want to go to Uni as I was fed up of the education system by the time I had finished college. So, I thought why not take my love for art and design and follow a career in kit design or something similar.”
When you come from a creative family, the influence can often be led by example but in Ben’s case, with both parents and sister interested in art, perhaps it was always in his genes. At just 7 years old, Ben won a competition to design a logo for the library in Ayton, near Scarborough – see the drawing below.
And so, it seems graphic design was also in his DNA.
New way of learning
Ben always preferred the practical aspect of learning and took art & design for his GCSE’s. But by the time he found the academy, he had steered away from the idea of the institution of education.
“The academy was the most appealing when looking through options for home study courses, I didn’t want an in-person course and wanted the flexibility of working at home.”
As Ben worked through his assignments and coursework, he began to realise that perhaps this was the right path for him. Graphic design has a multitude of avenues that can be explored. It is a field that combines creativity with problem solving as well as exploring psychological insights into human behaviour. From logo design, branding, and packaging to UX, posters and wayfinding, graphic design places people at the centre of everything and basic empathy becomes a skill. Ben found he was becoming engrossed in the work and became energised to dive deep.
“I have learnt that when doing stuff I enjoy I put a lot more effort into the projects and even go above and beyond doing more than asked. Even doing more design outside of the course. The course is smooth flowing and very well explained, teaching you new things.”
Finding your niche
And as students’ progress through the coursework, they also build on their own confidence and ambition. Ben found great encouragement from his tutors and peers as they discussed his work. He was on a roll and was finding his voice as a designer.
“Most surprising thing I have learnt is once you get into the flow of learning the programs you’re using, how easy it comes to you after learning the basics.”
The academy will introduce students to a wide variety of areas of graphic design, and many students find they are drawn to a specialism they may not have been familiar with before enrolling. While Ben may have had a glimpse into the world of logo design as a child, it was product design that would finally pique his attention.
“I enjoyed doing product design as it allowed creative freedom to do whatever I wanted and choose to design things in the way I would like.”
Ben has now completed his diploma and is taking intelligent and important steps into his future. He is speaking to professional graphic designers, seeking advice and cautiously stepping into his own future. And with design in the very fabric of his genetic make-up, there is no stopping him.
Are you ready to explore your own Creative Future?
Whether you’re looking to change careers, develop your creative skills, or turn a passion for design into something more, the Academy’s Graphic Design courses are designed to help you build practical, industry-ready skills from home with personalised tutor feedback and flexible online learning.
Explore now and discover where your creativity could take you.
