BA (Hons) Graphic Design alumni Brandon Staniford, attended our degree programme during the Covid-19 pandemic, graduating into an unprecedented time, but five years on he has been able to achieve great successes in his freelance practice. He has worked with major music labels, established brands like ASOS and even created assets for his childhood favourite Foo Fighters, “there’s a video of me out there on the internet screeching ‘Times Like These'” he remembers, and many more. Find out how he carved out his role in graphic design and creative direction over the last five years below.

How did you start out in the industry?

Since graduating I interned at two creative advertising agencies 2050 London and Drummond Central. I’ve been freelancing since working for different agencies working on projects like Hollow Rocks, Viritopia, Gymbox, Premiership Rugby and Addison Lee.

From there I have freelanced all round working on different projects from branding, product designs and merch. Projects include Sabertooth Pictures (artificial, malbon), Something Something (Instagram, Hives), Vibepay (designing social assets and brand collaborations) High Regard Films (short film posters) Sony Music (Nothing but Thieves merch), Universal Music (Sam Fender poster) So Skint. Records (merch for their record label) WOB studios.

How did you develop your career further?

After that I was on a roster of freelancers for both Universal and Sony. I then had an enquiry for ASOS Design from the head of design asking for availability for potential senior design role for the sub-brand Collusion and from there I was designing all the graphics and patterns for the brand Collusion.

After six months I went back to freelancing at ASOS as I felt a little too corporate and I wanted creativity to be at the forefront of my work. I got lucky when I posted a design based on an upcoming artist Mr. Fantasy and from that I have become his creative designer creating everything from brand deals, social assets, animated assets, website and much much more.

Whilst in the midst of this I got a call from Silva Artist Management asking if I was available to potentially design a global tour poster for Foo Fighters but due to changes and scheduling issues we settled on a one-off show in Australia. I’ve always been a fan of Foo Fighters – even as a kid there’s a video of me out there on the internet screeching ‘Times Like These’.

What is your advice for students?

My advice for students is getting your work out there! Network, get to know people within the creative field you want to go into and don’t worry about AI, nothing beats a good hand-crafted and natural look.

Do you think your time at the School had an impact on your career?

I think that all projects big and small have impacted me as it all comes with new challenges and makes me learn new techniques and makes me an overall a better designer. As for my degree I feel as if it was a good environment and very collaborative in how we worked. Studying took a toll as it was during Covid, but it was good for learning early stages of networking and experimenting on ways of working.

Make sure you keep to date with Brandon’s work on Instagram: @brandonstaniford

If you are interested in studying graphics at degree level, we offer a dynamic programme that give students the skills and opportunities needed to enter the industry. Find out more here.