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Aydin Mustafa

Profession

Alumni, BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design

College

London College of Communication

Person Type

Alumni

Biography

Which course did you study at LCC?

I studied BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design.

Tell us about your current role and what you're currently working on

I am currently a junior designer at DixonBaxi specialising in both design and motion.

What made you choose the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) opportunity?

I wanted to experience the industry I'm striving to break into a year earlier than I would have. I also wanted to learn where I fit in the creative industry in terms of which type of studios I would work in, which specialisms would I delve into and to discover the type of designer I wanted to become.

Where did you go for your DPS year? Tell us a little bit about your experience

I worked in a diverse set of studios ranging from Blast Design, Apple, Pentagram and Dixon Baxi. Each place is different in the type of work they produce and their approaches to projects and this widened my knowledge around how live briefs are tackled. Being able to get hands-on experience in all the placements has allowed me to grow as a creative.

What's the most important thing you learned from doing the DPS year?

How to break into the industry. I independently worked out the most efficient ways of getting my work seen, making contact with studios and making a name for myself.

How did DPS alter your future ambitions?

Having a passion for motion graphics, I was able to push this skill throughout my year on DPS in the different studios I worked in. I was able to use my wide set of specialism to become more desirable to studios.

Would you recommend a DPS year to other students and if so, why?

Yes, as it allows you to get a head start and to break into the industry before you graduate. You will expand your skillset and your creative thinking. This will benefit your final year massively in terms of knowing how to excel in creating and executing a brief.

What advice would you give to students applying for the DPS year?

I would be as proactive as possible. Be ambitious and selective in the experiences you want to take on. Meet people, learn new skills and don't be afraid to say no to experiences that you aren't truly excited about.

What was the best thing about your time at LCC and why?

The people. Everyone being creatively strong and specialising in different fields allowed me to learn from others as well as constantly pushing me to be more ambitious with my own projects.

Is there a particular person who shaped your university experience or creative outlook?

My Year 2 tutor Karl Foster. Having conversations with Karl always inspired me to consider the strategies of a project. Thinking beyond the visual aspects showed me how design can engage people in a unique experience.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Although I often find myself scrolling through online sources such as Pinterest or Instagram, my biggest inspiration comes from having conversations with other creatives. Discussing my work and ideas and listening to how it's perceived gives me a new perspective on my approach. I've learnt to always talk with your target audience as they hold a lot of answers.

What does your workspace look like? Do you have a studio?

My desk in the studio I'm currently working in is full of open notebooks and a few dirty mugs and cereal bowls. After a quick clear up I'm hoping to fill it with design books.