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Peter Roden

Profession

Alumni, BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design

College

London College of Communication

Person Type

Alumni

Biography

Peter Roden is an graduate of BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design at London College of Communication. Peter talks to us about his Diploma in Professional Studies year, including working at design studios in Sao Paolo and Amsterdam.

Interview

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'm a Graphic Designer working on various studio projects.

What made you choose the Design for Professional Studies (DPS) opportunity?

I wanted to learn and develop skills before my final year.

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

I started with a trip to Zambia which culminated in a personal project creating a photobook about the local sign painting industry. I interned in two London Design studios: Here Design and Pearlfisher, both giving me experience in designing and branding for food/products.

After that I flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil to undertake a 3 month internship at the modernist design studio Ps2, working across the cultural sector. Almost immediately after this I started another 3 month internship at De Design Politie studio in Amsterdam, working on a small team across a variety of commercial projects for print, animation and web.

My last internship was with the corporate design agency Landor, in their London office.

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

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and approach those you admire.

How did DPS alter your future ambitions?

I wouldn't say it altered my ambitions, but gave me both the contacts and confidence to progress with my aim of getting straight into design work.

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

Life is long, why not fill it with experiences?

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

Forget that you’re a student and try and reach the heights of the designers you admire. Self initiate projects beforehand that you can share with the professionals you’d like to work with.

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

No I wouldn't say that one particular person shaped it as I tried to have a varied experience across the years. But those that come to mind would be: Sarah Temple, Hamish Muir, Christian Granados, Graham Goldwater and Tony Yard.

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

Yes I have a small shared studio in Kentish Town. Its a white room filed with my computer equipment, comfortable chairs, plants and lots of posters and previous projects on the walls. I also have a room at home that I use as a photography space with lighting.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I try and vary my inspirations, but mainly its a mix of my book collection (new and old), exhibitions, online blogs and of course Instagram.

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

I loved making things. I tried to use all the process areas. If you don’t know how to use something, challenge yourself to learn. Once you graduate, the more skills you have the more valuable you will be.

Related area

View the BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design course page

Find out more about the Diploma in Professional Studies

Links

peter-roden.com

@peterrodendesign