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AMA: Elliot Jay Stocks, co-founder of Lagom magazine, founder of 8 Faces magazine, former Creative Director of Adobe Typekit

over 7 years ago from Elliot Jay Stocks, Co-founder of Lagom magazine, founder of 8 Faces magazine

  • Mitch BartlettMitch Bartlett, over 7 years ago

    Hi Elliot!

    I work in some studio space in Stokes Croft, Bristol. I'm currently deciding whether or not to remain freelance or find a full-time job. You've worked here for a long time if I'm not mistaken. When I was younger, Bristol had the reputation of being a graphic design powerhouse. Do you see still that here? Do you think there are opportunities here that are, shall I say, modern? I'd love to be part of a team here working on products, but I tend to notice that Bristol seems to be stuck in the age of designing flyers for Aardman, some local business, and not much else.

    0 points
    • Elliot Jay Stocks, over 7 years ago

      Hi Mitch! Are you in Mild Bunch? I used to work there when Jon first opened it. Or maybe you’re in Hamilton House? We might actually be getting a space there at some point soon...

      Anyway, to your question: I’m afraid I have to hold my hands up and admit that although I love Bristol deeply — and I call it home more than anywhere else I’ve lived — I’m almost entirely untouched by its jobbing design scene. There are some new startups doing interesting things, but I’m afraid I have to agree with you about the agencies. It’s a shame because Bristol is such an independent, creative city, but I do almost no local client work.

      That said, Bristol is the epicentre of an independent publishing scene, so maybe there’s space for you to get involved with some of the indie mags coming out of Bristol. There’s us, Cereal, Another Escape, Ernest Journal, Boneshaker, Sidetracked, Off Life... that side of things, at least, is super exciting.

      Maybe Bristol needs some sort of meetup for independent designers? Big agencies not invited? ;)

      On a parting thought, I’d encourage you to stay independent rather than get a full-time job. It keeps things so much more interesting.

      1 point
      • Mitch BartlettMitch Bartlett, over 7 years ago

        I think I will try to stay independent for now. Finding a product team or agency I'm eager to work with will probably take time and may even involve leaving Bristol, which I'll never do!

        It's always a small world when you're in Bristol. I've shared space with Rosa and Rich of Cereal Magazine twice. They're awesome people! I was also close to moving into the Mild Bunch office. I set up a time to meet Jon, but unfortunately had to cancel a few times due to being busy and then being ill. Understandably his patience was short and we didn't arrange another time, so I moved in with Cereal again after that. I've thought of asking again, but I don't want to be cheeky!

        I currently rent a desk with some friends in Utility House next to Lakota, but unfortunately they're moving on and the studio's lease is up in a few weeks. Hamilton House has always appealed to me. I've been incredibly lucky to share space with some of my favourite creatives - and would love to continue doing so. If you guys ever have desk space that you'd want to let out, I'd be very interested. :)

        You should check out Utility House as well. They're really nice studios, and the owner is very keen to keep it a creative space. Might be the right fit for you.

        Great talking to you, and thanks for the advice!

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