DPS ALUMNI Q&A: PETER RODEN

Which course did you study at LCC?

Graphic Media Design 

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

Graphic Designer, various studio projects.

What made you choose the DPS opportunity?

The opportunity to learn and develop skills before 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 then interned at two London Design studios: Here Design and Pearlfisher, both giving me experience designing and branding for food/products. After that I flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil to undertake a 3 month internship at modernist design studio Ps2, working across the cultural sector. 

I then almost immediately started another 3-month internship at Amsterdam studio De Design Politie, working with a small team across a variety of commercial projects for print, animation and web.

My last internship was a corporate design agency Landor’s London office. This was my least favourite placement as I was given little design responsibilities. 

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 it gave me both contacts and the 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 you’re a student and try and reach the heights of the designers you admire. [Create] self-initiate projects beforehand that you can share with professionals you’d like to work with.

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.

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.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I try and vary my inspirations, But mainly it’s a mix of my book collection (new and old), exhibitions, online Blogs and of course, Instagram.

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

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