Gravitywho? #4 Matt
In this series I interview the award-winning team of creative geeks, thinkers and grafters, one by one.
Hi Matt, what a pleasure. Where are you from and how long have you been at Gravitywell?
I'm from Fleet in Hampshire (known for Fleet Services on the M3, you may have pee’d there...), but I lived in Cornwall for 10 years so I have a bit of pirate in me, shag. I've been at Gravitywell for 4 years, 7 months, 5 days... but who's counting.
Impressive stretch me hearty! What's great about working here?
We have a fantastic team, with loads of enthusiasm for innovation which means no two projects are the same.
Variety is indeed the spice of life... If you had a dream client, who would they be and what would you like to work on for them?
I’d love to work on a destination brand campaign. I love the Scottish Highlands, so maybe Visit Scotland!
That would be cool. How did you get into Digital Design?
Design and Art were my favourite subjects at school so I pursued them through higher education and got my BA Hons in Graphic Design down in Falmouth. I find new technologies and digital trends interesting, in particular the effect they have on design which has to constantly adapt to keep up. I guess that’s what steered me down the path of digital design. I still like to dip my toe into print once in a while though.
Not literally, I presume. What’s your advice for someone wanting to get into Digital Design?
Be nice to developers. Ultimately they can make or break your design. Involve them from the beginning of your idea to find your way to the best outcome, it always works out better that way.
Great advice! Which dev paid you to say that? OK, what's the worst thing about being a Digital Designer?
Internet Explorer. i.e. (weyyyy, get it!) Having to design for old technology / software. Also creative block! There is nothing worse than everyone looking to you for a good idea or cool design and you just can’t get the juices to flow. It can really help to take some time away, reset and come back with fresh eyes - but that is not always feasible.
What's your favourite piece of tech and why? I'm guessing you won't say Internet Explorer. Or Microsoft Paint. #bants
Google Maps app - I think it’s massively taken for granted how much that app has simplified everyone’s lives. Remember when you’d drive somewhere new and you had to print out sheets and sheets of directions from AA Route Planner?! (And at the time, I thought that was amazing).
Showing your age there Matthew! But agreed, Google Maps is amazing. Your Hackathon dream destination would be..?
Tough one! Somewhere really remote with mountains to hike and cycle. Andorra would nice - not sure what the internet connection would be like though!
Perhaps you could join James in his gigabit-enhanced bothy? Lastly, what's the best kept secret in Bristol?
I couldn’t possibly say. Nice try though. OK, maybe not really a secret, particularly if you live in the Easton/Fishponds area… But there is a lovely little walk starting at the duck pond in Eastville Park - where there is a resident heron - which follows the river up to the old mills. If you head down there early in the morning before all the dog walkers are out you’re almost guaranteed to spot a kingfisher. Ok, I’m a bit of a twitcher!
Thank you to Matt for being interviewed.
You can find him on Twitter & Instagram (and possibly birdwatching.co.uk).
Stay tuned for another edition of Gravitywho? ...
