Kenta wanted to specialise in new media but he needed to top up his skills after his first job. Creative & Cultural Skills aims to provide creative learning accounts for people from diverse backgrounds who need access to further skills. This is Kenta's story.
What I do
I handle a project from brief, through the design and production stages, to a digital solution.
Education
I'm Japanese and I came to England from a small town near Tokyo. I joined an English course at a college in Salisbury which also ran a National Diploma in Graphic Design. I was privileged to win the Student of the Year award. I then did a two-year HND. Encouraged by my tutor, I applied for the final year of a degree course but I was told I had to do a further two years. I didn't have the money and I didn't want to wait before going into the workspace.
My career path
My first job with a publisher was a good experience but creatively desperate. I moved on to a design consultancy and had my introduction to the web. I experimented with 3D graphics, sound and annimation and applied for web-related jobs but it was difficult because I didn't have a web portfolio.
When I got a job at Global Beach, I'll never forget what my boss said: 'It's hard to find someone creative - but it's easy to train someone on the software.' other companies always look at it the other way around.
Looking back
It was definitely better to spend two years learning the discipline of graphic design while gaining professional experience than just continue with further education.
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IT WAS DIFFICULT BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE A WEB PORTFOLIO...” |
If Kenta were starting now, Cultural & Skills could offer:
- a major careers portal for design opportunities
- creative learning account to help people access funding for further learning
- a culture that recognises good vocational qualifications as being as valid as academic routes.
My one piece of advice from Kenta Namba, Art Director, Global Beach
Develop your creative thinking; and be confident - send in examples of your work when you apply for jobs.