We would love to tell you more about the history of Studio Seventeen and where we see it going in the future.
There are also a few interesting facts about our Creative Director, Gareth Roberts, and what he would do if he won the lottery (full disclosure – it involves cloning his dog).
How did you initially get into this industry?
I’ve always loved art & design since I was at school. My first proper job was for PDG Graphics back in 1998 where I was a junior artworker. I was introduced to my first Apple Mac and programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark Express (old school). I stayed at PDG for six months and during this time I was given an unconditional offer at Leeds University to study my other love, music. The owner of the company at the time told me to go for it but he said I was always welcome back if I wanted a job. After 3 great years in Leeds, I returned to Nottingham to find a job that would help pay off some of my student loan. I found out that PDG Graphics had expanded to new premises, I got in touch and I was invited to an interview for a great role. I started back in the design team but after a few years, I moved over to the development side of the company and became the director of a very talented team.
How did Studio Seventeen come about?
Since university, I had always produced artwork for friends including flyers, posters, CD covers and then in my spare time I started to develop my own websites. I did this as a hobby outside of work. The company I used to work for was taken over by a much larger company, during which time I was given the opportunity to manage people and projects. It was at this time I considered working for myself, and after being with the company for eight years I finally decided to take the leap and have never looked back. I worked from my flat as a sole trader for the first 5 years building up a client base and then in June 2016 Studio Seventeen turned in to a Limited Company, and we moved into our first premises in the Lace Market area of Nottingham.
What made you choose Nottingham to set up Studio Seventeen?
I was born in Nottingham and apart from living in Leeds for three years, I’ve always been here. I’ve lived in different areas throughout the years and I’ve seen it change and evolve. I think the Hockley and Lace Market areas in Nottingham are the best they have ever been, the area is buzzing at the moment. I’m proud to say I love Nottingham. It’s a good-sized city, easy to get around and I can walk into town from my house. Nottingham is a great place for Studio Seventeen to grow.
What is your favourite thing about Studio Seventeen?
There are so many good things about Studio Seventeen. As a Creative Director, I love the variety of work we do, the broad range of clients we have and of course the studio space that we have created. We have worked hard making it into what it is now and it’s a great place to be. I absolutely love being here. To answer the question though, I would say the best thing about it is the people that work here. It’s not just the Studio Seventeen team we have in the office, we also like to bring in the occasional intern and student to improve their career opportunities, and we employ freelancers as and when we require additional resource.
Why do you think maintaining relationships with your clients is important?
Building any type of relationship can be tough but the rewards are great. We want our clients to be able to rely on us, trust us and be inspired with the work we do for them. Almost all of the work we get is recommends so we must be doing something right!
What do you see for the future of Studio Seventeen?
I’d love to keep building the business. We have come a long way in the last few years and we are progressing really well. Our team is going from strength to strength, and I’d like to see us get involved in more bespoke projects, more custom print work would be good too! I love being the director of the business and I’m so proud of the work we do.
Who gave you the best piece of advice you have been given and what was it?
When my gran was alive she used to tell me and my brothers to ‘Just enjoy yourself!’. That’s the best advice I’ve been given. Life is short and I do make the most of every day. I like to be around positive people, just like my gran was.
What is the most unusual fact about you that not many people know?
Errr there are a few. Hahaha! It’s probably best that I don’t publish them though. That’s for me to know and you to find out.
Lastly, what would you do if you won the lottery?
Where do I start… I’d pay my house off and extend it, treat all my family and friends to whatever they wanted, I’d go back to New York and party, get an old American car, take The Damn Heavy away and record another album, get some heating for the studio, probably get more tattoos, definitely more vintage guitars, I’d also try and clone my dog. I’d have a lot of fun, put it that way.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this and finding out a bit more about our Creative Director here at Studio Seventeen!
