Is there a typeface you would rather didn’t exist?
There has always been fonts which I have loathed and always stayed clear of. Fonts such as Comic Sans or any other school homework typeface. But that is a bit too predictable for an answer from a designer. The typeface which I have grown to dislike is one which is an amazing font, one that has stood the test of time and is always in fashion. That typeface being Avant Garde. It’s quite hypocritical me saying this as I have used the font in numerous designs. But my reason behind why I have grown to dislike it is because everyone has used it. I see it in every issue of Computer Arts for a CD sleeve, a logo, a heading on a poster. Everyone seems to have used it and I feel it has been used to death now. I love the font as it works so well for so many designs, but there are beautiful typefaces being created everyday we don’t have to use Avant Garde, Futura, or Helvetica in this day and age.

What are the main benefits of going freelance for you?
I have worked in a studio for over 6 years and have recently taken the plunge into the freelance world. I have to say it was a scary decision but one which is teaching me so much more about business and the industry I’m in. The main benefits have to be the ability to get up and go out for a walk to clear my head if I’m stuck on a job, which you could never do in a studio. Also being able to play the music I like as loud as I like to help get me in the zone and focused. If you have the experience of working in a studio and you are considering a move to the freelance world I would highly recommend it. If you are new to the industry there is so much you should learn first and a junior position could prove invaluable for the future first.

Would you ever travel in a Submarine?
Umm… yes I think so. Not a massive fan of small spaces, but it could be quite fun to creep up and look out the periscope at someone. Give me a plane any day over a submarine. Also not a huge fan of being sunk and left for dead 3 miles below the surface!

Tell us about the Powder Pro Event that you were involved in?
Powder Pro was unfortunately just a concept piece of work which I wish could have turned to reality. I’m a huge snowboard fan and wanted to create a series of posters that would almost freeze frame the action of the sport in ultra high quality. Not sure if anyone else has tried, but capturing an ultra sharp image of a snowboarder doing tricks in the air at full speed is a tricky challenge. I resorted to using a photography studio to capture the ultra sharp detail. Myself and my friend would put all our gear on and imitate aerial tricks whilst laying on the floor. The overall effect I was after came out very well against the moody grey sky as the striking colours from the clothes and boards were brought to life. This helped bring a more sexy look to the sport too rather than going down the grunge skateboard look we see quite often.

Explain the name Fuel?
When I was contemplating going freelance, loads of names came into my head and left again within a day. Fuel however had something about it that stuck. I think it was down to the drive and passion I have for design. A passion that almost seemed to fuel my mind with ideas. Hence my strapline – Graphic Design to Fuel the Mind. I hope my work and ideas help to fuel other people’s minds.