Ian Bennington of Part Two Design, describes a day in his working life…
What’s your job?
I’m Managing Director of Part Two Design, based at The Meter House at The Gasworks in Belfast.
How did you get there?
I left art college with a degree in Visual Communications in 1982 and immediately set up my own business Triplicate Design. This grew over a period of 31 years to become one of the most respected branding consultancies in Ireland.
I decided to do something completely fresh for 2014, so de-merged Triplicate and formed Part Two with six of my trusted colleagues. We operate from the historically significant and visually stunning Meter House in Belfast’s Gasworks.
Do you have a typical working day?
No. Every day is different as I can be in the studio presenting creative solutions, out seeing clients here or in England, networking to secure new business or coaching staff.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a BA Honours in Visual Communications
What’s the best thing about your job?
Presenting creative work to clients and seeing it through to implementation where it significantly changes a client’s business.
And the worst?
Presenting really good work and it not being accepted or fully developed by a client.
What other skills do you need in your role?
Total passion for design; an insatiable appetite for new and fresh ideas; a vision for the future development of the business and an intuitive feel for commercial reality balanced with creative design aspirations.
What do you think are the greatest challenges/pressures of the job?
Complying with urgent deadlines but still doing excellent creative work.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in your profession?
If you have a passion for creating design then you should follow it but it is very hard work and requires dedication and stickability.
What did you want to be when you were at school?
I wanted to be a professional performer which is why my entire spare time is taken up with my involvement in amateur theatre and why I do so much lecturing and public speaking about design and branding.
What’s the most common question people ask when they find out what you do?
What do you think of the new logo for ………..?
What do you look for on a CV?
In our business I never want to see a CV – just some inspiring work. CVs tell me nothing.
When you interview someone what qualities are you looking for ?
A genuine positive attitude as well as excellent creative ideas.
How do you like to relax outside work?
Performing in and directing stage shows with the Drama Group Lambeg Players.
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