Ed Johnson

What inspired you to want to become a designer?

I have always been interested in art since I was little. I used to do a lot of drawing and also used to love playing with Lego, Mechano and K'nex building all sorts of things. So it seemed natural to pursue a job that was creative. I chose graphic design because I became interested in solving problems, visually.

Who is your favourite designer?

I don't really have a favourite designer, but my favourite period is Modernism. Designers such as Rodchenko, Lissitzky and Jan Tschichold inspire me. Their work is simple, clean and represents to me everything graphic design should be.

What influences you creatively other than graphic design?

Other than graphic design, I am influenced and interested heavily in street art. Artists like Toaster, Cept and Banksy. Other than their work I find their attitude most inspiring as they produce what they want from whatever they’re taking inspiration from at the time. Finding ways to do this in graphic design is more challenging, as we create pieces for other people, not ourselves.

What is your favourite piece of design?

My favourite piece of design is probably Peter Saville’s poster FAC1, for Factory Records at the Russel Club. It’s an iconic piece of design and still looks good today, aswell as being a key part in the history of Manchester.

What qualities do you think you will bring to the project?

Qualities I think I’ll be able to bring to the group are that I am very enthusiastic and passionate about graphic design, and because of this I enjoy doing what I do. I am patient and will put any amount of time into any project.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Hopefully still enjoying graphic design. I want to be the best I can be, so possibly working at a senior level or even owning my own design company.

What do you hope to get out of the project?

I hope to learn about how a design company works and functions, but I also hope that by doing ‘The Thoughtful 6’ project it will make me stand out and give me a better opportunity than all the other design students.

Tell us a random fact about yourself...

I don’t really have a really random or funny fact, the only thing i can think of is that i have 4 sisters, 1 brother, and 3 nephews.

You can contact Ed at ed@wearethoughtful.com