Our
Students

Tell us a bit about me&dave...
We still say me&dave are a small agency, but we're not really – there'll soon be six of us squeezed into our central London studio. Three years in and we're growing in both numbers and clients. Rob and I met back in 1994, whilst at University. 10 years out of college, having 'burnt' the ropes and become tired of agency bull****, we made the jump and me&dave was born.

It's difficult to quantify why we're different or better (cue superlatives), everyone strives to be different. We know we create great relationships, produce engaging communications and genuinely enjoy doing it. We're an altogether more relaxed agency; our clients feel comfortable and, as a result, we get the most out of every job collaboratively.

Which project that you have worked on are you most proud of?
Personally I'm just very proud of the agency, our independence and what we have achieved in a relatively short period of time. Sure there are some standout moments (and some we'd both rather forget).

We recently launched a beautiful old converted warehouse with a full brand and marketing campaign. A crafted piece of communication with lovely typography and illustrations that really captured the romance of the product. This was Rachel's baby, a big project that she more than stepped up too.

What impressed you most about Rachel and Cat when they joined the me&dave team?
For two years now we've experienced firsthand how students develop and shine through the course at Shillington, whether at open evenings or when we've guest lectured. What was clear to us very early on is that the course exports not only commercially aware designers but also those with valuable life experience, often from previous careers. The result is an altogether more grounded designer, focused and equipped to hit the ground running, often unaided.

However, perhaps the greatest quality is their desire to succeed. We've rarely seen Junior Designers as hungry as Rachel and Cat. In fact, Rachel is no longer a Junior – in just over 12 months, Rachel has now been promoted to middleweight, a feat we've never seen in a University graduate. A third Shillington graduate for me&dave in 2011? Watch this space...

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a graphic designer?
Look to get some experience at an agency, even if you're just making the tea (a design intern cliché but it keeps the designers happy and will make you friends – Cat made tea on the hour, every hour, for her first 3 days). Be tenacious, think of yourself as a brand and sell it to everyone. NEVER proclaim to know how to use Microsoft Word or indeed send a CV in it.

What does the future hold for me&dave?
A new website for starters! Watch this space in January. In 2011, we expect to grow our digital offering which is exciting. the split between 'on' and 'offline' is becoming increasingly similar. We also expect to make further inroads within the hotel and retail sectors, something we've started this year. Above all, continue to love what we do with people we love working with.