Danielle spoke with Grant Mitchell, Creative Director at Future and Associate Lecturer in Graphic Design at Staffordshire University. Grant is an international award-winning graphic designer with over 25 years industry experience. As Creative Director at Future he works with his team to design brand identities and creative communications for clients across a diverse range of sectors including; healthcare, cultural, not-for-profit, education, property and SME's. KEY TAKEAWAYS Grant talks about his early steps into branding and how he started his own business but it isn’t for everyone. Danielle and Grant know each other from Staffordshire University where Grant is a lecturer and Danielle was a student. Teaching wasn't part of the plan but Grant has found it to be humbling and flattering that he’s been able to have a positive impact on so many students' lives. Future is a creative agency working across four key disciplines; design, websites, branding and motion. Grant talks us through how working with a client is about collaboration and that pushback can help the project become stronger. Grant and Danielle talk about the changing world of creative design and how time and circumstances have played a huge role in that.  BEST MOMENTS ‘When you get feedback, when you're generating ideas like the process we go through, do your homework, speak to clients, speak to stakeholders, understand the audience, understand the parameters of the project, understand the sector and then generate, generate as much stuff as you possibly can.’ ‘What you are trying to do is move a client forward from one position, to a much better position that will help support their business objectives. Whether that's designing a better website that helps drive inquiries or creating a campaign that communicates important information, making a difference, it's very hard.’ On working for Future: ‘I feel like I'm starting again and in a good way. I love seeing the team create stuff and I love us winning new clients and I love us pushing on, adding to the team.’ On advice for starting a business: ‘You've got to love what you do but that love and passion has to be coupled with business acumen.’ CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Grant Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantatfuture/ Future: https://designbyfuture.co.uk/ ABOUT THE HOST - DANIELLE CLARKE Danielle Clarke is a Brand Strategist and spends her time consulting and working with health and wellness business owners to help them attract and retain their ideal customers. GRAB YOU 3 ACTIONABLE STEPS FOR BRAND GROWTH: https://danielle-clarke.ck.page/b1043e5d05 WORK WITH DANIELLE TO BUILD THE BRAND STRATEGIES YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: https://calendly.com/d/48p-6ck-vy4 CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-clarke-brand-strategy-consultant/ SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/danielleclarke  This show was brought to you by: The Media Insiders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.