KATE DAWKINS STUDIO: BESPOKE DIGITAL CONTENT

Kate Dawkins Studio is a BAFTA winning creative studio which specialises in designing, creating, producing and delivering bespoke digital content for live performances, shows and brand experiences.

They create distinctive visual content for some of the largest global brands that have included giant 360° ‘Audience pixels’ for the London 2012 Olympic Ceremonies, to shows and events for lifestyle brands such as Nike, MTV, Heineken, and large-scale vehicle launches for Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, and Toyota.

Creative Director, Kate Dawkins shares her creative process.

What are some of the most challenging and inspiring elements of your current projects?
The chance to work on some amazingly interesting projects. No project is ever the same and I’m always surprised and delighted when you get that call or email as to how ‘bonkers’ some projects are. I love it. But I also enjoy the collaboration; working with some amazing people and teams to make something truly spectacular, beautiful…and of course relevant. The challenges are mostly down to making each project stand-out, working with new technologies on different canvases within challenging timeframes.

What is your creative process from inception to creation?
Research is everything. I don’t make decorative backdrops, my work is grounded in knowledge of the subject and beautiful, emotional, storytelling. Even if that is sometimes quite abstract. Once I’ve achieved a good understanding of the subject I move into a phase of exploring creative concepts, and aesthetics. Then, when we’re all satisfied (myself and the client) with a correct route, I’ll start designing the contents so they work – not just for a certain sequence but within the context of a show or moment. That light and shade, highs and lows that a show or event needs, in order to take people on a spectacular journey.

Are there any rules or habits that help you do your job more efficiently?
I have a ritual of tidying my desk and getting into a good headspace in a quiet place and just sitting and thinking, opening my mind. It’s about setting good creative foundations at the start of a project. After that everything goes out of the window and it’s a wonderful, messy creative haven.

What responsibilities and opportunities do you feel members of the design industry have today?
I think there is a definite responsibility and need to consider ‘design for good’. It feels like we all need to help each other and the planet now. Regarding opportunities, the interaction of art, design and future tech is very exciting, opening up new possibilities for engaging, entertaining and educating audiences and changing the landscapes and platforms for storytelling.

What are some of the important issues that you’d like to see raised among design practitioners?
As mentioned,‘Design for good’ I think we all need to be thinking about this, how can we help, and do our bit? However, I realise that isn’t so easy when you work in the world of ‘experiences’. So I think it’s definitely something to consider and discuss.

What books, blogs and online resources do you use for creative inspiration?
I get inspiration from everywhere. We live in quite a culturally vibrant part of London (Hackney) and I love walking around absorbing life in motion. But I also admire artists such as Sol LeWitt, Anni Albers and Karl Gerstner so have some beautiful books in my studio. I also subscribe to blogs such as Creative Review, Design Week, It’s Nice That, Wallpaper, Dezeen, CreativeApplications.Net and Ars Electronica. I think it’s necessary to be aware of what’s going on in other creative areas, for example – fashion, architecture, technology, as well as design.

What is the number one piece of advice you would like to tell new designers?
Involve yourself in the world of design, whether in real life (which I would advise) or online. Follow designers you admire, attend or watch talks, and join design communities. Entering competitions is always a good way to get experience and get yourself noticed. D&AD New Blood is a big one in the UK.

katedawkinsstudio.com