&Nathan
Meet Our Latest Change Maker Nathan Brown
Meet the newest recruit to the Wolf&Player team — Nathan Brown. Nathan is a designer with a spicy passion for all things graphical. We spent a bit of time in-between projects to find out what keeps him motivated.
1. Why Wolf&Player?
Having interned for almost two years at more commercial studios — trying out packaging, branding and digital — I wanted to change direction and find like-minded people who also wanted to help solve societal issues. It’s surprisingly niche right now in the industry, so when the opportunity arose to work on something with global impact, I took it and haven’t looked back since.
2. What are you currently working on?
No two days are ever the same and I’m jumping into different societal and environmental challenges with every project. It can be anything from child health and education to disease prevention, with a healthy dose of sustainability running through everything. It really is incredible to think that our studio’s work is actually leading to positive change somewhere in the world.
3. Why relocate to London?
Having grown up in Manchester before moving to Cornwall for university, I needed a new challenge; a way to figure things out and focus on me. With such a diverse range of culture and experiences going on in London, it felt like the perfect place to learn and be a part of something special. It also gave me the freedom I needed and I’m so much happier because of it.
4. What’s your favourite part of a project?
Every part has its merits, but I get so excited about the conceptual stages of a project. Generating ideas to find simple solutions in complex problems is very satisfying. Especially in this sector where every decision you make has an impact.
5. Do you see design as a great tool for social good?
Definitely. It is increasingly commonplace as more designers are becoming aware of the impact they can have on local, national, and global communities alike. Seeing a group of designers come together, to focus on human-centric solutions to massive issues is incredibly exciting. The range of knowledge, disciplines, and passions can result in some great ideas. And it doesn’t stop there. We’re also facilitators who help others achieve their own vision. It’s all about collaborating to create a real impact together.
6. What are your top tips for someone breaking into the industry?
Don’t ever give up and pay no mind to where your peers are at in their lives. Everyone’s path is different and if you need more time — weeks, months or even years — to figure that out, do. Being happy is important, so concentrate on you and how you can achieve that.
7. Anything you’ve seen recently that has left a mark?
Not so recently, but definitely worth a mention — Birmingham Design Festival. It’s a three-day (free!) design festival that holds talks and other events, from industry professionals around print, digital and product design, all based around a specific theme — this year was ‘Truth’. Utterly enthralling, I can’t recommend it enough.
8. Have you learned any valuable lessons?
Listening to myself, mainly. Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea that working extended hours means that you’re dedicated to your craft. During university and internships, I’d work five plus hours after the end of the working day, just to prove myself and keep up with coursework and client demands. But, all it does is contribute to burnout, exhaustion and the regret of the very thing you love to do. Listen, look after and make time for yourself.
Fun facts
- I love Pokémon. So much so that some years back I used to play in tournaments
- The only pet I’ve ever had is a rock
- I’m a korma kind of guy — my spice tolerance is non-existent!
- I love doing wildlife photography in my spare time
- At the time of writing, I’ve never broken a bone (and no, that’s not an invite!)
