I didn't plan on a career in design. I studied Sport and Exercise Science at university and spent many years working in a leisure centre. This is how I got from there to leading a product design team at Venn.
The leap
I've always loved being creative. Growing up I was mostly drawing in traditional mediums, and over time I got curious about the digital world. My sport science degree used the logical, scientific side of my brain, while design gave me a way to express what was going on in my head. What I love most is problem solving, and pairing it with a creative outcome means I can offer solutions in a different way.
It was a big change, and I'll be honest, I was hesitant about it. I started out as a graphic designer for just over a year, then joined Venn as a Junior Web Designer. Since then I've learnt so much, and working alongside a great team has made all the difference.
Climbing the ladder
At Venn I moved from Junior to Senior Web Designer, and in 2025 I completed a Professional Diploma in Product Design with the UX Design Institute. Venn supported me with it, and they're very pro-learning. They want you to progress in your career.
It was a juggle, I won't pretend otherwise. I did the diploma in my free time, alongside my job and my hockey commitments. But it's really cool to work for a company that believes in you and wants you to succeed. Since then I've been promoted to Head of Product Design, and I now lead a small team.
What my days look like
No two days are the same. I work on the regular client website projects, collaborating with our small team: me, Justin, Zac and Joe. When I'm not on client work, I'm creating themes or working on Venn itself.
My graphic design background has really helped, because it means I can work on branding projects too. I recently went down to London with a client to kick off a branding project. We started with a strategy day, then moved on to research and designing their new identity. The project also included web design, so I got to follow the new identity all the way through, seeing how it works across their socials, in print and now in their website experience. It's been really rewarding to create a brand's identity and see it come to life in so many places.
Alongside that, I help with marketing, graphic design, branding, web design and product design. I'm a team player at heart, and I love collaborating to create great work together. Every day is different.
My Advice
- Your background doesn't have to match the job. My sport science degree gave me the logical, problem-solving side of my brain, and that's still a big part of how I design today.
- Feel the fear and step towards it. Change doesn't happen in the comfort zone, and stepping out of it helps build you. I was hesitant about changing careers, but it's the best thing I did.
- Look for a company that backs your learning. It's a lot easier to keep growing when the people around you want you to succeed.
- Welcome new opportunities and be a sponge. Absorb everything you can. Having a growth mindset is so important.
If you're curious, creative and ready to grow, I'd love to hear from you. See our open roles.
