BA (Hons) Product Design alumni, Tobias Bridger, graduated from Leeds Beckett in 2017. Here, he talks about the support and opportunities he accessed while studying and how this set him up for a successful career in product design.

Course: BA (Hons) Product Design

Tell us about yourself and what you've been doing since you graduated?

I’m a British designer living and working in Amsterdam, Netherlands. When I’m not designing, I like to play sports and shoot photography. I find that my hobbies help keep me creative and often these additional outlets lead to moments of inspiration that feed back into my professional work. 

Since graduating from Leeds Beckett, I have: 

• Moved to the Netherlands to study a 2-year master’s programme at Design Academy Eindhoven
• Used my creative network to freelance for a year. This included exhibition production, tutoring, and other creative jobs
• Worked as a Product Developer at Studio Job
• Become a Fixture Designer at Nike’s European Headquarters

Why did you choose to study at Leeds Beckett?

When I applied to study BA (Hons) Product Design in 2014, I valued the access to personal feedback from tutors and having plenty of space within the workshops. My choice was also influenced by more than just the course. I was attracted to Leeds because it provided a balance between study and social.

What is it like working with an international brand like Nike?

I really enjoy working for a brand with a diverse team. My colleagues are from around the world, and I find that brings alternative perspectives to our work.

Considering the size of Nike, my team is relatively small, therefore I feel like I have a large responsibility. When it comes to work culture, Nike provides a healthy environment with room for personal development.

What skills did you learn on your course that have helped you become successful in design?

On a technical level, the course focused on relevant design tools like 3D CAD (computer aided design). This was really important for me because throughout my professional career I have used the tools I was first introduced to at Leeds Beckett.

On a personal level, at Leeds Beckett I quickly realised my (healthy) obsession with design. 

What was a defining moment for you on your course?

Before going into my final year at Leeds Beckett, I attended a 1-week workshop in France, at Domaine de Boisbuchet. I found this opportunity through one of my tutors and I was able to get funding to help pay for my place at the workshop.

Here I met many young designers from around the world and worked with the professionals leading the workshop to develop my knowledge and practice.

This week had many defining moments for me. It highlighted my interest in travelling and working with others from different backgrounds. It presented a craftsmanship approach to design and showed the importance of experimenting with physical materials. Above all, I met great people who I continue to bump into at design events today.

This opportunity was a good example of how my tutors took care to facilitate and further my education. I greatly appreciated this, and it set me up well for my final year.

What support and guidance did you receive while studying at Leeds Beckett?

Guidance was easily accessible. My tutors got to know me, and this created a productive learning experience, where feedback was tailored and concise. I felt that my tutors cared about their position and facilitated an educational environment that pushed me. 

For example, I was given the opportunity to work on a summer project for a real client. This developed into my final-year project. I found that extending the context of my project by working with a real client helped me learn a lot about real-world practice and allowed me to execute a professional outcome.

What advice would you give someone looking to study Product Design?

1. Try to involve your interests within your work. If you’re interested in a topic, it's easier to produce good ideas.
2. Work on side projects. These are moments to develop your skills working autonomously. This also allows you to focus 100% on your interests and these projects will likely guide you in a direction/career that you enjoy. 
3. Don’t forget to have hobbies and leisure time. Good ideas don’t always come from a sketchbook.

What's next for you?

I’m really enjoying my role at Nike. I plan to focus my time on developing within the brand and to keep producing my best work.

Since being at Nike, I've put my side projects on hold to focus on embedding myself within the role. Now that I am settled in, I want to slowly start on these projects again in my free time. With each side project I aim to learn something new.