Spotlight on Talent: Christian Routley

“I made the decision to set up my own graphic design agency. I love every minute of it; we have some great clients and are looking to build for the future.”

Christian Routley
Studied BTEC Level 4 HND Diploma in Graphic Design (TOP-UP) (Pearson), now working as Creative Director of Phase.

A fascinating course with inspiring lectures:
The course was very interesting with such a variation of topics covered and the lectures were great. My tutors covered so many areas of graphic design, which increased my knowledge of not just the subject’s key areas but also design history and career knowledge. The tutors also took my personal wellbeing into consideration and were always there to talk after lectures and help guide me through my course, especially as I was also working full-time

An achievement to be proud of:
Completing the course on this basis was a great achievement and setting up the end of year show and presenting my work was a very proud moment.

Ambitious plans for the future:
Since leaving Walsall College, I went on to work in two very different designbased roles, one as graphic designer and marketing assistant and another as purely a graphic designer. These roles were great but something was missing and I made the decision in 2014 to set up my own graphic design agency in Birmingham. This is slowly building but I love every minute of it; we have some great clients and are looking to build for the future. My main aim is to build a successful agency that produces great work for great clients.

The foundations for a successful career:
I would definitely encourage somebody to take the course. If they have the drive and the ambition to work in graphic design, Walsall College is a great place to start their career. It can take them onto much bigger and better things with the great tuition and support that they provide. Walsall College can help provide the foundations for a successful career