20 Years, Five Industries & More Design Briefs Than I Can Count

Over the past 20 years, I've worked in different industries, and each one has taught me something new about design, people, and working life.

From advertising and hospitality to real estate and healthcare, no two industries are quite the same. And that's probably what has kept things interesting for me.

Advertising: Fast, Creative and Sometimes Crazy

Working in an advertising agency was definitely fast-paced.

There were tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and plenty of brainstorming. I worked closely with copywriters, account managers and other creatives, which taught me how important teamwork and communication are.

And yes, working late was sometimes part of the job. There were nights when I stayed in the office until 3 a.m., grabbed a few hours of sleep and went straight back to work. It wasn't always fun, but seeing the finished campaign made it worthwhile.

Hospitality: Making Things Look Good

Working in hospitality was quite different.

I worked on hotel brochures, restaurant menus, advertisements and event materials. Everything had to look inviting and fit the overall brand.

I also worked closely with marketing teams, chefs, photographers and event planners. It taught me that good design isn't just about making something look nice — it's about creating the right feeling and experience.

Real Estate: Keep It Clear

Real estate taught me the importance of keeping things simple and easy to understand.

Property brochures and advertisements can contain a lot of information — from floor plans and facilities to locations and property details. The challenge was to present everything clearly without making the design feel too cluttered.

It taught me that sometimes, less really is more.

Healthcare: Design with Purpose

Healthcare was another completely different experience.

When designing patient information, instructional materials, or signage, clarity was especially important. People needed to understand the information quickly and easily.

Working with healthcare professionals also taught me to pay closer attention to details and think about the people actually using the materials.

It made me realise that design isn't always about looking good. Sometimes, good design is simply about making someone's experience a little easier.

Final Thoughts and Giggles

After working across different industries, I've learned you can't approach every project the same way.

Advertising moves quickly. Hospitality focuses on experience. Real estate needs clarity. Healthcare requires care and empathy.

As a designer, I've learned to adapt, listen, ask questions, and understand what each project really needs.

Looking Back

After more than 20 years, I've worked on more design briefs than I can probably remember. Some were easy, some were challenging, and some came with plenty of last-minute surprises and stress!

But that's also what I enjoy about being a designer. Every project is different, and there's always something new to figure out.

Advertising taught me to work under pressure. Hospitality taught me about creating experiences. Real estate taught me the importance of clarity. Healthcare taught me to design with more empathy.

All these experiences have shaped the way I work today.

And after 20 years, I'm still learning, still experimenting, and still enjoying the journey. :)