Grammar Studio - socialising over beer

Last night I went to a local event with a friend who works at Grammar Studio as a graphic design junior part time. Grammar Studio is based in Huddersfield and run/founded by Peter O'Toole and Adam Gill. Peter is an illustrator and Adam is a graphic designer who also sometimes illustrates. They are pretty well known and have had some massive clients, such as Adidas, Clarks, Oi Polloi, loads of different magazines and Scotts Menswear.

Adam took me and my friend (the junior) out for a few beers and it was really great as I could just sit and bombard him with questions about what he does and how he got there. He was so nice and really happy to chat! 

Both Peter and Adam follow my Instagram and have been following my recent posts of my work. He said it was really great and I've definitely got a good shot of being able to illustrate for a career. He said he especially likes the monoprints I've recently been uploading. I don't think he was just being nice, as he said it without any conversation of my work previously and brought the subject up; if he didn't think so then I guess he wouldn't say?!

Some of the key things I remember that he said:

• If you work hard, it will pay off.
• Set yourself up as a 'studio', as you can get loads of money back on things like travel expenses, research trips and entertaining clients. 
• Get someone to do the finances for you if you are a bit rubbish at it or really busy.
• One of a kind prints and stuff can make you much more money and currently are very fashionable/desireable.
• I don't actually have to know Indesign like the back of my hand (woo!).
• Collaborate - its good
• Throw your work out there and go and socialise with people who can help get you from a to b (what I was doing really!)
• I do have a chance (so nice to hear)

I now count Adam/Grammar Studio as a professional contact. I will be seeing them a fair amount due to my friend working there; he did say see you soon!