agencypds profile
06
FEBRUARY, 2019
#agencypdsteam #agencylife
It’s always nice to put a face to a name, so each month we will be giving you a snapshot of a member of the agencypds team. This is Simon, he works as an Artworker here at agencypds. Take a closer look at his interview and see what makes him tick.
1. Name?
Simon Timothy Byford
2. What is your position at agencypds?
Artworker
3. What does your role involve?
My daily role is incredibly varied. Ranging from simple packaging layout changes, email campaigns through to complex photoshop work, you never know what the day is going to bring!

Photo retouching and image manipulation for the British Swimming awards

Tim Hortons campaign images
4. How long have you worked in the design sector and when did you join agencypds?
In March it will be my 15th year in the design/print industry. I have worked at PDS for the last 18 months.
5. What aspect of your Job do you like the most?
The dynamic collaboration and interaction within the team when a project involves everyone.
6. What would you say is your greatest strength within your role at agencypds?
To be able to work across a variety of media be it digital, print, photography or packaging.
7. Who or what has been a big influence on you throughout your career in design?
I’ve been a fan of Don McCullin and his work since college. The phrase ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ has never been truer when you analyse his photography. All of his pictures tell a story and you’re left to only guess what they could be. Having only a camera in amongst war zones, both his photography and courage are remarkable.
8. Where do you look to gain experience and inspiration?
Everywhere and anywhere, design and influences are all around us.
9. Give us three examples of design work you admire?
The typography work by Neville Brody, the Art Deco period throws up a lot of product/architecture and art that I really like, especially the buildings in Miami. Propaganda posters of WW1 & WW2 are another period of design I find fascinating and the messages that they tell to the public.

Famous Deli – Jerry’s Famous Deli, South Beach, Miami Beach, Miami

Don McCullin – Shell-shocked US Marine, The Battle of Hue

WWII Propaganda Poster by Granger
10. Name one thing that you believe is a design classic?
Easy – The humble plastic brick: Lego. It’s one of the most recognisable children’s toys in the world. It’s simplistic design enables it to be incredibly functional and is hugely appealing to all ages. If you hadn’t guessed I’m an AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego).
11. Tell us three interesting facts about agencypds?
Rob has cycled to work for the past 25 years.
Ian was once in a band that toured Germany.
David once dated a Baroness.
12. What has been your greatest highlight at agencypds?
To be part of a growing team and company that has an exciting future ahead of it.
13. Use no more than five words to describe the team you work with?
Helpful, Attractive, Calm, Knowledgeable, Challenging, Emphatic and Friendly.
14. If you could pass on one piece of valuable advice to your clients what would it be?
Using phrases such as ‘jazz it up a bit’, ‘make it punchy’ and ‘less is more’ aren’t that helpful, clear instructions are.
we would love
to hear from you
We are a friendly and approachable team, so if you’d like an informal conversation to discuss your next project, please email us on [email protected].
see more of
our work
We share insights into some of our projects and we also set various studio challenges to sharpen our design instincts and keep our skills in peak condition throughout the year. You can view a selection of these on our Instagram page @agency_pds
creative
commentaries
At AgencyPDS we are enthusiastic and passionate about our clients and our projects. Our creative commentaries are a series of short videos in which different members of the team talk about recent projects and their individual approaches to various briefs.
Telephone number: 01933 672150 Email address: [email protected]
Registered office: 12 Regent Park, Booth Drive, Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6GR.
Agencypds is a service pillar of Print Data Solutions