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!

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.

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.

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.