An Interview with Luke Tonge

Luke Tonge is the design mind behind Boat Magazine and more recently Monotype’s Recorder. With a huge passion for design, especially magazine layout, Luke’s energy is infectious. We were thrilled to have him join #shilloman for a guest lecture on success in the design industry.

We grabbed Luke for a quick Q&A after his talk, and he touched on some important reminders for aspiring graphic designers. Here are some of the highlights!

You’re the king of connection and collaboration where did this spring from? 

My university environment really helped. Having loads of group work and critiques built a great community that made us better designers and when I left I was really keen not to leave that behind. So I intentionally created my own networks. Social media is a huge tool for that, and through blogging I was introduced to the guys at Form Fifty Five. I’ve found people to be very approachable—it’s been pretty easy to make connections with other people in the industry.

You get started by getting started!

Just get involved in which ever channels you choose, connecting with people you admire and who inspire you. 

Social media definitely makes the world smaller and enables me to connect with designers from all over. It can open a lot of doors from speaking opportunities to attending events to contributing to projects and initiatives. Or more specifically, playing words with friends with Michel C Place of Build was an amazing, surreal moment. As was getting a ‘well done’ text from Matt Willey following the publication of Monotype’s Recorder.

What advice do you have for these guys starting out on their career?

Persevere. They used to say it supposedly takes an average of 80 letters to get an interview so if you give up on try #79 you might just miss out.

Also, anything you can do to set yourself apart from other grads is important. Interviewers are looking for what sets you apart, passion for the subject and going the extra mile. So much of landing a job is about your character in addition to your skill set.

What are your top character traits of new graphic designer?

Humility. Don’t be a know it all!

Passion. The desire to do really good work

The ability to see things differently. Having your own unique twist is so important.

Any final words?

Be excellent to each other!

Thanks again to Luke for enlightening our Shillington students. Check out his full portfolio and be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram.