By Robert Harris, Graphic Designer at JPC by Samsic
Design has been a constant presence since childhood. Sketching cars at the age of nine sparked an interest in creativity that eventually grew into my career in graphic design. Subjects like graphic communication and product design provided the foundation, while university tutors encouraged a focus on flat, visual design over model-making, meaning I had covered all sorts of design before leaving university. That set my direction, even if the path was not always straightforward.
Breaking into the industry proved difficult, with well over a year passing before a first role in a small web design company came along. The business eventually closed, but the experience was enough to set a course for me. Over the next two decades, my work spanned eleven different companies and industries. Each role introduced new challenges and skills, from creating £15 product adverts to producing multimillion-pound tender documents. That variety helped me shape an adaptable approach to design, one that could flex depending on the audience, message, and scale of the work.
At JPC by Samsic, the focus is on high-stakes tenders and presentations, where every detail matters. Proposals can range from half a million pounds to ten million pounds, and design must reflect the professionalism and premium standard of the company. Clean layouts, precise spacing, and polished consistency carry more weight here than bold or playful visuals. Every element needs to support the message and instil confidence.
The creative process always begins with clarity of intent. What does the message say? What does it imply? Is the goal to show corporate scale, to highlight people and experiences, or to convey community impact? The answer then shapes the design. Architectural imagery can emphasise professionalism, while portraits and candid shots build warmth and trust. Layout choices are just as deliberate, guiding the reader naturally from start to finish.
Brand consistency is a priority too. Fonts, colours, and spacing form the non-negotiable DNA of JPC’s identity, while there is still space for creativity within those rules. Subtle experiments with image blending, layouts, or animation flows keep the work feeling fresh while ensuring it remains unmistakably our brand.
More recently, design contributions helped secure almost £2 million in contracts in just two months. These moments underline an important truth, design is not just aesthetic value but commercial value too.
My advice for anyone entering the industry today; persistence and versatility are key. It can take years to secure a position, and the field is highly competitive. A broad portfolio shows range and adaptability, while openness to feedback ensures growth. Attention to detail, confidence, and the ability to work across formats set designers apart as much as technical skill.
I believe good design at its core, is precise, balanced, and memorable. Alignment, spacing, and hierarchy create clarity, but impact comes from how a piece makes people feel. A successful design leaves a trace, whether that’s confidence in a brand, trust in a message, or simply the sense that something has been crafted with care.
Design is not just decoration. It is communication, persuasion, and impact. Done well, it has the power to make people not only understand a message but believe in it.
