Dave Jones
Graduated – 1991
Profile
Dave has worked in London for over 20 years at some of the countries top agencies including David Davies Associates, Tango, Johnson Banks, Lewis Moberly, Glazer and Identica. In 2002 he ‘plucked up the courage’ to start his own small business called The Joneses. Life’s good!
The Disciples of Design Q&A
How and where did you secure your first job?
One of my placements was with David Davies Associates (founded by Stuart Baron – ex Preston) and they told me to come back when I graduated. That was a godsend in the middle of a recession, so I did!
Do you think being a Preston student has benefited you in any way?
Apart from the ethos of the course being ingrained… I suppose that the old school tie opened a few doors at first.
How has the industry changed over the years in your experience?
I don’t know if it has. It’s still about problem solving and ideas! The stories just have a few more ways of being told now!
Has anyone asked you what grade you got?
You’re the first person (apart from my Nan) that’s asked in 20 years – thanks! I got a First.
Where do you get your ideas from? Do you prefer collaboration or thinking alone?
I haven’t a clue! Mix a bit of logic and a bit of magic and you normally come up with something! Collaboration or alone? I like to chat about the strategic side of things with others but then I will often think about the creative side on my own.
That said, I’m a great believer in sticking stuff up on the wall as you do it – somehow it seems more real that way and it encourages discussion. So, I guess there’s no preference for either – I see both as parts of the journey.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Immersing yourself in each new project is like having a different job. That’s genius for someone with a low boredom threshold like me!
What would you have done differently at University knowing what you know now?
Kept away from the White Horse Public House in Soho!
What would you say has been the key to your success so far?
Not sure about the success bit, but I try to treat others as I expect to be treated, and I try not to lose sight of the fact that a big idea is the key to great communications.
What is the most unusual thing you have done in your career?
In between faking signatures on christmas cards for an old boss, I was sent to his house to wait for the engineer to come and fix the washing machine – the joys of being a junior!
What do you look for in graduates and their portfolios?
A combination of personality and great ideas. In a small studio one is no good without the other!
Portfolio
Branding - Mind Mental Health
