My Job in 5: Andrea Philpots

1. Describe your role

I head up a team of designers specialising in creating books for gaming and licenced brands (Star Wars, Minecraft, Roblox, Halo). I ensure we produce the best quality books that represent the brand for the licensor, the retailers and most importantly books that the consumer will love! I work within a budget and often to tight schedules to hit key dates that coincide with retailers, gaming updates and movie releases.

2. What do you like best about your role?

I like that my role has developed & pushed me to do something that I never thought I would be doing when I started out – I manage 3D designers and plan how we’re going to create assets for a new brand at the same time as checking the text layout of a Star Wars Novel, it’s very varied and exciting. The brands I work on are constantly evolving, I have to stay ahead of the game and pre-empt everything whilst always thinking outside the box. Every day is different and rewarding, knowing that our books give children that all important time away from the screen whilst remaining fully immersed in their favourite game gives me great job satisfaction!

3. Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?

We’re right in the middle of our 2019 programme and dipping our toes into 2020. Big things coming up include a new instalment of an award winning Star Wars title; some fabulous Minecraft and Roblox guide books; bold new box sets and a number of super exciting titles which I’m not allowed to talk about just yet!

4. What skills do you need for your role?

Apart from having technical skills and a solid design background, you have to be very organised and passionate, you also need to be able to visualise the end product and make sure everyone is on the same page – there’s a lot to juggle! Problem solving and finding new solutions is also helpful & key to keeping everything on track. Being innovative and always thinking of the next idea is imperative when you have to be ahead of trends whilst staying on brand. Good communication is vital – I am the link between the team, management, other departments and licensors.

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?

Be genuine, passionate, willing and dedicated. If you have all of these and are a talented designer, then you’re half way there. Then just build on your experience and jump into every opportunity with enthusiasm gaining experience along the way. My team are a very talented bunch, we all work well together and have respect for each other’s roles and skills. I would always put experience, passion and an amazing attitude to learn and immerse yourself in a role over having a Masters degree. So get out there, gain experience and don’t forget to do your homework for a role - for instance, I’m always looking out for designers and asset creators that also love to play the games and are already fans of the brands that we work on, it’s simple & something that will make you stand out from the crowd.