Teachers in Residence at Bulletproof

Published 25th September 2024

Global, independent brand agency, Bulletproof, based in London, is renowned for its innovative work in branding and design, driving growth, standout and fandom for the world’s most desirable brands. Recently, Bulletproof opened its doors to teachers through it’s fifth ‘Teachers in Residence’ placement facilitated through the Blueprint 1000 scheme. This placement offered a D&T Teacher a unique opportunity to explore the careers available in a brand agency and bring fresh insights back to their students.

Initial Impressions

We caught up with inspirational teacher and subject leader of design and technology, Richard Harris from Raynes Park High School, who shared his experience on the scheme. Richard’s first feeling when walking into Bulletproof was pure excitement. When he arrived at the Covent Garden studio, he was struck by the creative vibe of the space. The office was filled with inspiring art, murals on the walls and neon signs, the perfect setup for creativity to flow. He loved how the studio had the designers working together on one floor and quirky features like a pool table and a telephone booth meeting room.

Richard was welcomed warmly and given a desk in the hub of the studio, immediately making him feel part of the team. Richard explained, “The Teachers in Residence programme allowed me to re-establish a strong connection with the design industry, offering invaluable insights into the inner workings of a brand agency. Engaging with a diverse range of Bulletproofers provided a comprehensive understanding of the various roles that you get within a creative agency.

Listening to their unique journeys into the creative industry offered not only practical knowledge but also inspiration, deepening my understanding of the skills and experiences necessary for success in this field.

This enhanced understanding of specific job roles enabled me to share more targeted advice with my students, helping them better prepare for their future within the creative industry. Inspired by this experience, I developed job profile cards, a resource that allows students to easily access information about different career paths in design. Furthermore, Bulletproof extended their support by offering opportunities such as student work experience placements, further bridging the gap between education and the professional world.

Connecting with the team at Bulletproof was a rewarding experience, providing direct links between education and industry. I would highly recommend this opportunity to fellow educators, as the insights gained into the design sector are both unique and invaluable.”

Career Paths

During the placement, Richard was fully immersed in the world of design and branding and had the chance to engage with different industry professionals and explore the various career paths available within the design sector. The experience was eye-opening and provided a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in this competitive field. It also highlighted how a career routes aren’t always straightforward or linear. Many came from different backgrounds and fields, which shows that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to getting a role in the creative industry.

Profile Cards

Following his ‘Teachers in Residence’ placement and this insight into career journeys, Richard was inspired to create a resource library for his students. He designed a series of profile cards that perfectly captured the diverse career paths and roles within the design industry. Each card featured a different professional he met at Bulletproof, detailing their educational background, fundamental skills, and career journey. Richard wanted his students to see that there isn’t just one path to success in design and that everyone’s journey is unique.

Strong Portfolio

The creatives at Bulletproof emphasised the importance of several critical elements for embarking upon a successful career in design. A strong portfolio is essential, as it showcases a designer’s skills and creativity. In addition, Richard reflected on how important it is to show your specific skills and talents, which may differ from student to student. Some may have strengths in drawing, and others in more digital design.

Selecting the Right Course

One of Richard’s key takeaways was the importance of selecting the right course rather than just focusing on top universities. He learned that practical experience, like internships and work placements, often plays a more critical role in career success than a university’s name alone. He also realised the value of having a unique skill set to make a candidate stand out in a competitive industry.

Overall, the Teachers in Residence placement at Bulletproof highlighted the importance of connecting teachers with the industry. By bridging the gap between education and real-world practice, these experiences can help students gain the knowledge and opportunities they need to pursue successful careers in design.

The ‘Teachers in Residence’ Programme is proudly sponsored by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

For more information on Blueprint 1000 please email: blueprint@designtechnology.org.uk