TECHNOLOGY may have steered creativity towards the computer screen, but graphic designer Peter Silk says he still keeps paints, brushes and cameras in the office.

The co-founder of Silk Pearce design communications consultancy in Colchester has seen many changes in the industry, but advises wannabe designers to take time away from the screen to keep their creative influences flowing.

He says: “You do need to use a computer in our job, but a computer doesn’t design things, you do.

There needs to be a thought process behind what you do and really, the computer is just another tool.

“In our company we still keep so called old-fashioned tools, such as paintbrushes, paints and cameras, because we like to mix things up a bit between traditional and contemporary.”

Silk Pearce, based in Priory Street, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and has designed everything from stamps and brochures, to websites, branding and bespoke images, for clients across the country.

Peter, who established the business with friend Jack Pearce, always knew he wanted to work in the creative industry. He says: “I always liked the idea of doing art when I was at school, but as I got older I knew I had to focus on a strand of art.

“Graphic design is about more than designing something, it’s also about problem solving and understanding what the clients want, need, and what their message is. You have to be able to get under their skin.”

After taking A-levels, Peter studied a foundation course in art before going on to do a three-year degree and a postgraduate diploma at the Royal College of Art in London. It was there he met his business partner, Jack.

Peter says: “We both worked in industry after leaving college. Then one day we decided to go it alone.

“Even after 37 years in the industry, I never look at my watch and wait for the day to end. There is always plenty to think about, plenty to keep me focused and learning.

As a graphic designer you have to immerse yourself in what you are doing.”

Peter says to enter the industry you don’t necessarily need to know how to draw. Of course it helps, he says, but it is more important to be able to make what you are working on pleasing to clients and their customers, convincing.

That’s where a bit of common sense, general knowledge and taking influences from all that is around you comes in.

Peter suggests: “I would say to people, go to art school. Do a foundation course first if you can, then it’s really about researching the different design courses on offer.

“You can’t design if you don’t have the passion for it. This job is demanding.”

Silk Pearce has grown from a two-man company to employing nine others and working for clients in sectors including the arts, life sciences, technology and professional services through to manufacturing and retailing.