Life as a lead designer at Torchbox
Based in our Bristol office, Ben Enright is Torchbox's longest-serving Lead Designer, responsible for some of our standout creative work.
Originally from Hook Norton in Oxfordshire, Ben used to play for Great Britain's Under-16 Ice Hockey team. Nowadays, Ben has acquired a fine-tuned taste for brewing beer and has almost perfected his thrice-hopped pale ale. Of all the facts Ben shared with us, our favourite has to be that the ring bearer at his wedding was an alpaca (you're welcome).
Ben Enright
When did you start working at Torchbox?
September 2004 (but I've had a few breaks for travelling since then).
How did you get your job at Torchbox?
I saw a job advertised on Oxford's legendary ‘Daily Info’ and applied. I was living in Oxford at the time, which is pretty close to Torchbox's Charlbury office.
How did you find the interview process?
Friendly and informal. I was asked to critique the old Breakthrough Breast Cancer website. Following the interview, I think I was challenged to a game of table football by one of the owners, Olly. I don't remember winning, but happy to say that I still got the job.
What do you enjoy most about working at Torchbox?
There’s a great variety of friendly characters in the office, which makes everyday entertaining. A good proportion enjoy a beer or two after work as well, which is nice.
What kind of skills do you need to be effective in your role?
Creative thinking, wireframing, design prototyping, front-end coding, managing junior designers, running design workshops with clients, and pitching.
Which clients have you worked with?
Over the years I've worked on a large number of client projects. I'm always up for a new challenge, so it’s great to have fresh and varied projects continuously coming in. Recent clients include the Royal Agricultural University, Global Witness and The Roman Baths.
What have you achieved at Torchbox that you are most proud of?
Being the first Bristol team member and watching the Torchbox Bristol set-up grow and evolve.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in your job recently?
Designing the new Museum of London website.
New Museum of London homepage
What do you get up to during your lunch breaks?
As the Bristol office is based right in the city centre, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to lunch options... I generally like perusing the street food stalls at St Nicholas' market.
What do you get up to after work?
I pootle home with my Jack Russell, Jack, who comes to work with me everyday. Once home, I can usually be found rustling up a meal in the kitchen – I love cooking. On Wednesday nights I play five-a-side football.
Ben & Jack
What advice would you give to someone looking to join the Torchbox team?
If you're applying to join our design team:
- Show passion and enthusiasm for digital design
- Have great examples of your own work
- Be prepared to prove you have the skills you say you have (so be honest)
- Ask lots of questions
For more information, check out our recent blog post, How to get your first design job.
Want to join the team?
We're always on the lookout for talented digital designers to join our team. If you want to work for a digital agency with a difference, then take a look at our current job openings or email your CV and a covering letter to [email protected].
Torchbox Ski Trip
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