19.02.20

Meet the Members: Diane Broadley

Diane Broadley is a graphic designer helping businesses and organisations to communicate their complex ideas, enabling them to be seen, heard and understood.

Diane joined us back in November 2019, although it feels like she’s been an integral part of the community for so much longer.  This week we caught up with Diane to find out what an average day looks like in the studio, what she enjoys most about the creative process and why she chose to base herself here at Gather Round.

Can you tell us what you do and what an average work day looks like?

I’m a graphic designer/illustrator, my days really vary but they always include a lot of peppermint tea!  At the moment I’m either working on print design projects for clients or studying web design. I also have an illustrative project on the sideline which I like to pick up when time permits.

A lot of the projects I work on require me to transform technical information and data into something that’s both visually compelling and communicates the right message – often an important message.

I live just around the corner from Gather Round so that really helps to simplify life!

Gather Round is a warm, welcoming space where I’m surrounded by like-minded creative folk who I can turn to for advice, collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Anything you’re working on at the moment that’s exciting you?

I recently designed a report for a UK walking and cycling charity – Sustrans.  They presented this report to parliament to communicate the need to raise funding and develop the National Cycle Network over the next 20 years, which is very exciting.

I’m about to start a UX/UI design course to broaden my skill set and services to cover web design alongside print. It fits in nicely with my business ethos – making content as clear and simple as possible so I’m really excited about that.

What are you reading/watching at the moment?

Something I find useful online is ‘The Futur’ founded by Chris Do, an Emmy award-winning designer.  It’s a great online education platform that teaches the business of design to creatives.

Outside of work I’m going through a furniture refurb and interior design phase so I’m hooked on watching The Repair Shop and Salvage Hunters!

What excites you most about the creative process?

Taking elements of a business/project and thinking about how I can transform them into clear, beautiful, eye-catching designs that make a difference.  Receiving feedback from clients to confirm the work I’ve created has made a big impact is hugely satisfying – it makes all the effort worthwhile!

What kit/tools can you not live without?

The Trello app for project management and deadlines. A bar of 70% Lindt chocolate (No other will do!). Three little bronze cast acorns that remind me that small steps lead to bigger things.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bristol?

My favourite takeaway is currently pizza from Mezzaluna on West Street.

Why did you choose to become a member at Gather Round?

I’ve been looking for a place like Gather Round for a long time! I’ve moved from desk to desk over the years, always finding something good at each and every studio but wishing I could find somewhere that encompasses everything I’m looking for in one place – then I stumbled across Gather Round.

Gather Round is a warm, welcoming space where I’m surrounded by like-minded creative folk who I can turn to for advice, collaboration and knowledge-sharing.  It’s lovely and I feel proud to be here.

Thanks for the chat Diane!  For more information about Diane and the creative services she offers head over to her website here or drop her a line directly: info@broadleycreative.co.uk