Dean Newcombe (21) joined Allen Signs, which has offices in Lincoln and Nottingham, in July to kick-start his career as a graphic designer after impressing the company with his final-year university project.
“We spotted Dean’s potential when he brought in his project and asked us to help him apply his design onto a blank skateboard,” said Glen Merryweather, Sales and Marketing Manager at Allen Signs.
“At the same time he asked if we were taking on any staff. It was perfecting timing, as we were in discussions about expanding the business and hiring a designer!”
Dean said: “I’m very grateful to Allen Signs for giving me this great opportunity. I feel very privileged as it isn’t easy getting a job within your chosen career straight out of university.”
Dean is responsible for creating design concepts and preparing visuals for planning applications. Since starting at Allen Signs he has worked on a number of branding projects for companies including Docusave and Coco Tanning and Beauty.
“I’m really enjoying the fast-paced nature of working in a company in comparison to university, where you spend weeks doing research before coming up with the final idea,” he said.
“It’s extremely fulfilling being given a brief by a client and seeing my designs come to life on a fascia or a van,” said Dean.
Dean studied at Central Technology and Sports College in his home town of Grantham, where he was inspired to become a graphic designer by his teacher Mr Pratt. After finishing secondary school he studied a two-year BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design at Grantham College before attending the University of Lincoln.
Dean graduated in September 2014 with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design.
European Sign Federation