From sketchbooks
to senior creative designer
Words by Erin Docherty, Senior Creative Designer
Ever since I was a wee girl, I’ve loved being creative and solving problems, whether through drawing, jigsaws, playing video games, amongst many others. I didn’t think they would be useful skills in the real world; they were just hobbies and ‘fun’ things I did in my spare time. I have a high school teacher to thank for changing my perspective on this. He recognised something in me and encouraged me to explore different areas of design as a potential career. I took his advice, and graphic design immediately stood out as it combined both creativity and problem solving in a way that felt meaningful and exciting. From there, I applied to art school and never looked back!
Taking the leap to Leeds
After graduating from DJCAD in Dundee, I was lucky to land a job at a small design agency in my hometown of Glasgow. As much as I enjoyed the fast-paced agency life, I knew I wanted to move and explore more of the UK. I was applying to jobs all over, and got an interview at a print and design company. What I failed to realise at first was that the job was in Leeds! I only discovered this after booking the interview and searching the address. That interview was my very first visit to Leeds, and I fell in love with the city. I was offered the job and moved my life down to England one week later! I gained invaluable experience during my years there, followed by a few more years at a design, video and production agency. Eventually, I joined Resource, where I feel I get the best of both worlds. I have been very fortunate to work across a broad and brilliant mix of projects throughout my career, which has helped shape me into a well-rounded creative.
Since joining Resource in 2024, I’ve moved up to Senior Creative Designer. Being part of a company that really sees my worth has been invaluable to me, as it hasn’t always been the case. I’ve had the chance to work on a lot of meaningful and creative work since being at Resource; from behaviour change campaigns to rebrands, personalised packs to storyboarding, no two days are ever the same! As someone who gets bored easily, this works perfectly for me.
It’s wild to look back at how far I’ve come. Reflecting on my journey makes me feel proud of the creative I’ve grown into. When I first started out, I lacked confidence, and rarely spoke up, shared ideas or challenged briefs. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to recognise my own value, and now I feel much more assured in myself, confident sharing my thoughts and contributing more openly. This industry is full of such amazing, quirky people, but it can be easy to get lost in the crowd, especially as a naturally introverted person.
If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone just starting out, it would be this: your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s. It is scary to put yourself out there, but you can absolutely do it.