George Spolding - Senior Graphic Designer

How long have you worked at Global Brands?

I’ve been at Global for seven and a half years.

What is your role at Global Brands and what does it entail?

I am a Senior Graphic Designer. I work on new brand creation, as well as packaging, advertising & web design for existing brands such as VK, Corky’s, Lustre and Jungfrau.

How did you get into it?  

Whilst doing art at secondary school I did a project on Graphic Design which I really enjoyed. This started the path for my journey as I went on to Chesterfield College to study BTEC Level 3 Graphic Design. After College I went onto study Ba Hons in Graphic Design at the University of Lincoln (where I consumed many VK’s over the 3 years).

Once I graduated in 2016, I got my first job at Sports Direct head office doing web and email design. After 18 months I wanted a change from this as it was too mundane. That’s when I saw a job here at Global. I started here in November 2017 as a Junior Graphic Designer and progressed my way up to Senior Graphic Designer during my years here.

What’s the best project you’ve worked on and why?

I’ve enjoyed the VK rebrand back in 2021 when we updated the logo and packaging. It’s always fun having creative freedom to come up with new brand concepts but this was different as it was more challenging. We had to keep the essence of VK but make it feel modern. It was also quite daunting as it’s the brand that started Global, so it felt like a big weight on my shoulders to get it right. However, this made it feel twice as rewarding seeing it all come to fruition.

What do you like the most about working at Global Brands?

My team. They are all supportive, friendly and we work really well together. Everyone helps each other and it makes coming to work enjoyable. Across the company, the people I work with are open, easy to talk to, and always willing to lend a hand. It feels like we’re all working towards the same goal.

On a side note, the yearly Company Summer BBQ and Christmas Party are also great as it brings the whole company together twice a year to celebrate everything that we’ve achieved but also update us all on the coming years plans.

What’s your favourite GB product and why?

It would be rude of me to not say VK given I live and breathe the brand at work. If I was to choose a specific flavour it would be the new Lemon & Lime.

And just to be nosy, what’s your favourite packet of crisps?

McCoys Sizzling King Prawn

What one piece of advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in the drinks industry?

If you don’t like standing still and want something exciting, then a career in the drinks industry is for you as its ever changing and evolving and always keeps you on your toes.