Gavin Strange on the importance of side projects

When you're trying to carve out a name for yourself in the world of design, side projects might seem like an unnecessary distraction. But Gavin Strange of Aardman Animations and a speaker at our upcoming conference Generate, argues that they're "almost imperative" to building your career.

"They open your brain up, whether [to] inspirations, or styles, or something as small as new typefaces: things you don’t get a chance to explore if you’re doing stuff for a client," he points out in an exclusive video interview you can watch on the Creative Bloq video channel.

"Side projects open you up as a designer and give you new opportunities," he continues. "And if you make something, you get to feel it, you get to hold it; it’s your creation. There’s no greater feeling that that. I think it’s almost imperative that you have side projects. You don’t just stop being creative when the bell goes at 5.30. You can’t."

The main event

Strange will be joined at our Generate event, held at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on September 13, by 18 top-flight speakers including Mike Kus, Mark Boulton, Oliver Reichenstein and Stephen Hay.

With sessions and keynote presentations from the very best in the industry, the event - hosted with Creative Bloq in association with .net magazine - will be a unique opportunity to learn new skills, participate in one-on-one conversations, and network with the world's best designers.

Visit the Generate website today - and use the discount code JS15 to get 15 per cent off your ticket.