Under the hood with … Ella Hampshire-Perks, Graphic Designer and Director of PERKS
Ahead of our next online Under The Hood event on 6 July, we learnt more about one of our speakers, Ella Hampshire-Perks of PERKS
Ella is a Graphic Designer and Director of PERKS, a purposefully small branding studio that supports SME’s to grow through thought-led design. PERKS is a nimble and mostly remote studio that responds to the needs of clients by bringing together clever creatives from a range of disciplines. Ella is based from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and collaborates with creatives all around the world.
To register to attend the online event, click here.
Can you tell us a little bit about who you are, what your background is, and how you first got started in the industry?
I’m originally from the Bay of Plenty and spent my University days in Wellington at Massey University studying Design. Then after a short stint working at the local newspaper in my hometown jetted off to the UK where I spent the best part of a decade living and working. Having worked in several agencies and design studios in London and around the UK I decided that a self-employed lifestyle was the next step and started PERKS… 4 and a bit years later, and back home on NZ soil I’m still happily working for myself.
What project will you be presenting in Under the Hood?
I’ll be presenting a small-scale brand identity project for Oli Booth Architecture I worked on during the last lockdown in Tāmaki Makaurau. It was an apt time to work on this brand as it called for slowing down, focusing on detail, and creating with real intent and precision. The project spanned into the early part of this year where I also created a portfolio website for OB A – allowing him to showcase his beautiful architecture and unique design practice.
What was the most challenging part of the project and what lessons did you draw from it?
The most challenging part of the project was getting the logotype working. With so much of the brand identity being minimal in approach the logotype needed to communicate the right messages but in a subtle way. Through this, I learned to trust my process and that openness with a client is integral (something I already knew but was reiterated to me). The framework of my process was there to guide us in the development of the logotype and being transparent with the client meant we were always aligned.
Was there an ‘Aha!’ moment in the project when things clicked and fell into place
Honestly, no there wasn’t an ‘aha’ moment during this project. Things grew quite organically and in a really collaborative way.
Now that the project has finished, what are you working on?
Quite a variety! Since returning home from the UK I continue to collaborate with people overseas working on larger-scale hospitality branding projects. Closer to home I’m helping with an exciting new all-day eatery opening in Parnell soon as well as branding for new and existing independent furniture brands.
Outside of work hours what creative projects and/or hobbies are you involved with?
For the last year, I’ve been learning to make Jewellery with the lovely team at Workshop 6 – it’s been so great to get off the computer, switch off from everything that’s going on in life and create using my hands. I’ve also been working with my partner (who’s an Architect) to design our first home – possibly the largest creative project we’ve ever embarked on together but I can imagine it’ll be the most rewarding when it’s built and we’re living in it.
And finally, where to next for you? What areas of your work or personal development are you hoping to explore further?
The next stage for PERKS and myself is to continue growing connections with fellow creatives across disciplines throughout Aotearoa and overseas. With the ambition to broaden PERKS’ offering in a collaborative way that fosters a flexible approach to working.
Register and join in for our online lunch time Under the Hood event on 6 July at 12:15pm – click here. Can’t join the session live? All registered attendees will receive a recorded version of the event to watch on their own time.
