Goldsmiths graduate Ben Hatch, spoke to us about his work as a graphic designer and how he has developed his creative skills from a young age. Based in London, he is constantly influenced by the people and spaces around him. Skateboarding has also been a huge influence on Ben’s creative outlets as something he’s been passionate about for 14 years now.

Ben currently works as a freelance graphic designer on top of running his events company Family Counselling, a platform to support up and coming artists and underground DJ’s. Read on to hear more from Ben as he discusses his plans for the future and more!

What made you want to pursue graphic design professionally?

From a young age I have always been creative, I preferred to play outside rather than on the latest video game. I find it easier to communicate though images rather than words. Which over my academic years became apparent and so I decided to work towards something I was good at. I did not do A levels, instead a BTEC in Art & Design, a real tipping point of my youth. After I found myself at one of the top creative universities in London, Goldsmiths studying BA Design. Here I learnt my skills meant a lot more than just creating cool illustrations and home videos. In fact it wasn’t the course that made me want to become a graphic designer, but the realisation of being able to use my creative skills in a profitable way. With the help of university I taught myself a number of adobe softwares and built up a strong enough clientele to feel confident finishing the course knowing what I want to do in life. Ever since I have been freelancing my graphic design.

Can you describe the style of your work in three words?

Energetic, Playful, Youthful.

Tell us about a project you have worked on from initial concept to finished piece - What was involved in your creative and technical process?

Escape - Bus Stop Massage Lounge. This project was about hijacking a space, how can I escape from the raw purpose of an environment? e.g. a bus stop. There are very little things you can do at a bus stop other than sit, stand or scratch your lovers name into the woodwork. I wanted to escape this boredom trap and create a purposeful space which people can not only enjoy themselves, but have the opportunity to interact with others. The project started by prototyping a miniature model and creating an environment that would be used as a massage lounge.

Once I was happy with the interior, I began to source my materials and locate the idea bus stop to transform. After making all the props, I found a semi quiet bus stop in North London. I spend around 6 hours in the new found space I created giving 3 people massages. Some could say it was unsuccessful, but the raw purpose of my project succeeded! I had multiple families, kids, dogs and all sorts of other commuters interested, poking their head around the curtains which engulfed the structures interior. This project was a vehicle to engage strangers to communicate to one another, in a space that so many people spend a small percentages of their life at, waiting.

You are based in London, how does the city and the people around you influence your work?

Interaction is something that is constantly on my mind, a mix of living in London all my life and 14 years of skateboarding, interacting with people and spaces, physically or mentally is definitely embedded into my work. Interaction is a form of communication; a relationship with not necessarily a human, but the object itself and the stem of associating its meaning with a relative environment. As a designer, it’s important to embrace your surroundings, sparking new ideas no matter how big or small they are. Subconsciously we interact with over hundreds of things each day, but the way we see, engage and respond to these differently from one another, is the most intriguing part.

You started the events platform ‘Family Counselling’ in 2019, can you tell us about the sort of events you curate and how they intertwine with your design work?

Family Counselling was inspired by the love for all walks of dance music and showcasing London’s growing young artists. Giving people an opportunity to come and support art provided by their nearest and dearest, whilst letting loose to the selections of underground London DJ’s. Reaching out to social groups from north, east and south London, a diverse range of young people collaborating on one platform. Many of our events consist of 2/3 rooms, merging gallery spaces with music and projections, an immersive experience under one roof. This has always been a passion to me, not only can I bring my ideas to life, but physically build the spaces and tailor them to different vibes, whether it’s a halloween party at ‘The Cause, London’, or a private viewing at ‘LayLow’ in Notting Hill. Collaborating with people is essential to succeeding.

Currently, what are the main inspirations behind your work?

Current issues that are effecting my day-to-day. I don’t like to go into to much detail as find in this day and age people either get offended very easily or are constantly wanting more! I try to base my work of ideas that are thought provoking, allowing the viewer to take their own slant, maybe it’s a simple chuckle or a strong bond created, either way its interaction, a time out. I am heavily inspired by skateboarding as I have mentioned, as there are no rules, completely like art. I push myself to create work everyday, or at least learn something new.

What upcoming projects have you got planned for the near future?

Interactive pop-shops across London, showcasing myself and other up and coming creatives is just one of the many projects I am planning. Currently moodboarding the second launch for an alternative indie band called ‘DB&WS’, which will include directing a 4 minute music video and developing more design content for their social media platforms. Parallel, Family Counselling will be launching their 3rd wave of embroidered merchandise. As an active designer I try to have a few projects on the boil at all times.