We were delighted to welcome Katy O'Kelly to Loomery as a new member of our expanding design team. She sat down with Tim to answer a few of our questions:
Welcome, tell us a bit about yourself
Hi, I’m Katy. I’ve been in the design industry for over 10 years – originally from a brand and graphics background but have moved into digital product design the last couple of years. My first job was actually creating window designs for Liberty and Harvey Nichols. I’ve recently moved back to my hometown Bristol with my partner Rob and 2 year old son who keeps me very busy!
What are you looking forward to about being part of the Loomery team?
I love the fast paced ethos of Loomery and getting products in users hands as quickly as possible. I look forward to gaining more insight into product strategy and design from the team and getting stuck into some client work. From a technical point of view I’m keen to learn more about emerging tech including AI and spatial computing as well as exploring all the latest no code and low code software.
How have you found the first few weeks?
I have really enjoyed getting to know the team and something that stands out for me is how open and approachable everyone is. It’s something you don’t get in every agency and I appreciate their transparent business communication. I feel like there is a lot to learn from everyone here and look forward to collaborating and working with the Loomery gang. It’s great to be a part of a growing business and hopefully an exciting future for Loomery :)
Have you been learning anything cool outside of your discipline?
Not sure you could class this as ‘cool’ but I am learning to drive again! After living in London for 15 years with no car I’ve having to get back behind a wheel which is both exciting and nerve-racking at times! If I had more time on my hands I would also love to take up French lessons again.
What’s your favourite tool or app most people haven’t heard of?
Well apart from Vinted (which I spend far too much time on) Too good to go is a great one. I really love it from an ethical point of view, you can pick up surprise food bags from bakeries and restaurants at the end of the day so that it doesn’t go to waste. Isn’t that great?!
What’s the first website you designed yourself?
Aside from some very basic ones at University, one of the first websites I designed was while I was working at Lush Cosmetics. We created a campaign microsite for their Christmas fragrance Snow Fairy which celebrated all things pink and included limited edition products and a pixel art game which was really good fun to make.
Recommend one podcast or book
A recent book I’d recommend is ‘The book you wish your parents had read’ by Philippa Perry. Whether you are a parent or not it gives a great insight into why we are the way we are and has some great tips and observations. Fiction wise my all time favourite classic is The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt – beautiful book!
