Last month, we began our Inchcape Introduces series; a succession of articles where we introduce you to some of our employees, and talk to them about their career journeys, achievements, and roles here at Inchcape.
Sean Bates, Head of Business at Mercedes-Benz of Stratford-upon-Avon was our first interviewee; you can read the full article here
This month, we’re moving away from the showroom, and over to our Derby design studio to meet Multimedia Designer, Tim Everington.
How long have you been with Inchcape?
I’ve been here for 2 years and 1 month so far.
Tell us about your career journey and how you arrived at your current role.
I went to university to study Music Production originally. It was during my studies that I bought a camera and started doing all sorts of music photography and videography, and that’s really how I began to develop a strong interest in that area of work.
After I graduated, I worked for a film production company and I also did quite a lot of freelance work as well. I got into the automotive industry when I started working for Pendragon as a Multimedia Designer, and then when Inchcape decided to set up their own design studio, I thought it was a great time to move on and join a new company. I was ready for the opportunity to take on a new challenge, and be a part of building something from scratch.
What does your role as Multimedia Designer involve?
Essentially, my role encompasses three main categories: videography, photography and animation. Some days, I’m based in our studio in Derby doing post-production and editing, and some software-based work such as animation. Other days, I’m out on location at some of our UK dealerships, or attending brand events that are happening across the company. I go along to capture photography and videography that we use on our website and social media, or in print and email campaigns, which we produce in our in-house design studio. I generally move around quite a lot, so I’m always kept busy!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The job in itself is very varied, and that’s what keeps it challenging and interesting. But I think the thing I enjoy most is the creative freedom that I have within my role.
The wider design team also play a big part, because I enjoy being in that creative environment with them. As we have multiple brand partners, I have a number of different brand guidelines to adhere to, and I enjoy working with the other creatives in the team, such as the graphic designers, to ensure things are executed as they should be, and completed to a high standard.
What’s your proudest achievement in your role to date?
I would definitely say that my proudest achievement is, essentially, building the multimedia side of things up to a level where we actually required a second Multimedia Designer to meet the high demand we were experiencing.
I think before I joined, there was very little – if any – bespoke media being produced for any of our dealerships, but now, our sites are aware of our in-house studio facilities and the range of content that we can produce for them.
We always encourage them to come to us with any ideas around what they’d like us to create to help to boost their exposure or performance. All of the multimedia content we create for our sites is shared on multiple platforms, including our Vimeo channel, so it’s a great way for them to get coverage. Plus, it’s always fun for me to visit the different dealerships, meet new people, and create a range of media.
What’s the secret to being a great Multimedia Designer?
Well, I’m by no means the finished article! I strongly believe that wanting to continually improve is key. As I said, the role is so varied, and I think it’s really important to try and make the most of that and amass as many skills as possible.
Personally, I try to keep an eye on current industry trends as well, and absorb as much inspiration as I can!
In your opinion, what’s the best thing about working in the automotive industry?
I think now is a really exciting time to be working in the automotive industry because of all the technological progression that’s happening, and the push towards electric vehicles.
For me, it’s exciting to be part of the huge change that’s coming; a change that’s going to affect everyone.
And finally, Tim, what’s your dream car?
That’s a tough question, but think it would have to be the Shelby Mustang GT500 from the movie Gone in 60 Seconds!