Can you tell us about the placement opportunity you were involved in?
I had the opportunity to complete a six-month placement as a Graphic Design Intern at Seaweed Enterprises in Edinburgh and Glenrothes, Scotland. Their goal is to become the world’s leading sustainable seaweed business by driving a revolution and harnessing the power of an abundant ocean resource to create ethical, innovative products that enrich lives and protect the planet.
I secured this placement through an application process facilitated by Edinburgh Napier University, which led to an interview with the CEO and Co-Founder. My initial role involved assisting Seaweed Enterprises in their rebranding transition to House of Seaweed, the new parent and bulk supply company, and Oshan, the new consumer brand to be sold online and in shops. I worked on various briefs, including designing sample boxes for potential investors, partners, and suppliers. Additionally, I created numerous pieces of promotional work and designed various illustrations to be used on the Oshan packaging and their website.
This placement significantly boosted my confidence as a designer, requiring me to present and pitch ideas daily, making it a less intimidating task over time. The people I met and the connections I made during this placement were invaluable, providing me with insights and networking opportunities that will benefit my future career. At the end of my placement, I was offered a summer job, which allowed me to further hone my skills and abilities as a designer.
Can you tell us more about what your role entailed?
Seaweed Enterprises, now House of Seaweed, is leveraging seaweed's versatile uses, initially focusing on established markets like supplements, skincare, and food manufacturing (salt substitutes). Looking ahead, the company aims to expand into biopolymers, methane additives, alternative proteins, bio-stimulants, and pet food.
During this transition, my role was pivotal in creating design assets for both immediate and future goals. My key tasks included: 
- Designing the House of Seaweed and Oshan ‘Sample Boxes,’ which showcased various seaweed products such as flakes, powders, whole leaves, postcards, brochures, teabags, and even chocolate. These boxes were customized for the target market of each recipient company, demonstrating seaweed's diverse applications.
- Regularly presenting my ideas and work to the team, CEO, and Co-Founders.
- Communicating with suppliers via phone and email to ensure project progression.
- Creating promotional materials tailored to specific target markets.
- Developing cost-effective methods to bring projects to life.
- Designing a suite of illustrations for various print and digital formats, including packaging and websites.
- Assisting the production team and manager with the occasional seaweed harvest.
My work aimed to highlight seaweed's potential, ensuring that when House of Seaweed enters new industries, they are equipped with compelling design assets.
What key skills did your placement teach you?
During my time with House of Seaweed, I had the exciting opportunity to apply my graphic design skills in a real-world setting. This placement demanded a high level of organization, as I had to ensure my work was carefully uploaded to the admin system for team access. This experience also pushed me to develop new design skills on the spot, often surprising myself with the work I was able to create.
Beyond the creative and practical skills I developed, I received positive feedback from the Brand Marketing Director and Co-Founder. They remarked, “Ruaridh has been a huge asset to the team. His quality of work, professionalism, attitude, and creativity have been fantastic. He has become a solid member of the team, has great working relationships, and has taken ideas and feedback and run with them.”
My communication skills also flourished, as I regularly interacted with suppliers to keep projects on track, pitched and presented ideas, and maintained consistent communication with the team about the company’s growth, upcoming goals, and key dates. Juggling multiple tasks and briefs simultaneously helped me develop my self-reliance and time management skills, allowing me to effectively prioritise projects and meet deadlines set each week.
What were your highlights and key successes of your time on placement?
During my time at House of Seaweed, several memorable experiences stood out. I had the privilege of being invited to a meeting with the Head of Design at The Union Agency to discuss my work, providing a unique opportunity to ask design-related questions. I also witnessed the company achieve significant recognition by winning the prestigious international MadBlue Impact Award 2024 at the MadBlue Impact Summit in Madrid, highlighting their commitment to sustainability.
Additionally, I was offered a summer job after my placement module ended, allowing me to continue contributing to House of Seaweed's design projects. It was immensely rewarding to see my work come to life in various forms, such as promotional leaflets, the company's website, packaging, and sample boxes. This tangible evidence of my contributions filled me with pride. 
Moreover, being part of a company in its early stages of development was incredibly exciting. Observing House of Seaweed evolve as a brand and being part of its journey from the beginning was a unique and fulfilling experience. Overall, my time at House of Seaweed was filled with invaluable opportunities and moments of pride, making it an unforgettable chapter in my career.
Did you face any challenges during your time on placement?
During my time at House of Seaweed, I wouldn't say I faced any significant challenges, but there were definitely a number of skills I had to learn or refresh on the job. For instance, I needed to perfect my printing knowledge, enhance my Photoshop skills, and improve my ability to communicate ideas effectively with others. I recognize and appreciate that no job is without its challenges, but I believe it’s how you address and manage these challenges that determines the overall success and fulfillment of the role. This experience has reinforced the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the professional world.
How do you feel that your studies at Edinburgh Napier University prepare you for this placement?
My studies at Edinburgh Napier University thoroughly prepared me for my House of Seaweed placement. The graphic design knowledge and skills I developed over the past three years enabled me to confidently and successfully complete my tasks. This placement was the perfect next step before entering my fourth year, offering a valuable glimpse into the professional world of design. It has not only enhanced my practical experience but also provided a clear picture of what to expect in my future career. I am now even more excited and prepared for what lies ahead after graduation.
Do you think your experience(s) from the placement affected your future career plans or last year of university?
Absolutely. My experiences during the placement have profoundly influenced my future career plans and shaped my aspirations for my final year at university. I've gained a much clearer understanding of the kind of work I want to produce in the future. This experience has solidified my desire to create designs that not only stand out but also make a meaningful impact. 
In my final year at Edinburgh Napier University, I aim to develop projects that embody this vision, focusing on innovative solutions that address real-world problems. Moreover, I'm now more determined than ever to work for companies whose ethos and vision align with my own values. I seek to collaborate with organizations dedicated to sustainability, social responsibility, and creativity, as these are principles I deeply resonate with.
Overall, my placement has been instrumental in refining my career goals, providing me with both the clarity and confidence to pursue a path where I can truly make a difference through my work.
What advice would you give to someone considering doing a placement at university?
If you’re considering doing a placement at university, my advice is to have confidence in yourself and take the plunge. Placement opportunities are invaluable for several reasons. Firstly, they can help you get your foot in the door of your desired industry. By immersing yourself in a real-world working environment, you start to build a network of professional connections, which can be incredibly beneficial for your future career. These relationships can open doors to new opportunities and provide you with mentors and contacts who can offer guidance and support.
Moreover, gaining practical experience through a placement is highly valued by businesses. When you apply for jobs after university, having hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates. Employers look for individuals who not only have theoretical knowledge but also understand how to apply it in real-world situations. Completing a placement gives you this edge and shows potential employers that you are proactive and capable.
If you’re feeling uncertain or not quite ready for a placement, I wouldn’t worry, as from my experience I’ve learnt many things during my time at House of Seaweed.
In conclusion, placements are a fantastic way to gain valuable experience, build a network, and enhance your employability. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity, as it can be a significant stepping stone towards achieving your career goals.
Check out House of Seaweed at www.houseofseaweed.com