Anoushka Rodda’s journey from designer to managing director: “I had no idea there were other roles”
What happens when you start out as a designer, but discover that the designing part of your job is the bit you least enjoy? In Anoushka Rodda’s case, this realisation led her to account management – in a role that was far better suited to her skill set, character and interests – before becoming the managing director of her own company. She shares her journey so far, and tips for others who might be looking for alternative roles in design.
Anoushka Rodda
Job Title
Managing Director, TEMPLO
Based
London
Selected Clients
United Nations, Amnesty International, Plymouth College of Art, London School of Economics
Previous Employment
Associate Partner, NB (2014–2016)
Account Director, NB (2009–2014)
Account Manager, NB (2007–2009)
Account Executive, NB (2005–2007)
Designer, The Partners (2004–2005)
Education
BA Graphic Design, Kingston University (2002–2005)
Website
Social Media
Brought up in London, Anoushka graduated with a BA in graphics from Kingston university in 2005. Having completed a number of internships in the summer of her second year, she had already established industry contacts before she finished her degree.
Taking a job as a designer at agency The Partners straight out of college, Anoushka’s eyes were opened to an expanse of design-related roles she’d never heard of before. She soon found that the design part of her job wasn’t the bit that excited her most, as she became more interested in the strategic and client-facing side of the work.
“When I was studying I was like, ‘I am going to be a graphic designer’; I had no idea there were other roles.”
Joining renowned branding and communication studio NB as an account executive, Anouska stayed on at the company for nine years, progressing to account manager, account director and eventually associate partner by the time she was thirty. Then in 2013, she broke out on her own, setting up her own branding and digital design studio alongside partner Pali Palavathanan.
As managing director of TEMPLO, she tells us what her work looks like day to day, and why they are committing to working towards social good. We also hear about the most unexpected parts of her job, her advice on exploring alternative roles in design, and her thoughts on what makes for a rewarding internship.
Interview by Indi Davies
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