Women In Design feat. Rebecca Howes

Meet Rebecca Howes, Brand Guardian at Invivo Healthcare. As part of our Women in Design series, where we feature and share the experiences of women in the design industry, Rebecca discusses her creative journey, her passion for design, and how she’s driving sustainable health at Invivo.

Could you please introduce yourself as well as your background?

Hi I’m Rebecca, I am the Brand Guardian at Invivo Healthcare, responsible for overseeing design and marketing functions. I‘ve been working in the creative industries for over 10 years and am also an illustrator.

Invivo is a fascinating microbiome company that encompasses wellbeing into its testing and supplement ranges with a huge focus on education. One of the key things I love about Invivo, aside from being able to try products of course, is its food first approach and accessible approach towards boosting your microbiome.

My career has led me in a few directions, both figuratively and geographically, and I wouldn’t say my ‘career path’ was a particularly traditional one! But here I am.

I studied illustration at Northampton University and during that time, I interned for Big Fish Design, this gave me the opportunity to see a full service studio in action with design, marketing and brand in one space. Around that time I also became obsessed with packaging design. The play of illustrations and graphics combining to bring a product to life has excited me ever since.

After finishing my degree in 2012, I went travelling, to experience different environments and cultures. When I look back, this had a big influence on me creatively and helped shape my visual language. I took up a lot of different jobs along the way too, from picking tomatoes in Australia to shaking Pisco Sours in South America, developing a range of vital skillsets.

When I got back to the UK, it was time for me to forge my creative career. This began with a job in visual merchandising, whilst I volunteered in design and looked for entry-level design positions. Since then, I’ve worked in both freelance and employed positions in both design and my other profession, as a yoga instructor.

In my journey to my current role at Invivo, I was driven by my desire to work with a sustainable product that I believed in. The chance to develop sustainable packaging was also a real draw for me too – the chance to seek out innovative, sustainable packing suppliers to help take our brand forward, and develop something that enhances the product. Working with Invivo has provided me with this and so much more, and I have developed my understanding of brand at such a fast pace, as I’ve grown from Graphic Designer to Brand Guardian at the company.

In your opinion, what unique perspectives or contributions do you think women bring to the design industry?

I don’t know if I’d necessarily frame it as a unique perspective or contribution, but
over the years I have found that when working with more women within a team, there tends to be a more empathetic approach and better work flexibility.

Maybe simply because it’s more obvious now that 9-5 doesn’t work for everyone particularly those caring for others. I think it is important to have a diverse range of opinions and operate in a team making the work environment a more adaptable place, for everyone to work.

In my current role though, women make up the vast majority of our audience. With that in mind, having a team that is predominantly – though not entirely – made up of women means we are creating from a point of understanding. Generally speaking, I think it is ideal – in any industry – if your team mirrors your target audience, demographically. The internal insights that come from that have maximum relevance when it comes to design and marketing.

In an attempt to capture some of the Wisdom you’ve gained as a woman in the design sector so far, what is the 1 thing that you’d like to pass on to your peers as well as the future generation of talent within your sector?

Imposter syndrome and rejection, don’t let it stop you.

Trying to get my first job in the design sector was tough, my gateway in was solely reliant on volunteering and self-taught design skills both from my degree and practice. My confidence wasn’t high, and after months of rejections, when applying for design jobs, it started to look like it wasn’t going to happen.

That post-university period in your life, I found can be the hardest time, so please go easy on yourself. At the same time if you can get some industry experience after or even whilst at university, definitely do! If there’s a company that you love and they don’t have any interning on site, email anyway. Tell them why you are passionate and what you’re wanting to do.
There are also so many great schemes, particularly in the southwest, geared towards 18-25 yr olds trying to get into the industry, make sure of any help you can be offered.

Have you encountered any specific challenges as a female designer, and how did you overcome them?

I guess male-dominated environments can be off-putting at times, but moreover, I would say “snobby” environments! Some areas of the design world can display a lot of snootiness, making it feel elitist at times, and judgemental. Of course, we have to be discerning as designers and critique, but I don’t subscribe to the harsher attitudes out there.

In the past, I found this incredibly off-putting when going for interviews and such. Overcoming this means practising how you’d like to be treated to others, always, and seeking out an agency whose voice rings true with you. Empathy and kindness never go out of style!

What is your take on the importance of role models?

I think once you see someone like you doing something that you can see yourself doing, it certainly offers inspiration. In particular when thinking from a social mobility lens.

I grew up not really knowing what I wanted to do or if I wanted to go to university, and feeling quite isolated in what I enjoyed compared to my peers.
When you see people from the same background as you in great positions and part of inspiring companies, making positive change is inevitable.

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If you’re inspired by the stories and wisdom shared in our ‘Women In Design’ series and would like to contribute your own experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Creatives at all levels, please email us and your story could be the next we feature.