My name is Tom Hardwick! I’m a 20-year-old Graphic Designer, living in Southampton and studying Graphic Design at ‘Norwich University of the Arts’. Running my own design page ‘Thomas Hardwick Design’ in my spare time (www.thomashardwickdesign.myportfolio.com) and featuring my work on my design Instagram account @thomashardwickdesign. Currently in my first year at university, I am a creative mind that is aiming to use my abilities to pull out powerful truths, connect perspectives and unify cultures and voices through branding, advertising and packaging in the language of graphic communication we see in our everyday lives.
What is your favourite joke?
As a child I was made to walk the plank a lot, we couldn’t afford a dog.
What makes you smile?
Like a typical guy I’m at my happiest when I have a ball at my feet, running around aimlessly having a kick about with my friends or travelling with my dad to watch the best football team in the world…Brighton & Hove Albion!
What is your favourite good news story?
Life being to short to say no to everything, say yes more, give life a go before you get too old.
What inspires you?
My sister is my inspiration, suffering from a medical condition called ‘Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome’ from an early age, effecting her joins massively, causing constant pain and discomfort yet still managing to graduate from the University of Oxford with a 1st in Law before returning to do a Masters later on makes me believe that anything is possible.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I think for all students, not just university, but all forms of education I would make free in every country around the world, giving everyone the right to a good education that could stand them in good stead for a good life in the future, helping them to achieve whatever they want to achieve!
If you could have one superpower what would you choose and why?
I would have the power to control water, to allow me to swim at high speed through the depths, control the water particles in the air allowing me to fly as well as being able to walk on water and turn things into ice. Giving me a good excuse to sing ‘Let It Go’ like Elsa from ‘Frozen’ with minimal embarrassment.
What is your favourite food?
‘Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food’ ice cream (complete with melted marshmallows of course).
What is your favourite drink?
Coffee, in particular Mocha’s with extra foam (Coffee > Tea).
If you are going on holiday what luxury item would you take from home?
Speaking from experience of having taken this on holidays in the past as well as trips to and from home from university I would have to say my PS4, along with a copy of ‘FIFA 18’, and the ‘Lord of the Rings’ box set.
If you could make one law, what would it be and why?
Free ‘Creme eggs’ for everyone!
Give us a random piece of information about you that people wouldn’t know?
I grew up in Cornwall before moving to Southampton when I was 11 and have attended 8 different educational institutions, from school all the way through to university, so I’ve moved around a lot!
What is your favourite phrase or saying?
‘We’re all pretty bizarre, some of us are just better at hiding it that’s all’ – The Breakfast Club
What cause, project or event would you like to promote?
A cause that is very close to my heart is the work of the ‘Ehlers-Danlos Support’ & ‘Ehlers-Danlos Support UK’ as they support and research the medical condition that my amazing sister has, and of which I have previously done some charity work for, as well as dedication some of my design work and focused projects on for creating some advertising
To see some of my posters & mockup campaigns including a typeface why not take a look at my website… www.thomashardwickdesign.myportfolio.com
Who is your favourite music artist?
I don’t really have a favoured music artist, but favoruite songs including: Live Forever (Oasis), Bitter Sweet Symphony (The Verve) & Africa (Toto). But if I had to pick a music act, I’d say my favourite is the band ‘The Police’.
Who is the person that you feel has shaped your life most?
I can’t decide between the 2 so I’d have to say my parents, who have done so much for me, my mum and dad even taught me at my old school for a time and without their help, support and belief I wouldn’t have gotten the grades I did (especially with my dyslexia) and I wouldn’t be where I am now.
PJ’s or Not?
PJ’s or not ? PJ’s hands down…apart from the summer.
Hot or cold? Hot, take me to Barbados anytime!
Cat or dog? Dog (one of my life goals is to own a ‘Golden Retriever’ called ‘Albi’)
Blue or pink? Purple. (But if I have to follow the rules I’ll say Blue)
Tea or coffee? Coffee, Tea is just a letter.
Glass half-empty or glass half-full? Half-full (especially if it’s tea)
Night out or night in? Night out…followed by a extended night in afterwards.
Pizza or pasta? Pizza
Biscuits or cake? Jaffa Cakes…a biscuit or a cake…you decide.
Wine or beer? Beer, I’m not strong enough to handle wine.
Football or rugby? Football
Cinema or theatre? Cinema
Gym or TV? Gym (only my gym thought, because they have TV’s in there now!)
Naughty or nice? Nice (just in case Farther Christmas reads this!)
Silver or gold? Silver
Tent or hotel? Tent
Bath or shower? Shower
Starter or pudding? Pudding, unless it’s cheesy garlic bread.
Sheets or duvet? Duvet, I’m not an animal.
Love Island or Game of Thrones? To watch, Game of Thrones, to actually be in…Game of Thrones.
Finally, apple or banana? If it’s ripe, then give me a banana any day!