As Gemma Waller, Silver Bullet Marketing's Creative Director, celebrates her thirtieth birthday, she reflects on seven years at the Ouseburn Valley based full service agency.

Gemma started work at Silver Bullet in 2003 as the company's first in-house designer, after completing her degree in Graphic Design at Northumbria University. Having now worked for the company for seven years, she is now Creative Director, over seeing the entire design department at the PR, Marketing and Design company.

Gemma comments on her time at Silver Bullet, "As a full service agency we are skilled in all facets of marketing, PR and design meaning we can 'turn our hand' to any industry and provide impressive results. Working with such a tight knit team, we all bring our own strengths to the table whilst simultaneously learning about the aspects of other staff member's roles. This helps us work in a strategic and efficient manner, so I can then tailor my designs to fit into the larger plan of the marketing strategy."

"Creative design has always been my passion, and I am lucky to be doing something I love. Every client you work for teaches you something new, and you, as an external entity to their business can do the same by offering an alternative perspective. A client, more often than not, trusts your advice and implements your ideas, and to see this then successfully working for them is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment."

Gemma continues, "In design I have learnt to keep it simple. To always have in your mind what the brand's message is and make sure it is delivered, whilst eliminating anything that detracts from that message. Clarity is confidence and over complicating design is a bit like pouring tomato sauce over an a la carte meal at the last minute, just in case it doesn't taste good!"

"Through my seven years at the company I have produced a vast amount of work that I am immensely proud of, however, my shining moment was shortly after becoming Creative Director. Silver Bullet had been using the same dated brand for almost a decade and was desperately in need of a revamp. The brand concept 'Bringing you the Colours' reflected the core values of the company and was a celebration of all our services. It was great to see the positive response from our team and how refreshing the brand can effectively refresh a company.

"I'm often asked by colleagues and those undertaking work experience what my advice would be to someone wanting to get into the industry. With an abundance of good talent it can be difficult to get noticed, but persistence backed up with good, relevant designs is key. I am especially impressed when someone has researched Silver Bullet and our clients and then presented me with a design project they have centered on our work portfolio. That would put someone straight to the top of my list."

Gemma concludes, "Silver Bullet's mantra has always been 'a no nonsense approach' to marketing, PR and design and I think there is a tendency in our industry to waste time and a clients budget by talking waffle for months on end instead of getting the job done. In my opinion this, and a fantastic team, is what makes Silver Bullet stand out and is why seven years later I still thoroughly enjoy my role within the company and the direction we are going."