Meet ...
Wendy Maltman - Owner and Creative Director of The Malting House Graphic Design Studio
Meet Wendy Maltman. She is a graduate of the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and her company was recently named one of the top 25 branding agencies in the world. She tells us about her time at University and beyond.
Who are you? Wendy Maltman
Where are you from? I grew up in a village called Newtonhill, around 9 miles south of Aberdeen. I went to Mackie Academy in Stonehaven for two years before transferring to the newly-opened Portlethen Academy in the late 80s. My headteacher told me it was unlikely that I would get into art school if I hadn’t heard by a particular date – it turned out my acceptance letter had the wrong postcode on it and it took longer to reach me! He was delighted when I told him I’d got a place!
Where do you live? I live in the West End of Dundee and have a small studio in Tay Street Lane – behind the Phoenix Bar.
What did you study at Dundee? I studied Graphic Design (BDes Hons)
When did you graduate? I graduated in 1995
What do you do? I run a design and marketing business based in the heart of Dundee’s Cultural Quarter, The Malting House.
What do you do at work? My business provides graphic design, branding, websites and marketing strategy for a wide range of clients, from local authorities, to charities, large businesses and start-ups. We’re also passionate about supporting young women in the design sector and often have students in for work placements and internships.
Have you any memorable stories of your time at Dundee? A highlight was being a finalist in the student category of the Scottish Design Awards in my third year. I also won an RSA Award in my fourth year. Between third and fourth year I did a study trip to Uganda. We also visited New York which was brilliant.
What led you to pursue a career in design and branding? I decided to be a graphic designer when I was about 12. I love working with type, designing logos and laying out beautiful page designs. I love the craft of it and always get caught up in the smallest details.
Why was Dundee chosen as the location for Malting House Design Studio? When I graduated most of my classmates fled to the big cities but I was keen to stay in Dundee. I set my business up 16 years ago, long before Dundee was recognised as a UNESCO City of Design. I was keen to support the local economy and see my work make a difference to businesses and organisations in the city. It is great to have been a part of Dundee’s creative renaissance.
What does it mean to you and your organisation that Malting House Design Studio was named by DesignRush agency as one of the top 25 branding agencies in the world? We’re delighted to have this accreditation. It shows that our design and branding work is being recognised on a global basis. This can only be good news for our local clients who can have confidence that they are getting great quality design and branding work from us. It also demonstrates that you don’t have to go to expensive agencies in Edinburgh, London or New York to find world-class designers.