Emily Hunt’s Placement at Bulletproof

Published 2nd September 2025

For many young budding designers, the world of creative studios can feel like a distant goal, something spoken about in classrooms, but difficult to experience first-hand. For Emily Hunt, a recent sixth form student with a passion for product design, a placement at global brand agency, Bulletproof in London offered a rare and invaluable glimpse into that professional world.

From the Classroom to Industry Insight

Emily, who will soon begin a Product Design BA at Nottingham Trent University, has always been a creative thinker. From early childhood projects, turning cardboard tubes into waterproof inventions, to developing her skills in school through Art and Media Studies, she has long been drawn to problem-solving through design.

Her placement at Bulletproof marked the first time she could connect her creativity with industry practice. “In school, we always talked about processes being used in industry,” Emily explained. “But to actually see it in action was so helpful, I could finally picture what it’s really like to work in that environment.”

The day began with an introduction to Bulletproof’s portfolio, showcasing projects for a wide range of brands. This helped Emily understand the studio’s style and approach before she was given the chance to work on a real brief from their archives. Interpreting it in her own way, she was able to apply her personal style while testing herself against industry-level expectations.

Tools, Techniques, and Teamwork

Like many students transitioning from education into placements, Emily encountered the challenge of professional software. Bulletproof’s team primarily use SolidWorks for 3D design, but they encouraged Emily to work with the tools she already knew, including Shapr3D and Procreate. “They were really supportive and let me use the programs I was comfortable with,” she said. “It meant I could focus on the creative process rather than worrying about learning new software in just one day.”

The studio’s setup also gave Emily a real sense of how diverse design roles work together. She saw everything from graphic design to 3D modelling, product design to visualisation, and even motion design. “It was almost like a production line,” she reflected. “Different sections focused on different aspects of the process, but all worked towards the same end product.”

Emily was guided throughout the day by two graduates who had recently joined Bulletproof. “It was amazing to see them working in the industry,” she said. “It really helped me picture myself in that position in a few years’ time.”

A Taste of Professional Life

Beyond the creative lessons, the experience also offered Emily a sense of what daily working life in London could be like. From commuting on the train to navigating the studio space, she got a taste of the independence and responsibility that come with professional work. “It felt like a proper job,” she laughed. “Even just going out on my lunch break was a new experience compared to school.”

Looking Ahead

Emily’s placement reinforced her decision to pursue product design at university and her long-term ambition of running her own design business. The opportunity to step inside a leading studio has given her both confidence and motivation. “I definitely recommend other students take on placements like this,” she said. “It’s such a valuable experience to add to your CV and helps you understand the pathways available in design.”

Her degree at Nottingham Trent will include a year in industry, and she’s already building connections that could support her in the future. As Emily puts it: “One of the team told me to get in touch in a few years’ time, they’d welcome me back. That was amazing to hear.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Emily’s story is a reminder of the impact even a short placement can have on a young designer. By stepping beyond the classroom and into the studio, she gained clarity on her future, built valuable industry links, and developed the confidence to pursue her dreams.

For teachers, her experience highlights how important it is to help students access opportunities with design studios, engineering firms, and creative agencies, even for a day.

Find out more about setting up education and industry links by contacting: amelia.wright@designtechnology.org.uk