Elaine Perks is co-founder of design and branding agency Boyle&Perks. The Brighton-based studio’s clients include Brighton & Hove Museums, University College London, and Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft
Design
What would your monograph be called?
Design can make a difference. I do believe that good design strategy and communications can make a difference, and bring about positive change. It’s the sentiment that has driven me for years, and it’s what continues to drive the work that we do.
What recent design work made you a bit jealous?
It’s not a recent project. But we recently saw Rejane Dal Bello talk at a Meeting Room event in Brighton, where she shared her work on the design of the AG2R La Mondiale cycling kit.
As a cycling-obsessed family – both my children race – the house is always full of kit, and debate on which team has the best kit. It was fascinating to hear Rejane talk us through the project, the challenge, and how she got to the iconic design that was so cutting edge for its time.
Rejane Dal Bello’s work for the AG2r La Mondiale cycling team
Also, the new IKEA in Brighton campaign from Mother. As a Brighton resident I can report this is spot on. I have fallen victim to our seagulls on more than one occasion, but I like to remind myself it’s good luck!
What’s an unusual place you get inspiration from?
One of the most enjoyable parts of our process is the research, which in itself often leads us down rabbit holes.
We’ve been fortunate enough to visit some incredibly unusual places in the name of research, from listening to ghost stories at one of Britain’s most haunted houses, to pebble-hunting in Bexhill-on-sea and from watching dissections in research laboratories to learning about mummification in museums!
Name something that is brilliantly designed, but overlooked.
I don’t know any creatives that aren’t allied to, or obsessed with, a specific type of pen. For me it’s Muji refillable gel ink pens. Available in a wide range of ink colours and tip sizes, these pens are a quiet staple for many creatives.
Among illustrators and designers, they’re almost cult-like in their following. I keep them everywhere – bag, pocket, desk. A good friend of mine regularly buys me a multi-pack for Christmas.
What object in your studio best sums up your taste?
It has to be our colourful meeting table from our friends at Very Good & Proper, an impulse purchase from their archive sale.
It has a bright orange top with four red legs and is a beautifully simple, functional circular design. It’s perfect to gather around to discuss work or to come together over lunch. It helpfully adds a big pop of strong colour to our otherwise neutral design space.
The table in Boyle&Perks’ studio
Leadership
What feedback felt brutal at the time, but turned out to be useful?
While a student at the Royal College of Art, I worked on a live project to design the cover of a prestigious magazine. I was thrilled to make it to the final two, but devastated when I was told my design hadn’t been chosen because it lacked the “magic” of the other entry.
At the time, it felt crushing. But with distance, I realised the truth in it – I had designed the cover to satisfy my own agenda, rather than thinking about what was right for the magazine’s audience.
That experience taught me an invaluable lesson I’ve carried into every project since – always consider the audience, and focus on what needs to be communicated.
What’s an underappreciated skill that design leaders need?
Perseverance. It’s one of those quiet skills that rarely gets celebrated. It’s what got you into the industry in the first place, and it’s what sustains you once you’re in.
It’s what helped us build the studio from the ground up, keeps it running day-to-day, and drives us to adapt in an ever-changing climate.
It’s also a quality I try to instil in my students at the University of Brighton. When they face a difficult challenge, I encourage them to keep pushing to find a solution – even if it comes at the 11th hour!
Ultimately, design leadership isn’t just about vision or creativity. It’s about having the perseverance to navigate uncertainty and setbacks, and to bring your team along with you.
What keeps you up at night?
Menopause and insomnia.
What trait is non-negotiable in new hires?
We’re a small studio, so a happy demeanour and a can-do attitude are essential. And must like dogs!
Complete this sentence, “I wish more clients…
…saw us as collaborators. The most successful projects aren’t just about delivering a service, but about building a partnership rooted in mutual trust and respect, which allows us to co-create and find the best solutions together.