Relocation, Relocation
Korie Cull, a life long Nottingham resident relocated to Stafford to pursue Conceptual Design at University of Staffordshire in 2009. His pursuit comprised of a three-year curriculum compassing Conceptual Design, Games Engines, and Physics.Around the time of enrollment, Korie can specifically remember lacking basic life skills such as interacting with others, public speaking and not feeling confident in his own abilities. However,following a dyslexia evaluation at the University, Korie experienced a notable surge in confidence during the subsequent three years. Prior to his enrollment at University of Staffordshire, Korie had never undergone a formal assessment for dyslexia, thus managed with of these difficulties independently causing educational issues throughout his life up until that point.
Armed with a newfound awareness of the specific areas where he faced challenges, Korie recognised that these obstacles were not a result of any shortcomings on his part but rather a condition he could address with dedication and time. Korie said: “Looking back, I really do think that the trajectory of my life would have been completely different if I had not been given these opportunities at University of Staffordshire.”
Ey Up Me Duck
After graduating in 2012, Korie moved back to his hometown, where he joined a local Nottinghamshire-based creative marketing agency. He then worked his way from Graphic Designer to Studio Director and eventually business partner over the span of seven years.
These were crucial years for Korie, as he not only focused on developing his own design and management skills but mentored and maintained a thriving studio of 12 graphic, web, and motion-based designers by fostering a proactive skill-based environment. It’s also where he met his wife Teresa, an incredible designer that founded the duo design agency Cull & Nguyen,and helped support Korie’s career moves by working with him side by side.
However, Korie had always aspired to be part of an organisation that boasts a more diverse and inclusive work environment, brimming with visionary ideas to tackle the world's challenges. When that opportunity presented itself in 2019, Korie decided to leave his position at the agency to join PANGAIA, a London-based materials science company bringing problem solving innovations to the world through lifestyle products and experiences.
Korie would then spend the next two years assisting in the growth of the company while jokingly suggesting to Mira Duma, PANGAIA's founder, that he would only leave the company if Apple came knocking on his door!
Mental Health
In 2020, Korie experienced the loss of a friend, which prompted him to embark on a new creative journey. One year later, Korie conceived a series of art pieces named NŌRI, drawing from the Japanese term that beautifully captures the instant when a thought takes root in one's mind. This profound concept served as the foundation for the creation of NŌRI, artwork dedicated to nurturing mental and emotional well-being.
Moreover, Korie committed to using the proceeds from NŌRI to support Young Minds UK and the Mental Health Foundation. Korie said “If you’re ever struggling with mental health issues please speak to a neighbour, friend or family member. If that doesn’t help, reach out to Young Minds UK or the Mental Health Foundation and remember, there are always people that care for your well-being.”
California Dreaming
Fast forward to 2021 and Korie would have never imagined what would happen next. So much so that he completely disregarded the initial message from the recruiter due to thinking it was spam. The following day, Korie received the same message, except this time on a different social media platform. The message read: “A design lead at Apple would love to chat with him about an opportunity on his team.”
The dream was real, an opportunity to relocate to California to work for the biggest company in the world and Korie took it. The award-winning designer now resides in San Jose with his wife and two daughters, working as an Art Director for Apple in Cupertino, California.
Fond Memories
Korie recalls the fondest of memories while being at University of Staffordshire: trips to Stoke with friends, burgers from the Student Union Bar, and all-nighters filled with laughs and plenty of energy drinks.
Korie said, “For anyone considering University of Staffordshire or further education to pursue something you're interested in, do it. You never know where you’ll end up! The invaluable skills and great memories I have from Staffordshire will forever be a huge part of who I am today, and I'll always be #ProudToBeStaffs.”
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