Business

High Flyers: Passion and creativity drive designer Paul

Paul Boal, founder of Clever Ghost.
Paul Boal, founder of Clever Ghost. Paul Boal, founder of Clever Ghost.

In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Paul Boal, creative director and founder of Clever Ghost Ltd.

What was your first job?

My first job was when I was 16 working in a petrol station, I was there for around two years. The early starts were tough as a 16 year old, though that early riser routine has stuck with me and I now enjoy getting up early, clearing small jobs off the to do list before the emails flood in at 9am.

What qualifications do you have?

I currently have two HNDs: One in Graphic Design and the other in Interactive Media.

What do you attribute your success to?

Having passion and pride for what you do. Regardless of the industry, taking pride in what you’re doing, creating or selling is for me the real driving force behind success. You need to care, otherwise what is the point? We all have those days when we’re not at our best or not running at 100 per cent and then the passion and joy for what we do kicks in and sees us wanting to do our best and give it our all.

How would you describe yourself to someone who'd never met you?

Creative, I don’t think I’d be much of a designer if that didn’t make the list. Passionate, when I enjoy something or take an interest, I give it 100 per cent.

Who do you look up to in business?

It’s no surprise that I look up to a lot of designers as not just inspiration for work but for business in general. People like Lance Wyman, an industrial designer behind the Olympic branding in Mexico 1968 is an absolute workhorse that produced amazing work and has kept going well into his golden years. That work ethic and drive to me is massively inspirational.

How do you get the best out of people who work for you?

By giving them a platform to be creative and to voice their opinion. The industry that we’re in thrives on collaboration and it would be foolish not to encourage ideas.

If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

We need to beat our chest more about the incredibly innovative and inspirational companies that we have. Northern Ireland has a long history of being a world leader in various industries and we should be proud of what we create and export out into the world.

What website or app could you not do without?

Trello! This online Kanban system utilises job cards visually, which is a fantastic way to keep track of all the jobs that come into the studio. This ensures that we can stay on top of all tasks and keep them moving efficiently through our creative process.

What was the last book you read?

This is Marketing by Seth Godin. No reading list is complete without the wise words of Seth Godin, this book was on the list for a little too long for my liking, an invaluable book for anyone looking to improve their marketing.

What car do you drive?

A Nissan Juke, it’s a creatively ugly urban hippo! Perfect for a designer, large enough for equipment if we’re out and about on-site visits and funky enough to keep it visually interesting.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I have survived a house fire and nearly drowned (separate occasions). I’ve no plans to work my way through any more of the elements.

What's your greatest passion outside work and family?

I love to get outdoors, walking the dog or just relaxing with a coffee and a good view.