Peter's Story

Today our Head of Digital, Peter Johnstone celebrates his seventh year at SHINE. In those 7 years he has helped grow the digital side of the business from building simple table based websites to highly complex CMS builds for large clients.

“When I joined SHINE I was headed up with the task of improving the digital side of the business and I feel that I have achieved this and now have a team working on large digital projects in the studio.”

What was your first impression when you started 7 years ago?

Yellow! When I first arrived the studio was very busy so I was straight into building a new website for a client, it was a big change for me as it was my first experience of a studio environment, previously I had worked on my own.

What is your role at SHINE?

My main role is to oversee all the digital work in to the studio. This can range from email footers to large CMS websites.

What was the first project you worked on?

My first project at SHINE was the Good Natured Fruit website. I learned about working to tight timescales and also the benefits of working with high quality designers as they advised on a number of changes to the design that improved the site experience.

What’s a standard day at SHINE like?

The day usually starts with a cup of coffee and a quick check through emails. Then it will be to review the work to be completed on that day. Have a chat with the development team and go through any recent client requests or check where we are on a website project. The rest of the day could be filled with client meetings or writing up a proposal.

What is the most recent project you worked on?

We recently completed a large project for a 5 Star Hotel up in Dornoch, my role in the project was to oversee the build from start to finish and liaise with the client and keep them updated at regular intervals. We are really pleased with the final result – See site here

What advice would you give to graduates applying for a career at SHINE?

Try and stand out from the crowd. We get a lot of CVs and its key you make an impression. We once got a CV that was laser cut into wood, he ended up getting a job with us! With regard to digital CVs then what stands out is a clear understanding of back-end code and front end design. Also please don’t add a chart telling me you are 90% proficient in Dreamweaver…

What development in the tech industry are you most excited about?

For me it is AI and voice control. I have seen my children now as standard search for videos on Youtube by speaking into my phone. I find it amazing how they can be so intuitive with technology. I also think AI and Chatbots are becoming more advanced and are a great way for users to interact with a website that can lead to a quicker conversion.

What are you reading right now?

Redemption Song. It’s a biography about Joe Strummer. It is very good.

What are you listening to right now?

Joe Strummer and the Mescalero’s – Streetcore (There is a theme here!)

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned here?

Be meticulous and take your time on any job you do. If you rush something it will go wrong!