Paul Farrington grew up on the Wirral and moved to Brighton in 2002. He is a designer and musician and runs his own design studio called Studio Tonne (www.studiotonne.com).

What is your favourite place in Sussex?

For the last six or seven years I have been swimming in the sea every morning before work. So I would have to say that my favourite place in Sussex has to be the view from the end of the pier at 6am.

What do you love most about Sussex?

An open attitude to life. Having the sea on my doorstep and a constant access to nature.

What advice do you have for your 12-year-old self?

I didn’t do too well at school. I passed three GCSEs, ended up going to the Royal College of Art to do an MA in graphic design. Don’t worry about the school grades.

What is your most valued possession?

My bike. I bought my bike when I lived in London in the 90s. Instead of buying a new bike I decided to take it apart, have it sprayed and rebuild it. I don’t drive and its my only method of transport that gets me down to the sea every morning.

What is your biggest regret?

I have a terrible memory, so I wish I had kept a diary. I started a diary last year and started to record the events on my morning swim but I quickly gave up on it.

What is your biggest fear?

Not being able to swim in the sea.

What is your proudest achievement?

Being a father to my three beautiful daughters.

Which five people (living or dead) would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Mark Burgess (lead singer of The Chameleons), Wim Crouwel (graphic designer), Antoni Tàpies, Christopher Guest and George Orwell. My main passions in life are music and design so I like the idea of inviting guests who have inspired me in my work. At the dinner party Mark Burgess and George Orwell would write a song, Antoni Tapies would make me a painting, Christopher Guest would talk about his films and Wim Crouwel would create a poster for the event.

Anything else?

In 2011, I won a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a project on the history of Brighton Swimming Club. It’s at the Brighton Fishing Museum.