About me
Designer // Collaborator // Educator
About me
Designer
Collaborator
Educator
Introduction
With over 20 years design industry experience I initially began working in agencies nationwide and now have my own design studio where I collaborate with other creative professionals to provide a fully integrated design service to SME’s and public sector organisations.
I have developed three core skill sets during my career;
Firstly, as a senior print, web and UX designer I am particularly skilled in brand creation and execution which works seamlessly across all media and channels. Whilst creativity is a key to all my work, brand and marketing strategy is equally important. Having worked alongside marketeers for much of my career I understand the importance of developing a framework to align your brand character, behaviour, appearance and actions so they work in unison.
Secondly, as a project manager and team leader I’m experienced in conducting client meetings, presenting and pitching, managing teams and in particular, reconciling the needs of stakeholders. I excel at collaborating with other team leaders – discussing ideas, understanding and utilising other areas of expertise by channelling them towards a common goal.
Finally, as a qualified higher and further education lecturer I have a proven ability to train and mentor new talent, not only within educational institutions, but through work placements and internships.
Key Relationships
I have been the Creative Lead for Why Design Studios since 2009, leading a team of creative professionals, servicing SME’s in the East Midlands. My most successful relationship has been with Sportsbikeshop where I was directly responsible for all creative from concept to completion across both print and digital channels. Between 2010 and 2020 my work helped contribute to the growth of a business that is now recognised as the “UK’s No.1 online destination for motorcycle clothing and accessories”.
I am the Design Lead for the Forgaard Agency collaboration, who comprise a talented team of marketeers, designers, photographers and researchers. We operate across the UK aiming to deliver work which is commercially and practically realistic, without compromising on creativity or innovation.
In addition to my commercial experience, I collaborate with behaviour change organisation, The Smarter Choice Consultancy as their Design Director, servicing both their creative needs and the needs of their clients which enabled me to understand the unique circumstances which public and third sector organisation work under. In particular, I have experience of reconciling the needs of the diverse groups of stakeholders often involved in not-for-profit projects. I also understand that brand recognition is as important for these organisations as for private sector businesses, but their brands represent values and reputations which are valued differently by their target audiences – with trustworthiness being a key component of this.