My current situation:
I’m currently working as a Senior digital and print designer within Preview Creative (www.preview.co.uk) a full service design agency that deliver creative marketing for print and web. I’ve been with Preview for over a year now and have fitted in well by providing the team and it’s clients the design and creative solutions they require.
Due to the poor economy the Preview team have been informed that full-time positions are no longer available and have been offered a reduced number of days, although I fully appreciate the current state of the industry and the situation the company is in I feel that now is the best time push myself as a designer and seek out new opportunities.
Skills and responsibilities:
Design
My primary skill is as a digital and print designer, I’m experienced in conceptualising designs from scratch for a range media platforms such as identities, websites, brochures, exhibitions, digital apps etc ensuring that the designs produced are clear, concise and on message. I’ve been required to take creative briefs and present those designs to clients on every level of the hierarchy.
Project Management
Another role I’m particularly familiar with is project management and overseeing production deadlines. I’ve also liaised with and creatively briefed freelance designers, developers, photographers and copywriters for numerous projects.
Client interaction
My enthusiasm to be part of client meetings allows me to fully absorb the client’s brief and everything about their business, from marketing strategies through to understanding their sector and target demographics. This insight gives me the understanding I need to contribute to, and present a comprehensive proposal to the client.
Artwork
I have an excellent technical understanding of the print industry and have been responsible for preparing and supplying all artwork as print ready files to the client or to their printer. I also have experience within digital that has given me a good understanding of the processes and capabilities.
Business development
Since beginning my career I’ve regularly attended networking and training events, in and outside of work hours, to help build a profile and develop client relationships that have been successful in producing business.
Software Skills:
I’m extremely effecient in the use of Adobe CS2 – CS5 including: InDesign; Illustrator and Photoshop. I have 5 years experience of using the latest QuarkXpress software, I’d consider my technical knowledge of the relevant software extremely good. I also have experience using Microsoft Office.
Occupations:
June 2010 – Present
Preview Creative – 105 Highstreet, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 9PU
Position: Senior Designer – digital application concepts, on and offline design.
Website: www.preview.co.uk
Jan 2010 – May 2010
The Creative Team – 5 Philpotts Yard, Beare Green, Surrey, RH5 4QU
Position: Graphic Designer – print, packaging, exhibitions and web.
Website: www.thecreativeteam.co.uk
Sept 2007 – Jan 2010
Brand Group Ltd – Unit 17, More House Business Centre, Haywards Heath, RH17 7RE
Position: Graphic Designer // Project Manager – print, packaging, exhibitions and web.
Website: www.brand-group.co.uk
Feb 2007 – Sept 2007
Prontaprint Brighton & Hove – 190 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2DJ
Position: Lead Designer – designing and managing the production of client projects.
March 2005 – Jan 2007
Sussex Sign Centre – 4 Mill Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Position: Signwriter // Designer – taking briefs, designing graphics and applying them.
Feb 2004 – Dec 2005
Lava Lounge Bar – 98 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Position: Evening Manager – managing staff, events and controlling stock levels.
Achievements:
June 2006
At the end of my HND course I was offered a 12 month internship within the motorsports division of Puma at their headquarters in Germany. This placement was awarded to me for winning a live project that they set to design a range of promotional T-shirts for one of their existing sports divisions. Unfortunately, three days before my planned departure from the UK I was advised by Puma that their internship policies had changed meaning it would no longer be available.
Sept 2004 – June 2006
Northbrook College of Arts, Sussex
Completion of Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design.
Sept 2002 – June 2004
Northbrook College of Arts, Sussex
Completion of National Diploma in Graphic Design and Illustration.
Sept 1997 – June 2002
Oakmeeds Community College
Graphic Design GCSE – B
Information Technology GNVQ – B, B
English GCSE – B, A
Math’s GCSE – C
Science GCSE – B, B
Interests:
I’m a speed freak, gadget geek and you can find me on my mountain bike most weekends.
I love most types of music and try to get to as many live gigs as possible. Although I’m not an avid supporter I’ve played football for a Sunday six-a-side league for the past 4 years. I’d consider myself as a pretty social person and enjoy getting out with friends on a regular basis. My partner has two girls aged 12 and 13 and we also try to do family activities as often as possible.
Watching films and playing on the Xbox are things I enjoy doing to relax.
