freelance designer
vision
مجموع سنوات الخبرة :15 years, 1 أشهر
Some of this work involves creating artwork for carton suppliers. I have produced artwork for the food industry,
pharmaceutical and general packaging work.
Initially producing branding and commercial design, we soon became heavily involved with packaging and the digital sector. The digital side of the business we produced anything from portfolio websites for organisations to full ecommerce sites for large international companies.
Working with our clients I was responsible in taking the initial brief through the design stage to print on time and most importantly to budget allowing no room for mistakes.
Realising we were outsourcing large volumes of print work we decided to open a second part to the business ‘The Print Works’ and invested in a digital press and large format printers. This was ideal for banners, large format prints and most importantly proofing that gave the client a good idea of what to expect from the finished product. On the digital press we used an Apogee Workflow Management Tool to reduce time and eliminate waste.
The packaging we were involved with was very specialized, working with bar codes, key lines, perforated cartons, corrugated cartons, dye cutting, UV inks and varnishes and various types of paper and board stocks used in each job. Programs such as Artpro were ideal for getting jobs ready for the Computer to Plate system.
Some of our clients at Creative Image were blue chip companies including Tesco, Taylors Tea and Proctor and Gamble. We were heavily involved with the food sector and the pharmaceutical sector. There also were many commercial clients too including hotel groups, Durham Cricket Club, local City Council’s where we produced a number of campaigns. Also local magazines, media companies, production companies and pr companies were all some of our ongoing clients.
At Creative Image we gained a reputation for high quality design work. Keeping strict brand guidelines throughout the process including fonts, colour matching of Pantone colours and branding sizes etc for our clients.
I was also involved in pitching for work with our account managers to secure tender work with local authorities. Treating every client with the same respect, if a new start up business or a large business worldwide.
Constantly keeping up to date with software and discovering new processes to make the work flow easier was always one of my top priorities. Always keeping job sheets and job bags that gave me accurate costings and timescales and colour swatches of each individual job.
Keyline Newcastle Ltd was a commercial print company who specialised in high volume brochure and magazine work. As a designer I also helped out in the studio when necessary.
I worked mainly on setting up brochures for print with occasional branding jobs and general commercial print material.
I achieved frequent, timely and positive media coverage across many different medias.
Working on the Mac in the studio within a large factory environment with around 120 staff, production was fast moving. My job in the factory required quick turnarounds with an eye for detail. Preparing artwork ready to plate in time for the presses was the main aspect but also receiving artwork that would need correcting or resizing to fit new keylines.
Working with the CTP system some of the clients included Wrigley’s, Mates, Lever Brothers and Procter and Gamble.
Initially I worked as a designer producing artwork. I was involved with some general print finishing and then became an account manager for just over a year.
I helped out with orders, presenting ideas and visuals to clients and concentrated on gaining new business.
The business doubled turnover within 1 year.
I worked with the management to generate opinion pieces for press, social media and conference purposesbuilding and managing the company database.
I generated new business sales with both active prospects and those sourced from my own contacts. Actively
researching, targeting and creating opportunities with the new and prospective clients participating in the creation and delivery of new business presentations.
I Demonstrated technical marketing skills and company product knowledge and developed an annual marketing plan in conjunction with the sales department.
I networked and entertained clients when necessary and built up great working relationships, working closely with the production department at all times to ensure the quality of work was achieved and the deadlines were met and clients needs managed.
Our clients included The National Trust, Local Councils, Hotels, Golf Courses, Rugby Clubs and some retail work for supermarkets.
During any clients brief I translated requests into technical instructions for the studio, I would then follow it through the proofing stage until finished print.
1996-1998, Newcastle College of Arts Higher National Diploma (foundation degree) achieved: InfoGraphics. Modules included: Magazine layouts, Information Graphics, Corporate Identity.
1994-1996, Newcastle College of Arts BTEC diploma achieved: Graphic Arts. Modules included: Graphic Design, Brand Development, Graphic Arts, Printing, and Photography.