I am a Creative Graphic Design Lead with over 30 years of experience in print and packaging, delivering standout design solutions for clients across the UK and Europe. I bring a deep passion for design and a proven ability to transform ideas into impactful visual communication. Every project I take on is approached with fresh thinking, audience insight, and strategic focus— ensuring the final result not only looks exceptional but also performs effectively in its market. From concept through to delivery, I combine creativity with precision, thorough research, and clear communication to produce work that sets brands apart. My expertise spans branding, packaging, typography, web design, and the full Adobe Creative Suite, underpinned by a BA (Hons) in Typography from the University of Plymouth. As a hands-on creative and experienced manager, I’m adept at leading teams, balancing multiple priorities, and driving projects forward with efficiency and flair.

Caroline Thompson-Heap

I am a Creative Graphic Design Lead with over 30 years of experience in print and packaging, delivering standout design solutions for clients across the UK and Europe. I bring a deep passion for design and a proven ability to transform ideas into impactful visual communication. Every project I take on is approached with fresh thinking, audience insight, and strategic focus— ensuring the final result not only looks exceptional but also performs effectively in its market. From concept through to delivery, I combine creativity with precision, thorough research, and clear communication to produce work that sets brands apart. My expertise spans branding, packaging, typography, web design, and the full Adobe Creative Suite, underpinned by a BA (Hons) in Typography from the University of Plymouth. As a hands-on creative and experienced manager, I’m adept at leading teams, balancing multiple priorities, and driving projects forward with efficiency and flair.

Available to hire

I am a Creative Graphic Design Lead with over 30 years of experience in print and packaging, delivering standout design solutions for clients across the UK and Europe. I bring a deep passion for design and a proven ability to transform ideas into impactful visual communication. Every project I take on is approached with fresh thinking, audience insight, and strategic focus— ensuring the final result not only looks exceptional but also performs effectively in its market.
From concept through to delivery, I combine creativity with precision, thorough research, and clear communication to produce work that sets brands apart. My expertise spans branding, packaging, typography, web design, and the full Adobe Creative Suite, underpinned by a BA (Hons) in Typography from the University of Plymouth. As a hands-on creative and experienced manager, I’m adept at leading teams, balancing multiple priorities, and driving projects forward with efficiency and flair.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

NPD Manager UK at Paardekooper BV
August 31, 2025 - September 8, 2025
Led the UK creative function within the horticulture division, supporting the sales team by delivering bespoke packaging solutions for major UK supermarkets (M&S, Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Aldi, Co-op). Coordinated collaboration between in-house design teams, supermarket design departments, and growers to ensure innovative, high-quality packaging for flowers and plants across seasonal and year-round ranges. Oversaw the full design process from concept through print, maintaining brand guidelines while meeting retailer expectations. Analyzed market trends and seasonal calendars to keep packaging fresh, relevant, and commercially competitive. Provided creative leadership, clear direction, and strong project management to deliver results on time and in line with customer requirements.
Senior Graphic Designer at Just Digital Limited
December 31, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Led the marketing and creative team, supporting the commercial print side of the company as well as acting as an agency for clients including NHS Professionals, Anglian Water, Royal Society of Chemistry, Dignity Funerals, Homefire, Mercedes Benz and FFT. Ensured consistency across designs for all clients. Maintained strong knowledge of digital and traditional print processes, worked directly with printers, and met tight deadlines. Collaborated with clients and their teams on websites, exhibition stands, brand assets, and billboards; managed remote collaboration via Teams and Trello.
Freelance Designer at Cheeky Monkey Designs
December 31, 2022 - September 8, 2025
Ran my own design business, delivering creative solutions for a diverse client base. Managed all aspects of projects, including planning, budgeting, and client communications; produced brochures, website launches, and photography for client materials. Built strong organisational skills, thriving in both independent work and team settings. Rejoined a team post-pandemic to help mentor junior designers and support studio growth.
Studio Manager at Nigel Quiney Publications
December 31, 2003 - September 8, 2025
Managed the smooth operation of the design studio while also contributing as a designer. Collaborated with the Marketing Director and Product Manager, leading a team of designers. Produced around 200 new designs per year, with 150 for Spring and 200 for Christmas seasons, working 12–18 months in advance. Also produced bespoke cards for international buyers.
Graphic Designer at TAG McLaren Audio
December 31, 2001 - September 8, 2025
Part of an in-house marketing and graphics team, responsible for marketing materials, packaging, and product manuals in several languages. Contributed to stand design for Harrods and other promotional materials.
Graphic Designer at Kall Kwik Printing
December 31, 1999 - September 8, 2025
Graphic designer in a busy print environment, delivering print-ready design working with production teams.
Publishing Assistant at Beckett Karlson
December 31, 1998 - September 8, 2025
Supported publishing initiatives, contributing to international card design projects and other publishing tasks.
NPD Manager UK at Paardekooper BV
August 1, 2025 - September 8, 2025
Led the UK creative function within the horticulture division; delivered bespoke packaging for major UK supermarkets including M&S, Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Aldi and Co-op; coordinated in-house design teams, supermarket design departments, and growers; oversaw full design process from concept through print; ensured brand guideline consistency while meeting retailer expectations; analyzed market trends and seasonal calendars to keep packaging fresh and commercially competitive; provided creative leadership and project management.
Senior Graphic Designer at Just Digital Limited
January 1, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Led the marketing and creative team, supporting commercial print and agency clients including NHS Professionals, Anglian Water, Royal Society of Chemistry, Dignity Funerals, Homefire, Mercedes Benz and FFT; ensured design consistency across all client work; worked with printers and understood technical specs; met tight deadlines; collaborated with clients and teams on websites, exhibitions, brand assets and billboards; coordinated remote teams via Teams and Trello.
Freelance Designer at Cheeky Monkey Designs
January 1, 2022 - September 8, 2025
Ran own freelance design business, delivering diverse design solutions and managing client expectations and budgets; built organisational skills, time management and problem solving; contributed photography for client brochures and website launches; collaborated with partners and agencies; enjoyed working independently and as part of a team.
Studio Manager at Nigel Quiney Publications
January 1, 2003 - September 8, 2025
Responsible for smooth running of the design studio; managed a design team and worked with Marketing Director and Product Manager; produced up to 200 new designs per year plus seasonal lines; created bespoke cards for international buyers.
Graphic Designer at TAG McLaren Audio
January 1, 2001 - September 8, 2025
In-house marketing and graphics team; produced marketing literature, packaging and product manuals in multiple languages; contributed to stand design for Harrods.
Graphic Designer at Kall Kwik Printing
January 1, 1999 - September 8, 2025
Created print collateral and marketing materials for clients.
Publishing Assistant at Beckett Karlson
January 1, 1998 - September 8, 2025
Supported publishing operations and contributed to project workflows.
NPD Manager UK at Paardekooper BV
August 1, 2025 - September 8, 2025
Led the UK creative function within the horticulture division, supporting the sales team by delivering bespoke packaging solutions for major UK supermarkets, including M&S, Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Aldi, and Co-op. Managed collaboration between in-house design teams, supermarket design departments, and growers to ensure innovative, high-quality packaging for flowers and plants across all seasonal and year-round ranges. Oversaw the full design process from concept through to print, maintaining consistency with brand guidelines while meeting retailer expectations. Took a proactive, forward-planning approach by analysing market trends and seasonal calendars, ensuring that packaging designs remained fresh, relevant, and commercially competitive. Provided creative leadership, clear direction, and strong project management to deliver results on time and in line with customer requirements.
Senior Graphic Designer at Just Digital Limited
January 1, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Leading the marketing and creative team, we supported the commercial print side of the company as well as working as an agency for clients including NHS Professionals, Anglian Water, Royal Society of Chemistry, Dignity Funerals, Homefire, Mercedes Benz and FFT. Ensuring consistency across our design for all clients. I have a good working knowledge of digital and traditional print processes. I am used to working directly with printers and understand technical specifications. I work to tight deadlines and often have to interpret many different requirements and briefs. I work closely with my clients and their teams on eve rything from websites to exhibition stands, brand assets to billboards. My team often work remotely and we collaborate via teams and Trello.
Freelance Designer at Cheeky Monkey Designs
January 1, 2022 - September 8, 2025
Equally happy working alone or with agencies, running my own business gave me excellent organisational skills, including time management, problem solving, managing client expectations and budget. I will turn my hand to any challenge. I even brushed up on my photography skills for a client brochure and website launch. My clients included: Pro-Lifting Ltd, Circlewaste, Kherion Medical, Families Magazine (Cambridge and Oxford), Jigsaw Communications Ltd, The Print Shop, The School Planner Company, Addenbrookes Hospital, Mimeo, Peterborough City Council, The Home Office, Histon Produce, Aircover and BonesApart Quartet to name a few.
Studio Manager at Nigel Quiney Publications
January 1, 2003 - September 8, 2025
I was responsible for the smooth running of the design studio as well as working as a designer. I worked directly with the Marketing Director, the Product Manager and managed a team of designers. With trends constantly changing we produced about 200 new designs a year with an extra 150 designs for the spring season and at least 200 new Christmas designs working between 12 and 18 months in advance. We also produced bespoke cards for international buyers.
Graphic Designer at TAG McLaren Audio
January 1, 2001 - September 8, 2025
TAG McLaren Audio made high end audiophile and lifestyle products. I was part of an in house marketing and graphics team who worked directly with the CEO. We were responsible for all marketing and event literature as well as packaging and product manuals in several languages. During this time I was lucky enough to be part of the team designing the stand and promotional material for a space in Harrods.
Graphic Designer at Kall Kwik Printing
January 1, 1999 - September 8, 2025
Publishing Assistant at Beckett Karlson
January 1, 1998 - September 8, 2025

Education

BA Typography at University of Plymouth
September 12, 1994 - July 4, 1997
BA (Hons) Design: Typography at University of Plymouth
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Milton Keynes College
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025
GCSEs & A Levels at Pipers Corner School
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025
BA(Hons) Design: Typography at University of Plymouth
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025
Foundation Course in Art and Design at Milton Keynes College
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025
8 GCSEs, 3 A Levels at Pipers Corner School
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025
BA(Hons) Design: Typography at University of Plymouth
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025
Foundation Course in Art and Design at Milton Keynes College
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025
8 GCSEs, 3 A Levels at Pipers Corner School
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Agriculture & Mining, Education, Government, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Wholesale & Distribution, Professional Services, Consumer Goods