A graphic designer credited with multiple industry awards both as a freelancer and Creative Director, with 25+ years experience in the design industry. Proud to offer agency-level design quality at an accessible price, filling a market gap for businesses and authors who need professional design without a large agency budget. Proven success with effective visual communication and working on high profile projects for multiple publishers. Passionately committed to customer satisfaction and working with forward-thinking creative teams. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •Photographing Iceland Vol 1 & 2. Winner – 2022 British Guild of Travel Writers and Winner – Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild (both Guidebook of the Year). •High Risk. Winner of 2022 Kekoo Naoroji Book Award and The Boardman Tasker Prize 2022. •Photographing Iceland Vol 1. Winner – 2021 BIBA® Non-Fiction: Travel/Photography. •Art of Freedom. Winner of 2017 Banff Mountain Book Competition and The Boardman Tasker Prize 2017. •The Bond. Winner of 2016 Banff Mountain Book Competition, The Boardman Tasker Prize 2016 & the ITAS Mountain Book Award 2019. •1001 Climbing Tips. Winner of 2016 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Best Guidebook). •Alpine Exposures. Winner of 2015 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Mountain Image category). •One Day as a Tiger. Winner of 2014 Banff Mountain Book Competition •Peak District Bouldering. Winner of 2011 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Best Guidebook).…

Nathan Ryder

A graphic designer credited with multiple industry awards both as a freelancer and Creative Director, with 25+ years experience in the design industry. Proud to offer agency-level design quality at an accessible price, filling a market gap for businesses and authors who need professional design without a large agency budget. Proven success with effective visual communication and working on high profile projects for multiple publishers. Passionately committed to customer satisfaction and working with forward-thinking creative teams. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •Photographing Iceland Vol 1 & 2. Winner – 2022 British Guild of Travel Writers and Winner – Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild (both Guidebook of the Year). •High Risk. Winner of 2022 Kekoo Naoroji Book Award and The Boardman Tasker Prize 2022. •Photographing Iceland Vol 1. Winner – 2021 BIBA® Non-Fiction: Travel/Photography. •Art of Freedom. Winner of 2017 Banff Mountain Book Competition and The Boardman Tasker Prize 2017. •The Bond. Winner of 2016 Banff Mountain Book Competition, The Boardman Tasker Prize 2016 & the ITAS Mountain Book Award 2019. •1001 Climbing Tips. Winner of 2016 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Best Guidebook). •Alpine Exposures. Winner of 2015 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Mountain Image category). •One Day as a Tiger. Winner of 2014 Banff Mountain Book Competition •Peak District Bouldering. Winner of 2011 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Best Guidebook).…

Available to hire

A graphic designer credited with multiple industry awards both as a freelancer and Creative Director, with 25+ years experience in the design industry. Proud to offer agency-level design quality at an accessible price, filling a market gap for businesses and authors who need professional design without a large agency budget. Proven success with effective visual communication and working on high profile projects for multiple publishers. Passionately committed to customer satisfaction and working with forward-thinking creative teams.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
•Photographing Iceland Vol 1 & 2. Winner – 2022 British Guild of Travel Writers and Winner – Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild (both Guidebook of the Year).

•High Risk. Winner of 2022 Kekoo Naoroji Book Award and The Boardman Tasker Prize 2022.

•Photographing Iceland Vol 1. Winner – 2021 BIBA® Non-Fiction: Travel/Photography.

•Art of Freedom. Winner of 2017 Banff Mountain Book Competition and The Boardman Tasker Prize 2017.

•The Bond. Winner of 2016 Banff Mountain Book Competition, The Boardman Tasker Prize 2016 & the ITAS Mountain Book Award 2019.

•1001 Climbing Tips. Winner of 2016 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Best Guidebook).

•Alpine Exposures. Winner of 2015 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Mountain Image category).

•One Day as a Tiger. Winner of 2014 Banff Mountain Book Competition

•Peak District Bouldering. Winner of 2011 Banff Mountain Book Competition (Best Guidebook).

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Book and Graphic Designer at Ryder Design
March 12, 2017 - Present
Specialist in book, publishing, advertising, graphic and web design. Achieved year-on-year growth, with a 75% increase in revenue from 2017 to 2024. Built a client base of 44 customers with 85% returning for repeat business. Led design requirements for 15 diverse clients including publishers and independent authors with custom book covers, interiors, and marketing materials. Delivered high-quality bespoke design solutions for branding and marketing across 29+ businesses and individuals. Ensured all projects exceed print and digital industry standards, resulting in professionally presented books and marketing materials that drive engagement and sales. Created cohesive branding and marketing collateral including custom graphics, social media assets, and website visuals.
Creative Director at Vertebrate Graphics/Publishing
September 2, 2013 - March 7, 2017
Led the design department and creative direction at a leading publisher of outdoor books and guides. Revived the tender and pitch process securing six new clients within six months, including major outdoor brands like RAB and Mountain Equipment. Generated revenue growth equivalent to over £800,000 today by delivering creative pitches and landing key clients. Designed 85% of the book portfolio influencing its evolution into a publishing house. Retained over 80% of clients for 16+ years through strong client relationships and creative direction. Oversaw final quality control ensuring error-free, on-budget projects that exceeded industry standards. Led and mentored a team of six designers and web developers, elevating design standards and production quality. Contributed to several Amazon bestselling books and established the company as a world leader in outdoor publishing.
Head of Design at Vertebrate Graphics/Publishing
February 1, 2006 - September 2, 2013
Managed design operations and client projects, with significant influence on the company’s creative output and client retention, contributing to the company’s growth and portfolio success.
Senior Designer at Vertebrate Graphics/Publishing
October 15, 2001 - February 1, 2006
Contributed design expertise to the company’s publishing and branding projects, supporting growth of the book portfolio and client base.
Senior Designer at Deepblue
October 27, 1999 - October 10, 2001
Managed key accounts and developed over 20 advertising campaigns for multinational clients such as Corus, UK Steel, and ESSE Range Cookers. Achieved customer retention and generated over £2.5 million in revenue through targeted advertising strategies.
Designer/Studio Manager at Cybertechnics Limited
September 10, 1998 - October 23, 1999
Managed studio activities and design projects, contributing to the company’s creative service delivery.
Designer at Bodymatters Health & Fitness Limited
December 31, 1995 - September 5, 1998
Provided graphic design services supporting company branding and marketing initiatives.
Junior Designer at Grafiqué Communication Limited
September 26, 1994 - September 5, 1995
Supported design projects and learnt core graphic design skills as a junior team member.

Education

Higher National Diploma in Package Design & Promotion (Graphics) at Sheffield Hallam University
September 5, 1992 - June 23, 1994
BTEC National Diploma in General Art & Design (Specialising in Graphic Design) at Lincolnshire College of Art & Design
November 30, 1990 - September 5, 1992

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods

Skills

Experience Level