I am a passionate creative seeking roles in design and illustration that allow development, growth, and a diverse set of skills. I am friendly, unafraid to get stuck in, and a confident team worker who can also take initiative, work under pressure, and stay within budgets. I am reliable, adaptable, and a quick learner who organises and prioritises my workload to achieve a high standard. As a typesetter and illustrator, I work on manga pages for a Tokyo-based firm, using Photoshop to meet strict typography, layout and translation-proofing standards. Since 2020 I have been self-studying Japanese and currently contribute as an artist/writer with Medibang Inc (2022–present), run a small online business, and take on freelance projects and collaborations, including a webtoon adaptation project with Elizabeth Kirke using Clip Studio Paint EX.…

Natasha Down

I am a passionate creative seeking roles in design and illustration that allow development, growth, and a diverse set of skills. I am friendly, unafraid to get stuck in, and a confident team worker who can also take initiative, work under pressure, and stay within budgets. I am reliable, adaptable, and a quick learner who organises and prioritises my workload to achieve a high standard. As a typesetter and illustrator, I work on manga pages for a Tokyo-based firm, using Photoshop to meet strict typography, layout and translation-proofing standards. Since 2020 I have been self-studying Japanese and currently contribute as an artist/writer with Medibang Inc (2022–present), run a small online business, and take on freelance projects and collaborations, including a webtoon adaptation project with Elizabeth Kirke using Clip Studio Paint EX.…

Available to hire

I am a passionate creative seeking roles in design and illustration that allow development, growth, and a diverse set of skills. I am friendly, unafraid to get stuck in, and a confident team worker who can also take initiative, work under pressure, and stay within budgets. I am reliable, adaptable, and a quick learner who organises and prioritises my workload to achieve a high standard.

As a typesetter and illustrator, I work on manga pages for a Tokyo-based firm, using Photoshop to meet strict typography, layout and translation-proofing standards. Since 2020 I have been self-studying Japanese and currently contribute as an artist/writer with Medibang Inc (2022–present), run a small online business, and take on freelance projects and collaborations, including a webtoon adaptation project with Elizabeth Kirke using Clip Studio Paint EX.

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Language

English
Fluent
Japanese
Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Typesetter at Medibang Inc.
October 1, 2022 - Present
Artist/Writer at Medibang Inc
January 1, 2022 - Present
Creative comic book work; produced print files for books, stickers and merchandise; managed marketing, bookings, setup and merchandise orders; designed website and branding; wrote articles for SteadyContent; collaborating on a webtoon project with Elizabeth Kirke using Clip Studio Paint EX.
Typesetter at Remote manga publisher (Tokyo-based)
January 1, 2020 - Present
Typeset and redraw manga pages to precise specifications; work in Photoshop; adhere to strict leading, tracking, and layer style rules; proofread to correct typos or missing translations; basic Japanese used to speed up simple text checks.
Part-time Server/ Café Assistant at Keynsham Fish Bar
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2024
Front-of-house duties, customer service and teamwork; maintained high standards under busy conditions.
Proprietor at Wool 'n' Cute
January 1, 2017 - Present
Owner of an online shop; responsible for product design, branding, website, photography, sales and order management; experience with marketing and customer service.
Temporary Admin Assistant at Paperline Ltd.
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2021
Administrative support, data entry, filing, scheduling, and liaison with suppliers; general office duties.
Part-time Server / Café Assistant at Keynsham Fish Bar
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2024
Front-of-house service, cash handling, and customer support; assist with barista tasks, maintain cleanliness and safety; support daily operations and stock management.
Owner / Proprietor at Wool 'n' Cute
January 1, 2017 - Present
Owner of an online wool crafts business (Etsy); responsible for product design, branding, website and shop branding, orders, stock management, pricing, customer service and sales at conventions.
Co-Founder and Communications Officer (Volunteer) at Staffs Cosplay Society at Staffordshire University
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
Co-founded and led communications for a student cosplay society; managed social media, events and fundraising; coordinated with teams and organized conventions.
Freelance Artist/Writer at Saki Comics
September 1, 2012 - Present
Freelance at Self-employed / Freelance Design & Illustration
January 1, 2012 - Present
Create print files for books, stickers and other merchandise; sell products online and at conventions; manage marketing, bookings, setup and merchandise orders; branding and website design; undertake client projects including content writing.
Freelance Designer / Illustrator at Various clients
January 1, 2012 - Present
Independent designer and illustrator delivering manga typesetting, redraws and print-ready files for remote clients (Tokyo-based). Produced in Photoshop format; followed strict typography and layout rules; proofread translations and leveraged basic Japanese to speed simple text checks. Built print materials for books and merchandise; managed branding and remote collaboration for client projects.

Education

BA Cartoon and Comic Arts at University of Staffordshire
September 10, 2012 - July 15, 2016
Digital Skills Course at Bath Spa University (Online)
July 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
BA Hons in Cartoon and Comic Arts (Including Foundation in Design) at Staffordshire University
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
A-Levels in Media Studies and Fine Art at Wellsway Sixth Form
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
OCR National Diploma (equivalent to 2 A Levels) in ICT at Wellsway Sixth Form
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
GCSEs in 11 subjects including Business Studies, Statistics and English Literature at Wellsway Sports and Science Academy
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2010
BA Hons in Cartoon and Comic Arts (Including Foundation in Design) at Staffordshire University
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
A-Levels in Media Studies and Fine Art; OCR National Diploma (ICT) at Wellsway Sixth Form
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
GCSEs in 11 subjects including Business Studies, Statistics and English Literature at Wellsway Sports and Science Academy
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2010
Digital Skills Course in Digital Marketing, UX/UI Design and Web Development at Bath Spa University (Online)
July 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024

Qualifications

BA Hons in Cartoon and Comic Arts (Including Foundation in Design)
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
A-Levels in Media Studies and Fine Art; OCR National Diploma (ICT)
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
GCSEs in 11 subjects including Business Studies, Statistics and English Literature
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2010
Digital Skills Course in Digital Marketing, UX/UI Design and Web Development
July 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Professional Services, Education, Software & Internet, Retail
    Sanguis Draconis
    "Elven treasure hunter Altin manages to kidnap the local prince completely by accident. Like, he knew he was breaking and entering, but never expected to be leaving with the (admittedly very attractive) Prince Zephyr. Or for the Prince to end up being so chill with it. Aside from the criminal nature of their meeting, things seem to go well, but then a slightly cliche regicide plot and attempt to usurp the throne derail their burgeoning relationship and leave both young men on the run." Ongoing webcomic hosted on Comicfury at: https://www.twine.net/signin illustrator manga comicillustrator webcomic webtoon…