I'm Jonathan Smythe, a highly skilled, proactive design leader with extensive experience across branding, publishing, and cross-channel campaigns for healthcare, NHS and pharma sectors, as well as retail and media brands. I’ve led design teams and directed multi-disciplinary projects from concept through production, balancing creative excellence with practical delivery. I excel at building teams, managing tight deadlines, and preserving brand integrity while pushing creative boundaries. I thrive in multi-disciplinary environments and bring a friendly, collaborative approach with a sense of humor.

Jonathan Smythe

I'm Jonathan Smythe, a highly skilled, proactive design leader with extensive experience across branding, publishing, and cross-channel campaigns for healthcare, NHS and pharma sectors, as well as retail and media brands. I’ve led design teams and directed multi-disciplinary projects from concept through production, balancing creative excellence with practical delivery. I excel at building teams, managing tight deadlines, and preserving brand integrity while pushing creative boundaries. I thrive in multi-disciplinary environments and bring a friendly, collaborative approach with a sense of humor.

Available to hire

I’m Jonathan Smythe, a highly skilled, proactive design leader with extensive experience across branding, publishing, and cross-channel campaigns for healthcare, NHS and pharma sectors, as well as retail and media brands. I’ve led design teams and directed multi-disciplinary projects from concept through production, balancing creative excellence with practical delivery.

I excel at building teams, managing tight deadlines, and preserving brand integrity while pushing creative boundaries. I thrive in multi-disciplinary environments and bring a friendly, collaborative approach with a sense of humor.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Designer at Daily Mail
October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988
Led print design and production workflows for multi-page sections, contributing to typography, layout, and overall visual direction.
Creative Director at Blackfriar Publications Limited
September 1, 1988 - December 31, 1989
Directed brand design and publishing initiatives; managed art and design teams across multiple titles.
Launch Art Director at Black Hair
January 1, 1990 - April 1, 1997
Led launch art direction for new brand lines; oversaw concept development, art direction and production.
Lead Creative / Senior Freelance Designer at Various (UK)
July 2, 2014 - December 31, 2016
Delivered full creative leadership for print and digital campaigns; built and mentored design teams; contributed to exhibitions and marketing collateral across sectors.
Lead Creative / Senior Freelance Designer at Manchester-based
December 1, 2016 - Present
Continued freelance design leadership in Manchester, overseeing multi-brand design strategies and studio operations.

Education

Add your educational history here.

Qualifications

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
January 11, 2030 - March 3, 2026
Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons)
January 11, 2030 - March 3, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Retail, Professional Services