Available to hire
Back in 2012, I gave up my senior role as Studio Manager for a leading Manchester advertising agency to become my own boss. I currently work on a freelance basis directly with a mix of businesses, design agencies and printers in the UK and beyond.
Technically competent and fully conversant with the latest technology and industry-standard design applications – including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft and formerly QuarkXPress – I bring a broad capability across front-end web design, branding, advertising, packaging, publications and print production. With over 30 years in the industry, I’m a reliable team player who can work solo or lead others, manage tight deadlines and mentor junior staff.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Freelance Graphic Designer / Studio Manager at Self-employed
January 1, 2012 - PresentDirectly producing design and artwork for a diverse range of projects from brief to completion, overseeing all digital artwork files, organizing production meetings, and managing workloads to tight deadlines. Responsibilities included task delegation, coaching and training of team members, checking proofs and press passing, booking and briefing freelancers, logging time sheets, updating production boards, direct client liaison, in-house photography and art direction, archiving, estimating, hardware upgrades, studio supplies management, H&S inductions, and maintaining email signatures and company website.
Graphic Designer / Studio Manager at Synergy Creative Design
January 1, 2012 - September 9, 2025Directly producing design and artwork for a range of projects from concept to print/publication; overseeing digital artwork files; organizing production meetings; planning and setting up larger projects; delegating tasks; coaching and training; proofreading and press passing; freelance briefing; time-sheet logging; client liaison; in-house photography and art direction; archival of completed jobs; workload planning and studio management.
Senior Artworker at Qualitech / QDA
February 1, 2004 - September 9, 2025Direct line management of two artworkers, supervising design and artwork, ensuring finished artwork files are quality checked and correctly formatted; client brief adherence and accurate estimating; colour proofs and press passing; hardware upgrades and software installation; cross-department liaison; quality procedures and professional retouching.
Senior Mac Operator at Cheshire Publicity
August 1, 2000 - September 9, 2025Produced design and artwork for print on Macintosh systems; prepared labels, packaging and related materials; collaborated with clients and production teams; supported junior colleagues.
Originator at Chaplins Labels & Systems
September 1, 1999 - September 9, 2025Created woven & printed garment labels, mattress labels, T-shirt neck labels, swing tickets, price tags and packaging; pre-press duties including layout and artwork production.
Senior Mac Operator at Hurriprint & Design Studio
December 1, 1993 - September 9, 2025Overseeing design and artwork through the studio using the latest applications to produce design and artwork for print, websites and exhibitions; in-charge of the studio in directors' absence; client visits and briefs.
Mac Operator at Printworld
October 1, 1992 - September 9, 2025Producing design and artwork for print on Apple Mac; paste-up, darkroom tasks and assisting in shop operations.
Studio Junior at Lea Hartman
November 1, 1991 - September 9, 2025In-house studio support; assisting in design and artwork production, colour copying and general studio tasks.
Junior Graphic Designer at Trafford Borough Council
November 1, 1990 - September 9, 2025Assisted in creative design, produced storyboards and scamps, corporate identity materials, adverts and related print/online assets.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-employed
January 1, 2012 - PresentDirectly producing design and artwork for a diverse range of projects, from brief to completion, using a wide set of design software. Overseeing digital artwork files, organizing production and workload planning, liaising with clients, and providing accurate estimates. In addition to hands-on design, responsibilities included mentoring junior staff and managing freelance contributors, as well as on-site art direction and archiving completed jobs.
Studio Manager at Synergy Creative Design
January 31, 2012 - September 9, 2025Directed studio operations, supervised design and artwork produced by the team, ensured work met client briefs and brand guidelines, managed production meetings, planned large projects, delegated tasks, coached staff, and handled client liaison and workload management.
Senior Artworker at Qualitech / QDA
February 1, 2004 - September 9, 2025Overseeing design and artwork through the studio, ensuring correct formats for print and publication, leading a small team, and maintaining quality control from concept to final output.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-Employed / Freelance
January 1, 2012 - PresentDirectly producing design and artwork for a diverse range of projects; overseeing digital artwork; organizing production meetings; advanced project planning; delegating tasks; coaching and training team members; proofing and press passing; booking freelancers; time management and studio planning; client liaison and account management; in-house photography and art direction; archiving jobs; providing estimates; IT support and studio safety.
Senior Artworker at Qualitech / QDA
February 1, 2004 - September 9, 2025Direct line management of two artworkers; supervising design and artwork; ensuring brand and print specifications; providing estimates; colour proofs and press passing; colour calibration and hardware upgrades; liaising with departments; improving quality procedures; professional retouching.
Senior Mac Operator at Cheshire Publicity
August 1, 2000 - September 9, 2025Overseeing design and artwork for print; preparing artwork and liaising with print production.
Mac Operator at Chaplins Labels & Systems
September 1, 1999 - September 9, 2025Producing design and artwork for labels; setting up woven and printed labels, packaging, and related items; paste-up and darkroom duties.
Education
GCSEs at Broadoak Comprehensive School
September 1, 1984 - June 1, 1989MOCF Graphic Design and B-TEC National Graphic Design (Trafford Youth Training Scheme) at South Manchester City College
September 1, 1989 - November 1, 1991GCSEs (8 subjects including Art & Design, Graphical Communication, IT, English Language, Mathematics, Science, English Literature, History) at Broadoak Comprehensive School
September 1, 1984 - June 30, 1989BTEC National Graphic Design at City College Northenden, Manchester
September 1, 1989 - November 30, 1991GCSEs at Broadoak Comprehensive School
September 1, 1984 - June 1, 1989MOCF Graphic Design; B-TEC National Graphic Design qualifications at South Manchester City College (Arden Centre & Fielding Park)
September 1, 1989 - November 1, 1991Qualifications
Pennine LEAP Start up Boot Camp
January 1, 2013 - September 9, 2025First Aid Course
January 1, 2009 - September 9, 2025Appraisal Training
January 1, 2003 - September 9, 2025Effective Management training course
January 1, 2002 - September 9, 2025Microsolve PowerPoint 2000 training course
January 1, 2002 - September 9, 2025Full UK drivers license
September 1, 2001 - September 9, 2025A.E.B. Graphicy & Life Skills qualifications
January 11, 2030 - September 9, 2025Pennine LEAP Start up Boot Camp
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013First Aid Course
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009Appraisal Training
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003Effective Management training course
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002Microsolve PowerPoint training
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000PowerPoint training course
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002Full UK drivers license
September 1, 2001 - September 9, 2025A.E.B. Graphicy & Life Skills qualifications
January 11, 2030 - September 9, 2025First Aid Course
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009Appraisal Training
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003Effective Management training course
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002Pennine LEAP Start up Boot Camp
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013Full UK drivers license
September 1, 2001 - September 9, 2025Pennine LEAP Start up Boot Camp
January 1, 2013 - September 9, 2025GCSEs
September 1, 1984 - June 1, 1989MOCF Graphic Design; B-TEC National Graphic Design qualifications
September 1, 1989 - November 1, 1991Pennine LEAP Start up Boot Camp
January 1, 2013 - September 9, 2025First Aid Course
January 1, 2009 - September 9, 2025Appraisal Training
January 1, 2002 - September 9, 2025Effective Management Training
January 1, 2002 - September 9, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Retail, Software & Internet, Other
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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