I’m a hybrid designer and developer who bridges creative vision and technical execution. Since 2018, I’ve built a specialised freelance practice serving startups through to high-profile clients, with over 10 years of experience across web development, digital design and branding. I design and build end-to-end digital solutions, eliminating handover issues while ensuring precise creative execution and delivering solutions that drive business results. I’m comfortable working across strategy, design, and code, translating complex concepts into practical build plans and scalable solutions that teams can own. My focus is on delivering robust front‑end experiences and well-structured WordPress sites, while maintaining a strong eye for brand integrity and performance.

Mike Smith

I’m a hybrid designer and developer who bridges creative vision and technical execution. Since 2018, I’ve built a specialised freelance practice serving startups through to high-profile clients, with over 10 years of experience across web development, digital design and branding. I design and build end-to-end digital solutions, eliminating handover issues while ensuring precise creative execution and delivering solutions that drive business results. I’m comfortable working across strategy, design, and code, translating complex concepts into practical build plans and scalable solutions that teams can own. My focus is on delivering robust front‑end experiences and well-structured WordPress sites, while maintaining a strong eye for brand integrity and performance.

Available to hire

I’m a hybrid designer and developer who bridges creative vision and technical execution. Since 2018, I’ve built a specialised freelance practice serving startups through to high-profile clients, with over 10 years of experience across web development, digital design and branding. I design and build end-to-end digital solutions, eliminating handover issues while ensuring precise creative execution and delivering solutions that drive business results.

I’m comfortable working across strategy, design, and code, translating complex concepts into practical build plans and scalable solutions that teams can own. My focus is on delivering robust front‑end experiences and well-structured WordPress sites, while maintaining a strong eye for brand integrity and performance.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Design Director at Mike Smith Design
January 1, 2012 - Present
Directly work with end clients and support creative agencies with development needs, delivering digital launches for startups and complex web applications for brands such as Amazon, Channel 4 and Pfizer. Specialize in front-end development and web design, handling both creative vision and technical implementation.
Designer at Brave New World
April 30, 2023 - September 15, 2025
Design lead for Diageo brand Justerini & Brooks’ website rebuild, coordinating between creative stakeholders and technical partners. Translated complex visual concepts into workable specifications while managing multiple approval stages and ensuring brand standards were maintained throughout development.
Web Developer at Cygnus
July 31, 2021 - September 15, 2025
Lead developer on Bletchley Park website rebuild. Translated complex design specifications into a modular WordPress solution with custom content blocks, enabling non-technical editors to manage varied content while maintaining design standards and performance requirements.
Designer and Developer at Little Black Book
December 31, 2022 - September 15, 2025
Multi-year partnership with a global advertising publication, evolving from design support to full-stack development. Built a custom React.js web application for email signature creation deployed across their member base, developed new website sections with social media-style profiles and content curation tools, plus ongoing support with marketing materials and campaigns.
Designer & Developer at Sears Davies
September 30, 2018 - September 15, 2025
3+ year tenure with London-based agency serving high-profile clients including Manchester United Football Club, Aviva, and Barclays. Started as part of a close-knit design team focused on front-end web development and evolved into a senior role managing complete project lifecycles from concept through delivery. Responsibilities expanded beyond design execution to include client training, project budgeting, and technical consultation during business development meetings.
In-House Designer at VoIP Unlimited
August 31, 2015 - September 15, 2025
3 month placement with market-leading telecommunications company immediately following graduation, serving as sole in-house designer supporting developers and marketing teams. The role provided essential early career experience transitioning from academic work to professional design practice, ranging from corporate brand guidelines to user interface design for customer-facing web applications.
Design Lead at Brave New World
March 1, 2023 - April 1, 2023
Design lead for Diageo brand Justerini & Brooks website rebuild, coordinating between creative stakeholders and technical partners. Translated complex visual concepts into workable specifications while managing multiple approval stages and ensuring brand standards were maintained throughout development.
Designer / Developer at MIKE SMITH (Freelance)
January 1, 2018 - Present
Direct freelance work with end clients and agencies, delivering end-to-end digital solutions, front-end development and web design, serving startups through to established brands.
Designer & Developer at Sears Davies
August 1, 2015 - September 1, 2018
3+ year tenure at London-based agency serving high-profile clients including Manchester United FC, Aviva and Barclays. Evolved from front-end development to senior-level responsibilities, including client training, project budgeting and technical consultation during business development.
Designer and Developer at Little Black Book
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2022
Multi-year partnership with a global advertising publication, evolving from design support to full-stack development. Built a custom React.js web application for email signature creation and expanded website sections with social profiles and content curation tools.

Education

BA (Hons) Graphic Design (First Class) at Arts University Bournemouth
January 11, 2030 - September 15, 2025
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at University for the Creative Arts
January 11, 2030 - September 15, 2025
A-levels in Media Studies, English Literature and Graphic Design at Oakwood Park Grammar School
January 11, 2030 - September 15, 2025
BA (Hons) Graphic Design (First Class) at Arts University Bournemouth
January 11, 2030 - November 29, 2025
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at University for the Creative Arts
January 11, 2030 - November 29, 2025
A-levels in Media Studies, English Literature and Graphic Design at Oakwood Park Grammar School
January 11, 2030 - November 29, 2025
GCSEs at Oakwood Park Grammar School
January 11, 2030 - November 29, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Education