“My creativity, lateral imagination and consistent attention to detail are refreshing, reliable and rewarding. With almost two decades of experience in design and advertising, and a wealth of life experience,
I could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.”
I was born in Teesside in 1981. I was forever sketching car badges, logos, animals, people and bizarre characters from the deepest recesse
s of my imagination. I won several drawing competitions and knew I'd found my calling. Fast forward to my final year of high school and I had a big decision to make. Take the traditional college and university route into adulthood, or get out there and learn in the real world? Against the advice of my peers, I began work as an IT apprentice as soon as I finished my GCSEs. After dabbling in database programming and the general day to day running of an IT department at a small promotions company, I was asked to design the company brochure by the owner. This opened the door to the creative career I was looking for. After achieving my NVQ Level 2 in Information Technology, alongside an evening class at a local Art & Design college, I moved on to become a Creative Assistant and Designer at a Dutch-owned publishing company. I spent the next year achieving my Level 3 in Information Technology whilst teaching myself new digital skills. In 2001 I was offered a job as a Designer and Mac Artist at a local newspaper where I stayed for almost seven years. This role allowed me to fully get to grips with the high pressure environment of publishing and meeting tight deadlines. During my time there I won the Mac Artist of the Year award. In 2007 I began an access course in Art and Design alongside my employment at the newspaper. This involved graphic design, life drawing, 3D modelling, art history and more. Once I completed this qualification I was offered a place at Leeds Metropolitan University where I began a BA (Hons) Graphic Art & Design course. During my three years as a full time student I worked as a freelance designer, bartender and also completed a full season of work on the amazing island of Ibiza.
Following my graduation in 2011, I concentrated on honing my design skills and three years later sixtyninedesign was launched. If you like what you see and would like to discuss working with me or would like a copy of my CV, please get in touch.
