Ooo look, I've been busy :)
Qualifications
- 11 GCSEs and 2 A levels (Art and Design)
- Art Foundation Diploma
- BAHons Graphic Arts Degree
Experience and Clients
Upon completing my degree in - errr crikey - 2002, I worked for 2 years as a full time web designer for a small but ambitious web design and development company, whilst also doing a bit of freelance stuff as well.
I went 'full-on' freelance early 2005, specialising in web standards based creative web design, graphic design, illustration and animation ...
My clients include the likes of Sony Electronics, Sony Music, Warner Music, Swisscom, AT&T, Sing Songs Music, University of Westminster, Defra, WDMP and Merit Golf. I have also produced work for many respected and leading agencies, groups and collectives, both in the UK and internationally.
I also work very closely alongside the View Creative Agency, in a sub-contract capacity fulfilling a web design and development role. Clients I have dealt with include the likes of IMG International, TPNW, The Royal Parks Foundation and the Nelsons Group.
I am a proud member of The Guild of Accessible Web Designers - promoting the use and preservation of accessible design standards.
I was also a member of the Lemonade Illustration Agency and have been an author for Bite Size Standards.
Awards and Accolades
- Web Standards Award - Jul 05
- CSS Beauty - Apr 09
- CSS Beauty - Jul 06
- Best Web Gallery - May 09
- Best Web Gallery - Aug 06
- Best of CSS Design - Dec 07
- Smashing Magazine - Apr 09
- Smashing Magazine - Jan 08
- Unmatched Style - May 09
- Design Fridge - May 09
- CSS Heaven - May 2009
- CSS Website - July 2009
- Screenspire
- Inspiration King - Jul 06
- CSS Liquid : Featured in the Hall of Fame for 2006
- Screenalicious - Jul 06
- CSS Mania - Jul 05
- CSS Import - Sep 05
- CSS Drive - Jan 06
- CSS Bloom - Jun 06
- CSS Remix
- Member of The Guild of Accessible Web Designers
- The Web Designer's Idea Book (2007) Patrick McNeil
- Web Designer Magazine (double page feature: Issue 141, page 76) - more
My Philosophy
Having trained to both Diploma and Degree standard in the Graphic Arts, and with over 8 years experience in the industry, I am passionate about what I do.
There are many design outfits out there that operate having had no, or very little, design training at all - and it often shows in the work they produce.
I work tirelessly to ensure all my work is resolved and considered in every way, as I believe in high standards. This way of applying myself not only satisfies my own creative needs but, more importantly ensures that you, the client, receive quality and a service that will aid long term success and prosperity.
Right, now I've got that off my chest, I think I'll have a warm chocolate drink and a Hob-Nob or five ...
COMMENTS
Hello Kev,
I recently graduated myself (HND and Degree in Computing) and I am now planning to do the same as you: "become a freelancer". The only skill I am missing is Graphic Design. I can do Web Programming etc, in fact my main skills are in the programming side of Web Development. I am currently going back to University to study HND Graphic Design.
I was wondering is there money to be made in freelance Web Design? How long did it take for your business to get off the ground? Do you earn over say £600 - £700 a week? Do you always have work etc?
@ James : Well there is plenty of work for developers / programmers if you are good. If you get your HND in Graphics then that will stand you in good stead as well I guess.
My story after uni is as follows:
1) Got a job (mostly part-time) for a web company. Started doing a few bits of freelance in my spare time.
2) Quit job after about 1.5 years when got I more freelance enquiries. Started perma-lancing / doing sub-contract stuff for a design agency.
3) Cut back on that work after about 3 years and am now 'fully freelance', so to speak.
So I built things up slowly, and didn't jump straight into 'freelance'.
I let the number of enquiries dictate when I made that move.
I do have a decent amount of constant work and enquires - at the moment anyhow :P
In terms of how much I make: I can't really say here, but when you are freelance you can have good months and bad months, both in terms of sales and - more often than not - in terms of cash-flow.
I don't think there's a set route / method. Just go with what feels right, and put 100% into it.
Good luck :)
Hey, my name is Luke and I am 15 years old.
I have been interested in web design for quite a while and I was wondering if you had any tips for me?
What's the best thing to do after school?
(I'm British by the way)
@ Luke : You may want to check out my following posts:
"Degree or not degree?"
"An apology to the pot noodlers"
I hope they help. Good luck :)
Just wanted to say thank you for all the useful info ... and humour :) ... to help out those of us just beginning to find our way as designers / illustrators.
And, of course, I do love your work. It's so nice to see so much personality and honesty in your work!
Cheers from California!
JB
@ Jill : Hey no worries. Thanks for the kind words, and good luck with stuff :)
Hey there! I'm just finishing my first year at university studying graphic design and I absolutely love it, came across your page and just wanted to say how different it is from other graphic designers, seems to tip more towards illustration. Going to continue having a nose around on here but really impressed with it all.
Harriet X
I look dozens of websites from the various web design galleries every day, and I'm rarely compelled to leave a comment to the author, but you, sir, deserve the kudos. I love this site.
By any chance do you still have the previous version of this site still available to view somewhere?
I saw that it was featured in some of the galleries a few years ago.
@ Chris : How very kind of you to say so :)
I'm afraid the old site is no more, but there is a screen shot of it here:
http://www.kevadamson.com/talking-of-design/article/omg-its-alive
Hi, I'm Inni and I'm 18 years old :)
I just came across your website and thought your page looked cool :)
I'm also interested in graphics, web design and animation. Think you're very inspirational ^^ Love your work! And envy you so much for having so many experiences ^__^
I am currently studying Creative and Media Course and I'm now working on extended project portfolio for University, but I haven't really had any experience in animation, but I really love drawing.
Can you give me some tips / advice on how you got into the design industry :) and where you got the inspiration from?
Thanks!
Hi I'm Rachel and I'm in my second year at uni studying Graphic Design. And I was just wondering how you go about being a freelancer, how do you get your work out there, and how do you get these opportunities to do these jobs? As you can see I have no clue, silly me! So any advice or tips for the future would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Keep it up buddy. Awesome work.
You seem to leave no stone unturned in terms of the amount of detail you have within the design of your own site. Is this something that takes a long time to achieve and do you co-work with someone to do this?
Another question if you don't mind me asking, but is there more money in freelancing rather than working for a business?
Thanks
Sam
Hello! I'm Solongo and I graduated Graphic design own university this Spring. Your website really like for me designs, type your creature, and your style ... all!
I interest animation, your animation is short and funny! It's different. Our country not enough improve animation yet, of course starting get better now.
Your site give me energy, new ideas thanks! Sorry about that my syntax wrong!
Very unique and interesting.