Ooo look, I've been busy :)
Qualifications
- 11 GCSEs and 2 A levels (Art and Design)
- Art Foundation Diploma
- BAHons Degree 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, Warner Music, Wayport, AT&T, Dixons, Sing Songs Music, Liverpool Community Network, 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 and the Nelsons Group.
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
- 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
- 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 6 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