My Origin Story
Even at school, I knew I was heading for a creative career.
I loved college and university — being surrounded by like-minded people, absorbing art and design, and discovering the work of designers who shaped how we all thought. Neville Brody was a big influence at the time. During my degree, I won an award for a direct-mail marketing campaign created for a bank, which gave me an early taste of combining creativity with real-world objectives.
After university, I wrote to hundreds of design agencies across the North West. That persistence paid off with my first role at GJ Design, a Manchester-based design agency specialising in food retail packaging design and artwork. Working as part of a small team gave me invaluable grounding — everyone pitched in, and I was involved at every stage of a wide variety of projects.
I loved being based in the city centre at that stage of my life, and many of the friendships formed during those years remain strong today.
As the agency grew — adding new departments, a photography studio, and specialists with different skills — it eventually merged to become Equator, now part of a large global organisation. It was an exciting environment, working alongside friends and talented people, but I always had an itch to build something of my own and to work more directly with clients.
TL;DR
I’m a graphic designer with over 20 years’ experience, working directly with businesses on branding, packaging, and marketing design. My background includes time spent at a Manchester-based agency that grew into a global design group, giving me a strong foundation in both creativity and delivery at scale.
I care about doing things properly – clear thinking, solid processes, and design that works consistently. I work in a calm, collaborative, and methodical way, with clear communication and realistic timelines. Above all, I enjoy building long-term relationships and becoming a trusted design partner.
Taking the Plunge
In June 2016, I took the plunge into working independently.
By that point, I’d already built up a small client base and began working with a range of design studios. This gave me the chance to experience different teams, projects, and ways of working — refining not just my design skills, but my processes and approach to collaboration.
I also worked closely with a former colleague, supporting him as he built his client base and day-to-day operations. That experience deepened my understanding of how design supports growing businesses, and I still work with some of those clients today.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with photographers, illustrators, printers, designers, artworkers, account managers, repro specialists, and fellow freelancers. I’m incredibly grateful for both the experience gained and the friendships formed — many of which are friendships for life.
How I Work
I care deeply about things being done properly. Whether that’s rolling out a design across hundreds of pack shapes and sizes, or putting together a clear, usable brand guidelines manual, I believe good design is as much about rigour and consistency as it is about creativity.
I particularly enjoy designing logos, as well as working on menus, posters, brochures, point-of-sale collateral, banners, presentations, websites, and social media profiles.
My preferred way of working is close and collaborative — step by step, in a calm, logical, and methodical way. I value clear communication throughout a project and pride myself on working efficiently to agreed timelines. I’m equally happy getting my teeth into larger, ongoing projects as I am helping to clear smaller tasks and jobs.
Participation Works
I’ve been involved with Participation Works (PW) for over 20 years, supporting the organisation with its visual identity and communications as it has grown and evolved. What began as a simple logo project developed into a long-standing creative partnership, covering everything from branding and websites to marketing materials.
In 2018, I was invited to join the board as a director, taking on a more strategic and advisory role. My involvement with PW reflects how I like to work — building trust over time, understanding the bigger picture, and supporting organisations in a way that goes beyond one-off projects. It’s a relationship I’m very proud of.
What Matters Most
Outside of work, I enjoy football, cricket, playing snooker, walking, and cooking.
I’m very close to my family and friends – and that, above all else, is what matters most to me.