After studying and obtaining a degree in Multimedia at Teesside University my first foray into employment was a junior Web Designer role with the Northern Echo (The North East’s main local newspaper). Main duties included updating the Echo’s website (www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk) with the latest news and articles from the day’s newspaper (Before it was all fully automated!) and assisting in some of the paper’s external projects, of which included music/gig promotion, album/gig reviews.
In 2004 I started work for a small glass and plastics company, who specialised in uPVC doors/windows and conservatories. First as part of a 3 man design team (hence the 3rdmonkey moniker!) and then working as the sole designer. There were more than 15 websites to maintain, so a lot of organisational skills were required. As well as the websites to take care of I also worked in a busy sales office and acted as technical support for the company.
The English Riviera beckoned in 2010 as I moved to the lovely south coast and Devon. As the lead web and graphic designer for Nutri-Link Ltd (www.nutri-linkltd.co.uk) I was given the chance to work on a wide range of projects. My skill set expanded as I was given a lot more responsibility and input in the decisions that were being made by the company. I was trusted to enhance the company’s brand and direction.
The role required a lot of creative thinking and inspiration to create all sorts of documents and applications. As well as the usual websites, which were created using the popular CMS WordPress so that other employees of the company could contribute/edit/remove content there was also a strong use of visual design by the means of print and video. E-Magazines, adverts, InfoGraphics, posters, brochures and booklets have all been created at some point.
The company also hosted big international seminars (Healthy Living / Functional Medicine / Natural Therapy etc) of which the AFMCP™-UK is the biggest of its kind in Europe. I carried out all the design work for these seminars, which ranged from websites, 6ft banners, brochures, pamphlets, booklets and posters.
Outside of work I watch a lot of football, listen to music, watch films (especially sci-fi) and play guitar. Being someone who is very competitive I’m a keen chess and poker player.