With these relationships in place, in November 2006 I decided to move onto trading as a completely independent creative company. With my experience and grounding in skills based creative I am now building successfully on my reputation. I have the latest systems in place including an ftp site maintained by Apple via the .mobileme facility. This affords me the freedom and flexibility to work with anyone, anywhere at anytime. I live at and work from my studio in Bromley, Kent.

Pre-launch co-designer and post-launch Senior Designer
Initially involved with ITP on a freelance basis, to work with the Art editor of (eventually) two new listings titles, pre deregulation. From dummy stage through to final production I covered all aspects of the design, market research and print. Setting guidelines for a successful launch was essential. Employing the design team upon the successful launch of what was at the time this new genre of publication.

ANAGRAM DESIGN, TWA LIMITED, BANJO DESIGN & PRINT
From here on I created and successfully ran my own companies on the advise of industry colleagues. Eventually, with partners and a small team of designers, we built a large client base across all areas of design and print with an emphasis on charities and environmental awareness. Another area that was concentrated upon was working with packagers and publishers to produce artwork for various licensed products. With the increase in new media we also started working with web development networks to produce creative web design solutions for them

To ensure smooth running of the Contract Divisions Art department which had previously been run using only freelancers. The division produced approximately 10 titles annually, ranging from one offs to bi-monthly and monthlies. I introduced a page make up, an American PC driven system by Wave 4 technology. All media packs and other promotional material was produced in-house relying on a team of specially selected freelance staff. All commissioning of photographers and Illustrators was also of my instigation. Client liaison was essential for major players across Contract Publishing arena. Clients included: Diners Club, British Midland, Shell UK, Nestle, Keith Prowse, The British Tourist Authority, British Airways and Harrods, A large proportion of the work involved concepts and presentation for all proposals to new and existing clients

Produced all design and layout for two monthly publications. Far East and Middle East Health. Most layouts were done from galleys but some type mark-up was required. Unfortunately, due to Union problems, no computers were being used at this time.

Designed and laid out a daily newspaper for the English speaking Spanish Market. The Daily Standard, a Jersey Evening Post publication, was sent via modem link every night to Spain. Duties included producing layouts for page make up in Spain. Camera-ready finished artwork for feature pages. Assisting the Studio Manager in producing advertising, company stationery and all relevant marketing and Promotional material, Used Apple Macintosh computers for the first time to help create special artwork items for the newspaper. Few organisations were attempting to transmit this type of data around the world at the time. Administration work included organising the tight deadline required on a daily publication along with running a Design Studio on a strict budget

In the absence of the Art Editor I was solely responsible for producing Kent and Sussex Life plus all associated artwork for the magazine and advertising. Work included meetings with clients for their requirements, producing visuals and finished artwork. Dealing with printers, photographic staff, photographic agencies, typesetters, and our own advertising and editorial teams

It was at this point I discontinued full time work to have a family. During my first pregnancy I worked freelance for IPC Magazines on various publications until the birth of my first son. I continued to freelance until the birth of my second son. I returned to full time working and continued my career.

Designer Visualiser
Designed, visualised and produced finished artwork for all marketing and promotional material for both the newspaper group and its clients. Designed and set-up exhibitions, including the Kent County Show. Put together slide presentations for in-house and client use. Worked in close conjunction with photographers, printers and editorial and advertising teams

Design Assistant to the Company Designer - Transport Press
Designed and layout of colour pages, checked and approved colour & b/w pages of all Transport Press publications. Close liaison with art directors, printers, photographers, Illustrators and retouchers. Production of one-off specials for the publications in the group i.e. Autocar and Flight International. The department also produced all relevant advertising and marketing material used for the magazines within the group

Worked with Creative Director on production of one weekly (Middle East Economic Digest) and one bi-weekly magazine (Arab Report & Record). Producing camera-ready artwork for both publications and maintained a small advertising department and produced client’ artwork for use in the publications. The work also included a complete re-design of the magazines moving from black and white with colour covers to full colour production