I started my professional career in the photographic industry back in 1989, when I worked in Black & Lizars and Jessops in photographic retail. There I developed my photographic abilities to a level where I worked in a studio and then ran my own studio for a time.
In around 1998, having used the early versions of Photoshop and Quark Xpress I made the leap into the Design and Print industry, this led to a role with a Printing Company called Textflow in Belfast. There I became proficient with using the Digital Heidelberg Presses.
After a short time, I moved to the pre-press department and progressed to the role of Senior (Solo) Designer. The Printing Company closed, but despite this disappointing event, I found an even better role as a Senior Designer with The Stationery Office (TSO) in Ireland.
After this I worked at The WordWorks Partnership where I helped produce three main publications.
- Business First: is produced for the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The publication is distributed to all Chamber members and contains the latest business news within Northern Ireland. I worked with advertisers of all kinds from small businesses to multinationals including Dell, Easy Jet, Orange and more. The balance always maintained between editorial integrity and ad effectiveness. Also, keeping to strict design guidelines, and the Chamber’s corporate brand identity.
- Homes Etc: is a bi-monthly publication featuring the best of Northern Ireland’s homes, retailers and features. I consulted with them and conceived of all of the design ideas and was responsible for all of the photography and dealing with advertising design.
- Stopwatch: is produced for the Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association. For this publication I was also responsible for all of the design and photography requirements.
I also have had a decade of web design experience, and find that my print design and web design skills come in handy every day.
I thoroughly enjoy what I do, and it’s what I always wanted to do! I strongly believe that if you really enjoy something, you take immense care of it.
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