Well this is me, Design Intellect – AKA Matt ClarkeI've thought long and hard about what to write here, who am I, where do I come from and what do I do? Maybe the best solution is for me to write a CV? What do you think? That should give you all the info you need to know, after all, I am applying to work for you!
So, here goes...
Overview
Local Bath born and based graphic designer with nearly 15 years experience in the creative industry, I worked permanently as a senior designer for nearly 6 years and now freelance for various B2B/B2C agencies in the South West. I have a selection of my own clients which I am looking to broaden (as below).
Employment History
Senior Freelance Graphic Designer
12-03 > Present
Over the past 7 years I have built up a good rapport with the design agencies I freelance for and have been given complete autonomy on projects, doing everything from senior creative work down to day-to-day jobs and amends. Some agencies use me for pitches and special projects. I have also stood in as the main designer when the senior designer is away. I am now concentrating on taking on my own clients and am looking forward to expanding my client base.
Senior Designer
Design Central, Bath
08-98 > 12-03
I was approached by 2 of the ex-directors from a previous freelance client (Village Design Group) to head up the design side of their new venture, Design Central. Utilising the various design skills I picked up from my early freelance days, I managed to go from an interview in an empty office to a 25 strong company upon leaving. My designs for pitches and client retention were instrumental. I was fully hands on with design and artwork on many B2B & B2C projects including: Brochures, POS, Packaging, Company Literature, Advertising & Exhibitions.
Junior Freelance Designer
UK & Australia
07-95 > 08-98
After leaving Uni I started my working life by shadowing multi award winning creative director (Stuart Burnett) for 3 months, this gave me real world training & commercial experience after my extensive education. On Stuart's advice, I began freelancing with work experience contacts made at Uni and at other local firms. Over these 3 years I gained direct hands on experience by freelancing the summers in the UK and the winters in Sydney, Australia via employment agencies.
Education
BA Hons Visual Communication Design
Ravensbourne, London
This degree had a strong information bias which focused on understanding clients’ needs. The course helped me develop into a designer who is able to digest complex data and produce designs that are understandable, accessible, engaging and memorable. Ravensbourne degrees are validated by the RCA.
Higher National Diploma & OND in Graphic Design
Brunel, Bristol
Intial design education was industry based with live briefs, supporting illustration classes, print lectures, photography and ISTD/CSD exams.
Mac Skills:
Nearly 15yrs experience and fluent in:
Photoshop CS 3
Illustrator CS 3
In Design CS 3
Acrobat Pro
Dreamweaver CS3
Flash CS3
Some experience in Javascript and CMS
Interests
Apart from the usual socialising, reading & photography...
...I enjoy surfing, kiting, karting, cycling & would love to learn to hang glide or sky dive! I have also dived, bungied, been canoeing and like snorkelling. Travel is another passion, I have travelled to quite a few countries but you will be relieved to know that I have hung up my travel boots to concentrate on my career and only want to have exciting holidays.
Finally
Hope that fills in any gaps about me, but of course, if you'd like to know more, please do get in touch.
Would you like to download my web & graphic designer CV?
