Experience

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  Hotscot

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2002

  Graphic & website designer

  My big break into the industry came at a time when the internet was booming, and website design was rapidly evolving.I started as a wet behind the ears graphic designer, using tools like Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash. My role was to produce professional standard graphics for use on the web, which meant optimising my beautiful high-resolution images to only a few killobites so it could fit down the pipe of your limited bandwidth dial-up modems. That was back in the day when your mum would pick up the phone to hear what sounded like a ZX Spectrum talking back to you.During this time, I developed a strong interest in Flash and animation. Later, I went on to teach Fireworks and Flash in our authorised Macromedia (now Adobe) training centre to other aspiring web designers. Show less

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  Absolute digital pictures

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2005

  Digital compositor

  I was primarily involved in using After Effects and Combustion to composite 3D animation on top of live action footage. Daily tasks included Special Effects, Masking and Colour correction.Although the role was mainly focused around compositing, I also worked on animation, Lip-syncing, prop modelling and character rigging as well as other odds and ends that all contributed towards providing me with great experience of working within a busy animation studio

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  Hotscot

  Jan 2006 - Dec 2011

  Senior designer

  My role as Senior Designer at Hotscot was extremely versatile. I progressed to the role from a Design background as apposed to a Management path - Design is my passion and the results I achieve are client-centric with a strong focus on achieving the best result within the budget.In the early stages of any project I was expected motivate and inspire the client with creative ideas, gather information, explain concepts, pre-visualise and establish likes and dislikes in order to generate a brief. I would provide estimates for times on the proposed design work in order for the Design Director to cost the overall job accurately.On larger projects it was my responsibility to plan, prototype, design and often code (HTML/CSS). On smaller projects I would often visualise the concept ready for another Designer or Developer to progress. On other occasions I would only be required to provide suggestions to the designers involved.As well as Website Design and Branding I have interests in other ares of Design, Advertising, Illustration, Animation and Typography Design which I would often use within our projects.During recruitment drives I would take part in the interview process in order to ask more in-depth design orientated questions and ascertain level of ability of candidates. Show less

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  Scottish fire and rescue service

  Feb 2010 - May 2022

  Firefighter

  I am available 24/7 as a Retained Firefighter for a busy Fire Station - responding to all emergency 999 calls including road traffic collisions (RTC's), chemical spills, height rescues and fires.Firefighting is a high pressure job it is also an extremely rewarding one. It demands a huge amount of physical and mental strength.Communication and teamwork is essential. I believe that the skills that I have developed, as a Firefighter, are transferable and have helped me grow in many aspects of my Design career as well as providing great life experience.I enjoy and embrace the clean and active lifestyle that Fire Fighting promotes. Show less

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  Lamontdesign

  Jan 2012 - Apr 2015

  Design manager

  lamontdesign are a Full Service Digital Agency. From Brand Management to Print, Mobile Apps to Website Design & Development, SEO and and Social Media. lamontdesign provides a one-stop service to clients.As well as many of the skills used in previous jobs (below), lamontdesign has provided me with a great opportunity to grow and develop a broad range of skills.

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  Iaseminars

  Apr 2015 - Dec 2015

  Marketing manager

  A bit of a side step... My role as Marketing Manager requires me to lead and support others in implementing the IASeminars'​ marketing strategy. Working with a dedicated team, it is up to me to ensure that the IASeminars' brand is effectively promoted across all marketing channels.My key responsibilities include email marketing, managing our social networking and SEO/PPC campaigns, as well as building and maintaining various partner relationships.I am constantly working to optimise our current marketing strategy and bring innovation to the role.UPDATE: Having sidestepped (client-side) into a Marketing Management role for a short period helped me understand clients needs far more than I had experienced from an agency perspective. This helped me gain real world understanding of client's needs and was pivotal in seeing a website as not only an isolated design but as another marketing channel. It also acted as a springboard that sparked my interest for product driven article content, EAT content and short-form video content for marketing purposes.I feel it is extremely important as a creative agency to understand “why” you are building something and my exposure to client-side marketing played a major part in this.Eventually I returned to my routes as my passion has always been design and it is where my abilities are at their most effective. Show less

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  Strut

  Jan 2016 - now

  Co-founder, cbo and certified brand specialist

  As the Chief Brand Officer of Strut, I am in oversee all of the creative work we produce for brands.As a digital native I need to remain fluent in all things digital. I take the lead role when pitching key concepts to clients; both when looking to win new business and/or when demonstrating our vision on a specific part of an existing client project. I often draw on my strong presentation skills to successfully explain such concepts.I oversee multiple concurrent creative projects and lead them from concept to completion as efficiently as possible. This would typically include providing clarity around brand, vision, mood boards, style tiles/stylescapes, UI, UX, user journey, wireframes (LoFi and HiFi), creative visuals, prototyping, design language, build, etc. These projects range in complexity and may involve only a little or a lot of my time so it is essential that I work closely with the fulfilment team to make available any assets that are needed to carry out their job effectively and bridge any gaps to keep production moving.At every step of the process, I need to ensure that we (as a team) are keeping the Projects Director informed on progress in order for him to keep clients up to date on delivery and manage expectations. Show less