Tag Archives: 2016

It has to be said, 2016 has been a turbulent year.

On a personal level, I feel that my life as I would have liked to have lived it has been altered forever by 17 million Brexiteers, I feel that my dreams and hopes have been dashed by Trump supporters, and more personally I feel like my compass point has been lost. It is this last point that I struggle to deal with the most - I am no longer wanted or required, I have been replaced, but as with all of the above, it is something I have to accept however bitter the pill. On a professional level, this year has also been a journey. I have finished in a very different place than I started both in terms of work style and location. All my previous freelance work had been carried out in my home office, working directly with clients of their projects, however, having noted a slow down of work coming through, I decided to take a full time contract with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). This proved a fun experience, I gained some colleagues, office banter and socialising events - plus I got the chance to work on projects that could really shape the UK. However, the plan was always to move to London at some point in 2016 in order to pursue a more creative direction of work for my design portfolio, to work with experienced designers and to learn and develop as a graphic designer. Luckily for me the transition has been made a lot easier and smoother due to my contract with the IPPR who have offices both in Manchester where I started, and London where I am now based. I will be working with the IPPR until the end of January 2017, but after that, the world (well London) will be my oyster! I have started on the job/freelance hunt - so wish me luck!

I feel privileged to have worked with my clients

As I am sure many a freelancer feels, I feel a sense of pride in the fact that out of all the graphic designers in the world, people have chosen to work with me. Just as I reflect on 2016, I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with the likes of the IPPR, Equality and Human Rights Commission, JustLife, Leica Geosystems and the Cordant group to name but a few. I genuinely enjoy bringing projects to life and presenting something beyond the expectations of my clients, and although I have relocated this is something I aim to continue and build on.

To all my clients, friends and colleagues, I hope you have had a peaceful Christmas and wish you all the best for 2017 whatever it may bring.