HOW I GOT STARTED
I'll be brutally honest - I started as a completely uncertain intern working on the KIS project at Kings Secure Technologies, genuinely wondering if they even needed me. Hadn't got a clue where I fitted in, and my enterprise software experience was practically non-existent.
That uncertainty became my superpower. When you don't know your "lane," you learn everything: wireframes, HTML/CSS, user support, developing infographics for bid presentations and creating graphics for the marketing department. Transforming technical information into visual stories taught me how to make complex things simple.
What started as the KIS project evolved into DYMENSiON - and I grew with it. For 10 years, I became the go-to person who could handle anything - from "Kingsify this leaflet" to complex system integrations. I delivered 350+ designs annually with a 100% success rate, helped integrate 12+ acquisitions into Kings' professional branding, and helped build the visual foundation that powered their growth.
Then came the redundancy. Sometimes being essential to day-to-day operations doesn't protect you when companies restructure. It stung, but it also confirmed something important - I'd built skills that go way beyond any single company.
A BIT ABOUT ME
My approach to design can be traced back to my Yorkshire roots - straight-talking, no-nonsense, and taking the time to understand the problem first. Just as my work is filtered through the practical mindset of my upbringing, I believe the best solutions come from understanding real problems that real people face.
I'm a total sucker for away days with England, proper Yorkshire pubs, and software that actually works without a manual. Fun fact: I hate hot drinks (apart from hot chocolate on a cold day).
These days, I can be found freelancing on projects like redesigning the England Supporters Travel Club app, exploring new design tools and techniques, teaching mates basic design principles over a pint, or researching the best pubs near whatever European ground England are playing at next. I support Bradford City through thick and thin (mostly thin), and my England Supporters app redesign came from pure personal frustration - scrambling through scattered emails for hotel details while following England around Europe.
I approach design like a proper Yorkshire brew: no shortcuts, patience required, worth the wait. Ready for roles where asking "but what happens when this breaks?" is seen as helpful rather than pessimistic.
If you like my work, or you need someone who can turn complex problems into simple solutions, let's chat.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
How I approach problems and what makes my work different.
User-Centered Reality
I believe the best design is invisible - users shouldn't have to think about how to use something, they should just use it. My helpdesk support experience taught me what actually works versus what just looks good in mockups.
Build What You Design
I'm a designer with HTML/CSS benefits - not quite a developer, but I speak enough tech to make developers' lives easier. Understanding technical constraints makes me a better designer.
Solve Real Problems
My best work comes from solving problems I genuinely understand. Like redesigning the England Supporters app because I was frustrated scrambling through emails and having to use multiple websites to receive information.
Listening is Key to Success
Users are experts at identifying problems but not always at prescribing solutions. Having supported users through helpdesk tickets taught me to listen for the real frustration behind the feature request.
QUICK FACTS
Random things that probably won't come up in interviews but tell you a little more about me.
My design career started creating football forum signatures for my mates - still proud of those early Photoshop "masterpieces"
I've taken more annual leave for England games than actual holidays
Bradford City fan since birth thanks to me dad - loyalty's important, especially when things aren't going well
I hate hot drinks apart from the occasional hot chocolate (yes, this includes tea - basically treason in Yorkshire)