My story
My design journey began in the early 1990s, working in both small and large businesses. After graduating from Bath Spa University College with a first-class degree in 2000, I officially became a freelance designer.
Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of providing creative services to a wide range of organisations, including design agencies, corporate businesses, NGOs, healthcare, welfare, videogaming, privacy, landscape gardening, outdoor advertising, hospitality, and many others.
This diverse experience has given me a deep appreciation for both print and digital design whatever the industry. It has also allowed me to offer clients that extra bit of value, surprising them with more than they expected.
I’m always available to work on and discuss projects at any stage. I pride myself on responding promptly and ensuring that projects move forward without delay.
Giving you a little bit more
As an experienced freelance designer, I’ve spent over 25 years helping brands connect clarity with creativity from print and digital to identity design. Along the way, I’ve developed a number of skills and ways of working that define my service to you.
Creative
Design that’s imaginative, focused, and appropriate.
Experienced
30+ years in print, digital, and brand identity work.
Qualified
A first class BA (Hons) degree in graphic design.
Proactive
Prompt, communicative, organised with no ghosting.
Considerate
I like to give that little extra you didn’t expect.
Perceptive
A holistic creative approach to the detail in design and strategy.
Design services
Whether a simple leaflet or a brand identity encompassing a myriad of touchpoints I have developed a range of services born of 25+ years of experience.
- Print and digital design
- Design direction and creative consultancy
- Brand identity and design systems
- Brand strategy
- Creative support for agencies
- User Experience and User Interface design
As a freelance designer I have also developed a network of specialist expertise covering copywriting, illustration, photography, video production, printing and web development.
Over 25 years experience has given me scope to provide a varied service.
Design grounded in listening, strategy, and empathy.
Guiding principals
Whether it’s a leaflet, brand identity, website or social post, I approach every project with the same level of care and strategic mindset by:
- Listening to you to understand your industry and challenges
- Defining a strategy shaped by objectives and outcomes
- Delivering a people-first approach with human-led and empathetic creativity
- Keeping it simple and focused over noise
- Understanding where each project fits within the wider brand picture
- Balancing pragmatism with creativity to achieve clear, effective results
Outdoor inspiration
Few hobbies can be as rich or rewarding as hiking. The freedom to work through creative issues, seek inspiration or just let the mind wander can be as productive as an afternoon brain-storming around a desk.
Whether taking in the lustrous Cotswold hills and woodlands, hiking up Pen Y Fan in South Wales or exploring the delights of the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and beyond, walking is as part of me as design.
Image: Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, Spain
Outdoor inspiration
Few hobbies can be as rich or rewarding as hiking. The freedom to mentally work through creative issues, seek inspiration or just let the mind wander can be as productive as an afternoon brain-storming around a desk. Whether taking in the lustrous Cotswold hills and woodlands, hiking up Pen Y Fan in South Wales or exploring the delights of the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and beyond, walking is as part of me as design.
Image: Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, Spain
Nice words from my customers
Good design solves problems and builds trust along the way. Here’s what a selection of clients have said about the work and the positive experience of working with me.
Exceeding expectations
“Julian’s creativity, professionalism, attention to detail and communications skills are second to none. He exceed our expectations in all aspects of work related to recent website relaunch.”
Raya Gray
Cap City Dental
Spot on vision
“Julian is patient, easy to work with and really gets your vision spot on. He is a pleasure to work with and I can’t wait to work on future projects! Highly recommend, thank you.”
Beth Coldrick
BAO Skincare
Creative and inspiring
“Creative and inspiring. Julian, redesigned our school logo and developed a new modern design for our newsletter. He responds quickly and patiently to customer input. Professional service. Highly recommended.”
Helen McGovern
Carterhatch Junior School
Professionalism and attention to detail
“Julian is a rare find. He backs up his great design with professionalism and attention to detail. He’s been an integral part of our site design and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.”
Will Paterson
EdPlace
Energy and hard working
“Thank you for putting such significant energy into designing our wonderful new website and working so hard to ensure it went ‘live’ on time. We received incredibly favourable comments in Geneva, and the UK Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva introduced it during his statement to the meeting.”
Angela Woodward
VERTIC
Perfect understanding
“Julian understood our requirements from the start. We liked the design so much that we adopted it for all of our publications and intend to reflect many of its themes in our future outputs. The design is now a core component of our branding and public visibility.”
James Bevan
Conflict Armament Research
Patience and proactivity
“I just want to say thank you very much for your hard work and commitment, as ever you have done a stirling job. I really appreciate your patience and proactivity with challenges and thought.”
Jason Cotterrell
CBS Outdoor (now Global)
Flexible and delivering quality
“Julian is a pleasure to work with. He is understanding and flexible to our needs and deadlines, consistently delivering quality, attractive designs that fit with our marketing and business purposes. He is kind and refreshing to work with, communicating in a professional and approachable friendly manner.”
Cristina Sabau
Chiral Systems
Challenging the status quo
“Julian’s creativity, attention to detail and responsiveness is quite extraordinary. He challenges the status quo, champions change and is unfaltering in delivering on time and to exemplary high standards.”
Gary Windas
Hawksland Associates
Uncommon visual literacy
“Julian’s uncommon visual literacy and understanding of our message supported our company from a bedroom operation to its current multi-million pound turnover. I will continue to trust him absolutely with our brand.”
Matthew Bloch
Bytemark
Committed, professional and efficient
“Julian combines creative design skills with a real commitment to completing projects within (often tight) deadlines, in a professional and efficient manner.”
Andy Richardson
Inter-Parliamentary Union
Creative and responsive
“Julian’s slick, modern creative design and quickness of delivery have made him so valuable to our brand design and marketing.”
Marcus Wilson
Torchlight Technologies