put aside their ego to cater for forever changing client demands and expectations. In today’s modern studio, it’s vital to generate and seek opportunities for revenue, maintain and build excellent customer relationships and produce work above and beyond the expectations of the client.
A great designer needs to be able to...
20+
Years of experience
Zero
Wasted time
There once was a…
Keen sportsman, gym-goer, father, furniture designer and builder, car enthusiast, BMXer, gardener, music-listener, movie-watcher, guitar-learner, fun-time- haver, NZ sport-supporter, unqualified architect, and builder.
…who once pondered…
I was born to be a designer. Packaging, branding, digital, video, print and website design, 2D and 3D work, exploring content, and visual displays all excite me. I’m constantly learning, developing, and challenging myself to add new skills to my creative toolkit. A recent creative initiative, Designpunk furniture, gave me the creative outlet to hone my design/build craftmanship. Each custom-designed, Scandinavian-inspired piece featured unique and iconic kiwiana motif paintings to result in a functional piece of art that tells the story of the environments they reside in and reflects the unique identity of the clients that commissioned them.
These outside skills have a real-world application when it comes to problem solving in a creative studio. It makes me more efficient in the workplace, and keeps clients happy.
As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve most enjoyed the opportunity to manage and mentor the next generation of designers. Whether in a design capacity or passing on a technical tip, I really enjoy those interactions and being able to help out wherever needed. As a lifelong learner, I believe I can learn as much from the new generation of talent as they can from my 23 years of experience.
Where I’ve been
Fargo Design Ltd – Business Manager/Creative Director
August 2014 – Present
Fargo Design is a subsidiary of the manufacturing company Fargo International, who supply into some of New Zealand’s largest retailers The Warehouse, Briscoes, Mitre10, Repco
Brands: Autohaus Car Care Products, Xcell, Radtech, Mitre10, AA Motoring, The Warehouse, Briscoes, Payments NZ, Eco Bed Protection, The Ponsonby Manor
- Management of day to day operations, including design output, client/account managing, quoting and invoicing, pitching and presenting, organising contractors and freelancers, print management
- Design of all branding and packaging, print media, signage, photography, website building in WordPress, TVC filming and editing – including voice talent.
The Brand Agency – Studio Manager - Contract
April 2014 – August 2014
Brands: Bunnings, Auckland Zoo
- Maintained work flow for a studio of 5 designers, assisting with creative and design when required.
- Managed a portfolio of client accounts
- Oversaw external vendor relationships such as printers, IT & other contractors
- Financial administration, quoting and invoicing.
Designpunk Ltd – Owner/Creative Director
September 2013 – August 2014
Brands: Autohaus Car Care Products, Xcell, Radtech, Aspire Property Management, Icing Makes the Cake, APN Real Estate Advertising
- Management of day to day operations, including design output, client/account managing, quoting and invoicing, pitching and presenting, organising contractors and freelancers, print management
- Design of all branding and packaging, print media, signage, photography, website building in Muse.
Jag Creative/GardyneHOLT – Senior Designer
March 2010 – September 2013
Jag Creative merged with Gardyneholt in early 2011.
Brands: Selaks Wines, Rakon, Ecolife Lighting, Skinny, Paint Plus, Ferrari NZ, Invacare NZ & AUS, NZ Thoroughbred, Moana Skincare
- Branding and packaging
- Bi-monthly and quarterly print collateral including NZ Ferrari Owners Club magazine, and Invacare newsletter
- Website skin design
- Direct marketing.
Leading Edge Communications – Brand designer/Art Director
June 2007 – March 2010
Fargo Design is a subsidiary of the manufacturing company Fargo International, who supply into some of New Zealand’s largest retailers The Warehouse, Briscoes, Mitre10, Repco
Brands: Autohaus Car Care Products, Xcell, Radtech, Mitre10, AA Motoring, The Warehouse, Briscoes, Payments NZ, Eco Bed Protection, The Ponsonby Manor
- Management of day to day operations, including design output, client/account managing, quoting and invoicing, pitching and presenting, organising contractors and freelancers, print management
- Design of all branding and packaging, print media, signage, photography, website building in WordPress, TVC filming and editing – including voice talent.
Creative Juice – Intermediate/Senior Designer
June 2002 – June 2007
Brands: Vodafone New Zealand, Vodafone Australia, Placemakers, Tip Top, Westpac, Matua Wines – Fosters Group, Jacobson’s Flooring. Colour Plus.
- Below the line advertising, packaging, brand development and roll out, printed publications
- Prepress honcho, Photoshop guru, 3D package/dieline dude
- Rebranding of Vodafone Australia and New Zealand
- Rebranding of Matua Valley Wines (Fosters Group) and its associated campaign
- Advertising campaigns, branding and packaging.
But wait! There’s more…
Everything from magazines, advertising, booklets and newsletters to annual reports, promotional materials and stationery.
