Freelance Design and Production Management

Download my credentials PDF (13.5 MB) to see more examples of my work.

Get in touch to discuss how I can help you to move your communications projects in the right direction with design, artworking, or project management.

The STUFF pages explain a bit about what I can do, stuff like helping to develop and implement brand guidelines or project-managing major communications initiatives such as the Shelter re-brand. Get in touch to find out more, read my comments to get a bit of background.

Freelance skills for hire

I have a wide range of skills and experience to help make your communications project successful. Particular strengths include ensuring coherent integration of work across channels, and cost-effective procurement. I have extensive work experience within the voluntary sector and a wide network of contacts.

Types of project

Project management work includes creation of websites, multi media, email campaigns, brochures, annual reports, mail shots, branding, exhibition work, campaigns and fundraising.

Project management

I can bring project teams together to ensure that effective communications work is delivered to budget and timescale. I've worked across a variety of disciplines, I am able to be pragmatic, diplomatic and flexible in ensuring that work gets done to high standards.

I am particularly experienced in delivering communications projects for large charities (both digital and print), however the skills are fundamental and transplant to other contexts.

Design and Artworking

I provide design concepts for both online and printed work. I artwork to professional standards using Adobe CS4 InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, delivering final artwork for print, and PS files for online applications.

Copy writing and editing

Where appropriate I contribute to the development of copy, ensuring the right words and tone of voice or helping to create areas of content. I am accustomed to working closely with writers and editors and I understand the requirements for SEO and taxonomy. I have specialist contacts for working with words including copy writing, editing, indexing, SEO and proof reading.

Workflow

I am an experienced production manager. I have been involved in the development and improvement of publishing workflow systems in several organisations.

Branding

I've been involved in developing new brands for a variety of clients. I also have experience with brand implementation and brand management. I understand the need for staff within organisations to own the brand, and have been involved in working to break down the barriers to this.

Strategy and creativity

I bring a fresh and creative approach to communications work, finding ways to bring new ideas to the table and contributing to the development of effective strategy by questioning the brief, the resources available and the assumptions about what is required.

I've got a reputation for helping to bring teams together to produce high quality and effective work, and I can usually lob in a few quirky suggestions for design, content and process, which liven up debate and help ensure that the final product engages and delights the audience it is aimed at.

Design Manager at Forster

As Design Manager at Forster I project managed work for clients such as Vodafone, Department of Health and the Home Office.

Design manager at Shelter

I project managed the implementation of Shelter's award winning re-brand with design from Johnson Banks. Leading the process included developing the design scheme for application to all products – online and offline; internal sell-in to staff; new signage for Shelter premises; creation of MS Word templates for document production systems and launch of a national political campaign.

Michael Johnson commented that he was impressed with the way that the design integrity was preserved by the work of my in-house team.

‘

Richard was one of five Design and Production Managers in my division until very recently. He is, already, a much missed member of the team. – Well liked by clients, suppliers and colleagues alike, Richard is a superb designer and delivered a wide range of print and multimedia projects during his time at Christian Aid. Work which was consistently delivered on time, to budget, and to a high standard.

Last summer when a major external supplier let us down, it was Richard who stepped up the plate to rescue the project. Working extremely long hours and managing a disparate group of freelance contractors / set builders, Richard delivered all of the materials and sets required for a key event in the Christian Aid calendar.

If you're looking for a senior designer able to operate independently and manage projects from beginning to end, then Richard is definitely worth talking to. As such, I have no hesitation in recommending him here.…

’

Steven Buckley Head of Communications and Brand at Christian Aid

‘

...she was phoning to say that she had received the e-newsletter and thought it looked fantastic, so wanted to congratulate us on a good job. I also sent her a preview of the first How To guide as she was closely involved and she thought that looked great too. Always nice to hear positive feedback!.…

’

Emma, internal client at Forster, passing on feedback from the Department of Health about my work