WORK EXPERIENCE
Junior Graphic Designer - GDJ ADVERTISING
Melbourne, Australia
April 2018 - Present
Working with a busy advertising agency for a almost two years has improved my abilities greatly within graphic,
digital and motion design.
Studio Production
Working with Brand Style Guides and Visual Identities I am tasked with the production of press and digital ads.
Press ads for newspapers, magazines and brochures require a keen eye for detail and the ability to stick to
guidelines supplied by the clients and creative directors in my agency. Digital ads are under strict file size rules
which must be adhered to along with text percentage rules for certain social media outlets. Ensuring all ads and
designs pass these guidelines is essential and require an attention to detail as well as an ability to take direction.
Motion Design
Working closely with the Lead Motion Designer to create animations and motion graphics which can be used
on billboards, advertising boards at shopping centres or dealerships, and online platforms. Large projects
are undertaken which need to be rolled out with several different versions and sizes as well as differing
specifications based on the output.
Collaboration and Communication
Working in a team of 40+ co-workers split up into certain departments makes communication key in ensuring
quality work is produced on a consistent basis. Whether it’s discussing creative solutions with the studio and
creative departments or seeking clarification on briefs from the Account Managers who then liaise with the clients
directly.
Strict Deadlines
Managing work for press production and printer deadlines is of the utmost importance to guarantee that our
adverts reach the intended audience at the correct time and manner. Whether the deadline is a week away or 20
minutes away, a final product is expected with the high standards set within the agency.
Working with an experienced team and agency has been an eye opening experience into the fast paced and
detail orientated workload that is expected from high profile clients.
Junior Graphic Designer - GRANDSON DESIGN STUDIO
Dundalk, Ireland
August - November 2017
Completing a three month internship at a design studio in Ireland enabled me to learn a huge amount about the
design industry and how a design team works together to deliver end product.
Client Communication
I was fully involved with client meetings during my time at Grandson. Whether it was a first time meeting to assess
the clients needs and expectations or a check in to share ideas and ensure the correct route is being taken.
Client communication was conducted in person, over the phone and via email.
Presentational Skills
Presenting ideas and final designs was a large part of the process. I learnt how important a high presentation
standard is and how to really impress the client exceed their expectations.
Creative Thinking
Along with the design process itself, many of our jobs required other creative tasks such as naming companies
and undertaking thorough research of the subject matter and drawing ideas from there. Sharing our ideas and
drawing inspiration from each others findings was a highlight of mine and something I relished.
Teamwork
Working closely with the two senior designers was an invaluable experience. I was fully involved with all projects
and encouraged to express any ideas or creative inputs I had. Sharing ideas with fellow designers, accepting
tasks given to me and being part of the team effort was ever present throughout my time with Grandson.
The Design Process
Expanding on everything I had learnt in college, the design process was an integral and ever present aspect of
my internship. Encouraging creative thinking, brainstorming, development of ideas and teamwork helped me
provide creative solutions for our projects.
Being part of a busy, high pressure design studio was an invaluable learning experience and one that has
contributed massively to my ability as a designer. Working with the senior designers and being apart of all
aspects of the creative process was an eye opener and the first hand experience from initial idea to final product
is something I believe to be vital in my progression as a designer.
DIGITAL DESIGNER & BUSINESS NETWORKER - ONE OF MY PALS
Aberdeen, Scotland
April - August 2017
Gaining my first job in the design industry, whilst finishing my college diploma was a great step in the right
direction for my career. Digital design was my main responsibility but a huge part of the job was client
communication and networking.
Time Management
Ensuring I managed my time effectively was of extreme importance as I couldn’t fall behind on my college work
and had to meet deadlines for clients at work.
Networking
A major aspect of the job was to attend networking events with the Creative Director and Manager. Client
relationships were of the utmost importance at OOMP and we regularly attended networking events to keep
client relationships strong as well as grow the business. Along with this, we also hosted several events with guest
speakers for over 50 business owners and gave local businesses the chance to network and further there own
ventures.
Digital Imaging
Producing graphics for clients mainly consisted of branding then applying that brand to all social media platforms.
Care was taken to guarantee images were the correct dimensions, file type and provided at the highest quality for
the various social media platforms. This included the basic workings of Wordpress and how CMS platforms perform.
The business and networking experience gained at One of my Pals has been invaluable to my professional
approach to design. Learning how to interact, work with and look after clients is a trait I have acquired from this
job and my internship.
EDUCATION
VISUAL COMMUNICATION - NORTH EAST SCOTLAND COLLEGE
Aberdeen, Scotland
August 2015 - May 2017
My college course was ideal for teaching me about graphic design, illustration, new media, digital design and
visual information. The course and my tutors helped expand my skills of creativity, creative thinking, critical
analysis, and planning and reflection skills. The qualification demanded a high level of self-management and
responsibility.
The topics covered in the two year course included Digital Imaging, Typography, 2D Computer Animation,
Experimental Illustration in relation to Graphic Design, Sustainable Design and Social Media Design.