Back soon!

I'm currently taking a sabbatical until January 2023 and won't be responding to messages while I'm away.

If you're interesting in working with me in the new year, please drop me an email and I'll get back to you when I return.

Cheers,
Mike

Curriculum Vitae: Mike Smith

Graphic Designer & Front End Developer

  • hello@mikesmithdesign.co.uk
  • +44 (0)7539 320308
  • Egham, Surrey

Personal Profile

I am a self driven and committed graphic designer with years of experience in a number of different design fields, both as a freelancer and at agency level. I graduated Arts University Bournemouth in July 2015 with a First-class honours degree in Graphic Design. I am currently working as a freelance designer having just left an agency role of 3 years with Sears Davies. My primary strengths are in web design and development but I also have extensive experience in branding and identity, editorial design, art direction, typography, and illustration.

Outside of work I’m a Spurs fan, a bit of a foodie and a lover of tattoo art. I have a keen interest in music, having played in bands from a young age. I now DJ and produce music as well designing t-shirts, poster prints and wall art.

Freelance Roles

Jul 2012 - Present
Various, UK

Mike Smith Design

Graphic Designer & Developer

Jul 2012 - Present
Various, UK

Throughout university & my professional career I have managed my own freelance design business. I have maintained well over 100 client relationships & developed working partnerships with organisations such as Panasonic and Bournemouth University. My early expertise was in branding & identity design but as my career has progressed this has gradually shifted to specialism in digital design, specifically in web design and development

Key Responsibilities:

  • Producing a range of print based media including corporate identities, stationery, books, brochures, flyers and packaging
  • Developing digital content including websites, email campaigns, social media artwork, videos and animations
  • Networking with potential clients to develop new business opportunities
  • Consulting and advising clients on the best approach to their branding and online presence
  • Maintaining client relationships through regular checkups, maintenance and brand progression
  • Managing all accounts, costings and budgeting
May 2021 - Jul 2021
Remote

Cygnus

Web Developer

May 2021 - Jul 2021
Remote

6 week fixed term contract working with multi award-winning agency Cygnus. I was part of the digital team, primarily working on the development of the new Bletchley Park website in an agile environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leading the development of the new Bletchley Park website
  • Defining the project scope and timeline through user stories, sprints and epics via Jira
  • Participating in and leading team meetings relating to the project
  • Engaging with twice daily stand-ups to provide status updates, flag issues and provide technical support on other ongoing projects
Mar 2021 - Apr 2021
London, UK

Many Makers

Digital Designer

Mar 2021 - Apr 2021
London, UK

4 week hybrid working placement with London-based video and branding agency Many Makers. In this particular role I was the design lead for the refresh of Pfizer’s new oncology hub.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Designing web pages for Pfizer’s new oncology hub
  • Adapting existing design and assets produced by previous agencies
  • Leading client meetings and design reviews
  • Producing other digital assets such as HTML banner ads
Nov 2019 - Jan 2020
London, UK

Little Black Book

Designer

Nov 2019 - Jan 2020
London, UK

Over a 2 month period I provided in-house design support on numerous occasions to Soho-based advertising publication Little Black Book. I worked with various team members including the managing director on a wide range of projects.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Designing and building new web pages to promote new offerings
  • Designing a number of white paper documents written in-house, including both the typesetting and the production of various supporting assets such as charts and graphs
  • Refreshing the design of the existing site pages including news listings, member profiles and product pages
  • Designing new pitch decks from scratch
  • Producing a series of downloadable assets to assist LBB members with using various services
Nov 2018 - Dec 2018
London, UK

McDonald Butler

Digital Designer

Nov 2018 - Dec 2018
London, UK

London-based marketing agency specialising in the technology. I provided ongoing design services over a 6 week period, supporting various team members across multiple accounts.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Producing digital assets including landing pages and HTML emails
  • Designing and amending corporate presentations in multiple languages
  • Creating infographics

Permanent Roles

Aug 2015 - Sep 2018
London, UK

Sears Davies

Digital Designer

Aug 2015 - Sep 2018
London, UK

A London based agency with clients including Manchester United Football Club, Aviva and Barclays. I worked as part of a close knit team of designers, dealing primarily in front end web design. I was responsible for the design, build and delivery of web projects as well as assisting with branding and print design. During my time at Sears Davies, I was involved in a number of professionally recognised and award winning projects.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Designing, building and delivering responsive, scalable web-based interfaces
  • Producing costings and budgets for web projects
  • Providing support and training to clients on the administration and maintenance of their websites
  • Designing, building and delivering HTML email campaigns
  • Providing information and support on all digital queries to colleagues and clients
  • Supporting business directors with my digital expertise during client meetings
  • Preparing and retouching images for a variety of applications
  • Server and domain administration including DNS setup and database configuration
  • Designing corporate identities, stationery, literature and signage
May 2015 - Aug 2015
Bournemouth, UK

VoIP Unlimited

In-House Designer

May 2015 - Aug 2015
Bournemouth, UK

During my time at market leading telecommunications company, VoIP Unlimited, my role was in-house designer. Working closely with web developers and marketing executives I produced content for a number of tasks ranging from redesigning business cards to cutting edge web applications.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Producing brand guidelines for the company
  • Designing user interfaces for both web and software applications
  • Producing imagery and content for email marketing campaigns
  • Creating illustrations, iconography and animations for use on the customer facing website

Skills & Expertise

Technical Skills

Technical Skills

  • Proficient in Web/UI design using the Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch and prototyping tools such as InVision
  • Accomplished in front-end development using HTML5, CSS3, Javascript (ES5 and ES6) and jQuery
  • Adept in front end development workflows, most notably CSS preprocessors such as SASS
  • Skilled in web-based animation using jQuery and native CSS animations
  • Experience of building web-based applications using React.js
  • Thorough understanding of code standards, compliance for accessibility and device profiles
  • Extensive experience with Module Bundlers and Task Runners such as NPM and Webpack via the command line
  • Proven track record developing complex content managed websites using Expression Engine and WordPress
  • Working knowledge of other web-based programming languages, systems and frameworks for instance SQL, PHP, Git
  • Experience working with domain, server and database administration in a LAMP environment using platforms such as Plesk, cPanel and phpMyAdmin
  • Competent at creating and editing video content for the web with After Effects and Premiere
  • Good understanding of SEO best practice
  • Strong grasp of 3D modelling and photorealistic rendering

Design Expertise

Design Expertise

  • Extensive experience working independently as a freelance designer
  • Proven ability to multi-task efficiently in a high-pressure studio environment, deliver results and meet deadlines
  • Up to date knowledge of best practice and design trends on the web
  • Highly experienced in information architecture, UI and UX design
  • Adept at producing realistic project timelines and budgets
  • Skilled in identity design including name generation, logo design and typographic treatment
  • Capable of complex problem solving via hands-on development
  • People person with the ability to confidently partake and direct client meetings either in person or via telephone/video call

Education

Sept 2012 - May 2015
Bournemouth, UK

Arts University Bournemouth

BA (Hons) - Graphic Design (1st Class)

Sept 2012 - May 2015
Bournemouth, UK

A diverse course encouraging professional design thinking & practices. I worked on a wide array of projects ranging from typography to 3d design both independently & as part of a team.

Key learning points:

  • Looking to alternative fields such as product design or music for inspiration
  • Learning the value of critical review and peer assessment
  • Appreciation for the theoretical and academic side of design as well as the importance of design history
  • Importance of time management and setting personal goals
  • The ability to research, analyse and communicate through critical writing and speaking
Sept 2011 - Jun 2012
Maidstone, UK

University for the Creative Arts

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Sept 2011 - Jun 2012
Maidstone, UK

A one year course exploring a range of creative subjects. This allowed me the time & creative inspiration to decide which areas of art and design to pursue further as well as gain insight from professional designers, artists and researchers.

Key learning points:

  • Invaluable experience working in multiple areas of art & design including fashion, photography, illustration & fine art
  • Ability to specialise & direct my own learning through research & review
  • Experience in preparing a cohesive body of work both for examination & exhibition
Sept 2004 - May 2011
Maidstone, UK

Oakwood Park Grammar School

Various Qualifications

Sept 2004 - May 2011
Maidstone, UK

11 GCSEs graded A* – C including Maths and English

3 A levels graded ABB:

  • Media Studies – A
  • English Literature – B
  • Graphic Design – B

Let’s Chat

I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to work with me.

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