My Story as a Web Designer in Cardiff
Just to let you know a little about my design background, I have listed a few of my achievements...
Ebay | Ecommerce Web Sites
First computer business started online when I was 16, I would simply search online for closing down sports shops and buy wholesale. I would then split up the products into individual items and resell them online. I learnt a lot about business and the power of the internet. The money paid for my first car, insurance and laptop.
First Website Design
Learning the basics of html and css, with the intention of creating a website for my local sports team in my spare time. I found myself enjoying the challenge of creating an online presence through both the design and understanding basic coding. Constant modifications and updates encouraged me to per sue the online design route.
Brunel University Graduate
I was accepted to one of the UK’s top design courses, Brunel is world renowned for producing some great designers. I graduated from Brunel University and had learnt a range of different design skills.
Highly Ranked and at the time of studying at the University:
2nd in 'Art & Design' - The Guardian University Guide
Published Design Book
My design work was chosen to feature in a worldwide published book.
'Thinking out loud : Designing for a positive future" (ISBN 9781906506056)
Design Show Islington
Design featured for an event in Business Design Centre in London, receiving interest from industry experts. The Show was 3 days long.
Dragons Den
I entered a 'University Dragons Den' competition - the dragons were made up of established business owners and entrepreneurs from London. The competition was open to 8 Universities. Having passed the written entry I was selected as a finalist.
I pitched my idea to the panel of dragons with 12 other contestants. I came 2nd place overall and had interest from potential investors.
European Web Production Intern
Based in Pinewood studios, supporting the Avid web properties, including avid.com and the 13 international country sites. I assisted with current site updates and helped with the redesign and relaunch of the Avid sites worldwide.
Web Design relaunch in Boston, USA
Whilst working for Avid, I was the first ever intern to be selected to be flown out to Avid HQ in Boston USA. The reasons for my visit was to help meet a tight deadline for a relaunch of their new website. The whole project was estimated to be worth $500,000. I enjoyed working with other members of the international team and learnt a lot about different cultures and handling a large scale web design project.
Online Venture
In the current economic climate I understood the importance of having business experience, this leading to me concentrating on a full time online shop business venture. I learnt a great deal from the experience such as accounting, cash flow, marketing and all the other areas associated with setting up your own business. I secured an investor and slowly build up my own brand, I attended government training schemes and created a business plan. Despite the business not being as successful as I hoped - the experience has been invaluable.
Self Employed Freelance Web Designer
At this stage I noticed I was starting to slowly build up a client database with website designs, and focussed my attention on designing websites - as it was my passion.
Web Design Clients
Built up my own client database including estate agents, opticians, sports teams, charities, small businesses and online shops in Cardiff and surrounding areas.
Subcontract from Printing Company
Subcontract design work for an established printing company based in Cardiff. This enabled me to understand exactly how to design for print, what to avoid and what the printer needs.
Find out more about subcontract Design work for Cardiff Printing companies
Subcontract from Web Design Agencies
Secured various web design agency subcontract work in Cardiff, and Cardiff Bay, this would include one-off projects and day bookings.
Find out more about subcontract web design work for web design agencies in Cardiff
Celebrity Website
I was brought in to help on a project for a high profile celebrity. The website involves various specific functionalities
Financial Times Event
As a designer I was selected to work with FT members as part of the FT Live event held in Celtic Manor.
Working with Established Organisations
I have worked with a number of government funded and various organisations including Cardiff University and Newport County Council for various design projects.
TV commercial project
A project working with a well known brand that required website structures suitable for a film shoot
Charity Website Success
A project that lead to a huge promotion, resulting in
a girl finding a rare bone marrow donor. Just a name a few achievements
- Charity asked to House of Commons
- Huge sports stars involved including Gareth Bale, numerous international rugby players, comedians and actors
- In Wales, between 12 June and 23 June, a 2,580% increase in online registrations. In terms of web visits, a 1,530% increase compared to the same period last year
- In Cardiff between 12 June and 23 June, a 2,600% increase in online registrations. In terms of web visits in Cardiff, a 2,250% increase compared to the same period last year
- In the UK, between 12 June and 23 June, a 170% in online registrations compared to last year
- Website reached 143 countries
International Web Projects
Worked with a client based in France
NHS Supplier
Selected to provide a web solution for an NHS project
The Design Studio
Privately owned office in order to enhance the user experience and design process of the business
I am continually looking for more web design, graphic design and search engine optmisation projects to get involved with
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us
