I started out in 1997 straight out of Design College with a position within the studio of Service Graphics, who at the time were one of the largest and most successful companies for display and exhibition print production. During my time here, my primary responsibility was in creating production ready artworks. Quality was a cornerstone of the business, so attention to detail and ability to understand where some problems arise, and how to solve them quickly became standard practice, elements which have remained with me to this day. Designing and creating artworks that are accurate to the clients brand was essential, so learned a great deal here about the importance of consistency.Alongside the studio, I was also always keen to work in the other departments, often running the print room on night shifts, helping in production and attending installs - which in turn gave me a good appreciation of what happens after the file has been sent from the studio. I feel this is something that has stuck with me throughout my career now, always having one eye on the output. Over the following years through employment and self-employment, I gained further valuable experience in the studio with years spent working at large format printers, small format printers and design studios, refining and honing in my design skills.In 2006, I joined a design agency in Andover, Thomas Winter Associates, where I gained experience in running a studio. I would typically get involved with projects of all types, from logo design, through to web design and exhibition design. I think it was around here my love for identity and logos started developing further.After this I decided it was time to try self-employment again, and went ahead and set up Creativemint. This was a fantastic experience for me, where I got to expand my skills further and grow a client base. An opportunity arose in 2014 to join Anton Visual, a print production company in Andover. At the time, the business was transforming to a new market that had been steadily growing for the business, which was office interior design and install - and alongside that, signage and bespoke graphics. We took pride in approaching all projects solutions focussed, often creating bespoke solutions to our clients. This job was varied and exciting - it was a pleasure to be part of the team, creating unique and bespoke solutions for clients.And then Covid hit. Unfortunately, it took its toll on the business, and like so many businesses, redundancies had to be made. Which is where my freelance story starts!