Stephen Weeks Email & Phone Number

Buckingham Palace

Digital Communications

London, England, United Kingdom

Buckingham Palace

In December, I was contacted by Buckingham Palace with an invitation to undertake the task of rebranding the King’s social media channels to better reflect His Majesty and family.As the only designer at Buckingham Palace, experience includes: Social media: I’ve created 23 static templates including carousels, IG stories, quote cards and social banners. Also, I led on the delivery of the first ever Emoji for a Coronation working with Twitter with the delivery of the project. Motion: I've completed 5 animation projects showcasing the processions map, Royal timeline of Monarchs, emblem reveal, and a weekly wrap up video. Events: I’ve created background graphics and home pages for Twitter events page, YouTube Livestream, and Google TV with content that showcase the Coronation. Brand guidelines: I've delivered the royal household social media brand guidelines and the Coronation brand guidelines for the Palace including typography typesetting, colour usage and hierarchy of assets. Leadership: I personally created a resource network of content producers and videographers to deliver projects at Buckingham Palace and to give government colleagues across the network to experience and develop their skills and increase content resource with a second secondment programme. Video: Videography and production over the Coronation weekend, I was on top of Buckingham Palace filming the fly over, the forecourt capturing the carriages departing, filming the return of His Majesty going down the Mall and filming of the concert at Windsor Castle. I then edited and distributed the final project for the Palace using the latest software like AE and Premiere Pro.My work on the branding has been well-received by the media, with positive coverage on various aspects of the project, including the creation of the first ever Coronation Emoji.

London, England, United Kingdom

While I was at the Home Office, I was working on the departments and Home Secretary’s social media designing for:Motion: I’ve designed and created over 50 animations for key announcements across multiple social media channels. Campaigns including but not limited to Police recruitment, immigration, domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, Ukraine Home Settlement Scheme, victims of terrorism, myth busting graphics, visa application centre openings, Ukraine update lockup, breaking news, and borders bill.Social media: I’ve designed a range of static graphics completing 40 projects and delivering over 200 assets for multiple channels ranging from quote graphics, carousel designs, infographics, sign up posts, end plates and logos.

Westminster

While in my role as a key designer within the comms and marketing department for DIT I’ve designed for:Motion graphics: I’ve designed and created templates for over 100 motion graphics designs for social media channels including DIT first designs with 5into1 LinkedIn asset, Twitter/Instagram carousels, infographics and YouTube thumbnails.Social media: Including motion graphics I’ve also created multiple static designs from initial ideas to completion. Lead a rebrand of the department's social media channels to modernise and to increase engagement.Print design: I've designed multiple print templates including brochures, leaflets, and packaging for GREAT, DIT, DEFRA, Board of Trade, DSO and HMG.Events: Designing assets and content for various events across multiple brands. Delivered brand animations and templates for agencies at COP26 and the GREAT Branded UK Pavilion.Out of Home (OOH) Adverts: I have designed over 20 OOH graphics. Some being produced and installed around the world including Times Square.Illustration: I've illustrated multiple campaign scamps to be used for CGI artists as proof of concept. Also, illustrating assets for use for video and social media.Finance: I manage the finances of the comms and marketing team with a budget of £1.5m within the comms and marketing department for DIT.Leadership: I’ve taught Typography lessons to the international design network to develop and upskill designers around the globe. On top of this I’ve developed multiple templates for posts to use to promote the UK’s interests abroad.Technical skills include: Full Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and After Effects, motion graphics, management, social media design, out of home advertising, Illustration, project management, Canva, print design, Microsoft 365 and finance responsibilities.Awards: I was also awarded the Permanent Secretary award for my contribution towards the department’s objectives.

Shepperton, Surrey, United Kingdom

While working for CYP I worked and led on more than 1,000 creative briefs ranging from:UI/Web GUI: I've designed the UI for an app used to control AV media in homes and businesses. Directing the development team with the implementation of the designs.Web design: Designed the constructs of the website CYP and the sister company Lektropaks. I also organised quotes and discussed budgets with senior stakeholders.Advertising: I've designed 100's of assets for advertising across a wide range of media including emails, magazines, event brochures, leaflets and social media channels.Exhibition designs: Every year CYP attends an AV event called Integrated Systems Europe. I've designed the event stand including all the motion graphics for the digital screens. I also build a product with all its components on clear string to be displayed within the stand display.Creative Direction: Directing photo shoots for magazines and social media assets.Motion graphics: I've designed learning videos, social media assets and various product adverts. For this role, I had to also organise the scheduling of social media posts, email distribution, magazine spaces and the design collateral for CYP Europe and affiliated brands. Also, in conjunction with this, I liaised with an external PR company delivering copy for creative projects.

Manchester, United Kingdom

While at Polkadot, I had to deal with general day to day administration tasks, which include building rapport with clients, answering sales enquiries, organising the delivery of goods, etc. I had to generate and create sales leads and offer the best possible solution. Also, while working for Polkadot I had had to support the printing team by operating the printing presses or helping with finishing.

London, United Kingdom

Pitching and Presenting: Successfully pitched and presented fast-turnaround, high-pressure projects, delivering graphics quickly and efficiently.Project Variety: Worked on a diverse range of projects, including magazines, brochures, leaflets, and business stationery.Client Proposal Management: Managed client proposals from typesetting to design, print, and production, ensuring smooth execution and timely delivery.Meeting Coordination: Set up meetings with clients and effectively managed deadlines to maintain a streamlined workflow.Digital Printing and Finishing: managed the digital printing and finishing tasks when required, contributing to the smooth operation of the production process.Sales Enquiry Support: Assisted with sales enquiries in the absence of the manager, showcasing a versatile skill set and a willingness to contribute to various aspects of the business.Clients included:MedidataKraft HeinzMindCoca-ColaLavazza CoffeeEJ Gallo WineryAxwayGuildford LandscapeThe Laser Clinic GroupPlus many more.

East Sheen

Printing Expertise: Acquired in-depth knowledge of the printing process during employment at Yellow, demonstrating proficiency in designing and setting up artwork for print.Adobe Software Skills: Utilised industry-standard software such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop to create and prepare artwork for printing.Project Management: Successfully managed, produced, and designed projects, ensuring adherence to client briefs, and maintaining high-quality standards throughout the production process.Print Studio Management: Assumed responsibility for running and managing the print studio every Saturday, showcasing organisational and leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.

Covent Garden

I worked as a Christmas temp as a fashion stylist at the flagship store in Covent Garden. I had to provide expert product knowledge, styling to customers, and building a rapport and maintaining familiarity with the brand. I was tasked to actively sell products to ensure growth in sales and conversion in-store.

London, United Kingdom

Leadership in Design: Held the position of Lead Graphic Designer for the sub-brand of the University, overseeing the design process for various materials such as posters, brochures, web assets, merchandise, and branding.Layout Design Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in creating visually appealing and impactful layouts for different mediums, ensuring effective communication of key messages.Event Organisation Support: Assisted in organising events and provided support to the promotion team, contributing to the successful execution of promotional activities.Multifaceted Design Skills: Exhibited versatility by working across various design disciplines, including print and digital media, to meet the diverse needs of the sub-brand.

Bachelor’S Degree, Graphic Communications

Foundation Degree, Art And Design, Distinction

Activities and Societies: Final major project was Graphic design based. Also after finished I had gained Graphic designer of the year.

A Levels, Art And Design, Distinction

Activities and Societies: Graphic design/Fine art Art and Design