Teacher of Art and Graphic Communication

• Aug 2022 - Present

Graphic Designer

• Sep 2000 - Present

Experience in a freelance role working on a variety of projects for a number of prestigious regional, national and International clients. Web Design and Interactivity • Integrating content managed sites with social networks • Designing fully immersive experiences incorporating video, sound and animation • Developing accessible, responsive, search engine optimised, HTML and CSS sites Video and Animation • Capturing video footage for exhibitions and charities • Editing promotional videos to be engaging, entertaining and informative • Producing moving image sequences optimised for use on the web Print and Promotion • Designed advertisements, tradeshow banners and signage from concept through completion. • Collaborated with vendors to ensure style consistency with other marketing materials. • Developed design deliverables that elevated, differentiated and functioned on-brand and on-strategy. Branding and Identity • Redefining local and global brand identities • Establishing rules and guidelines to follow in house • Producing digital graphics in appropriate file formats Show less

Teacher of ICT and Graphic Communication

• Sep 2018 - Oct 2022

• Developed a learning platform using Microsoft Teams, OneNote, and Office 365 seamlessly ensuring, successful delivery across KS4 Level 2 and KS5 Level 3, lCT and Art & Design: Graphic Communication. • Delivered practical ICT sessions for teachers to improve skills in response to the global pandemic. • Inspired students using Adobe CC, Microsoft Office 365, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript technologies. • Significantly increased student enrolment on Graphic Communication and ICT courses. • Raised 50% of learners A level grades from D to B, with an overall result of 75% gaining A and 25% B. • Pearson recognised outstanding achievement one student in GCE A Level Graphic Communication receiving the highest mark in Spain and two students receiving the highest marks in Europe for IGCSE ICT for May / June 2022 exam series. Show less

Associate Lecturer

• Nov 2016 - Aug 2018

Member of Progression and Widening Participation – delivering student-centred sessions for Young Creatives and The After School Art Club. • Nurtured talent by respecting individuality and adapting teaching methods accordingly. • Encouraged students to develop skills to explore, create and communicate their own ideas. • Collaborated with other team members to deliver studio-focused sessions that include other disciplines. • Fostered a specialist creative community approach. • Delivered practical CPD workshops as part of the UKADIA national conferences for creative teachers. • Researched the current and emerging Art curriculum and how it can integrate with other subjects. • Created effective plans with clear direction of how they could work effectively with other departments. • Tailored workshops in an enthusiastic manner and delivered presentations in the correct tone of voice, • Highlighted the potential successes of cross curricular activities building confidence. • Explained how animation can be used as a framework for curricular needs, encouraging active learning. • Emphasised what learning outcomes might be able to achieve and raise attainment. Show less

Foster Carer

• Nov 2015 - Jul 2018

Ensured that the welfare of the child is paramount Developed safe care plan, health plan and a personal education plan Maintained an environment free from oppression, discrimination and prejudice, encouraging them to develop a positive sense of their own identity Identified aims and objectives of the young person’s care plan and work alongside other professionals in the implementation of this Worked in partnership with other professionals to promote contact between looked after children and their family Show less

Web Development & Communications Officer

• Nov 2013 - Dec 2016

Sole web developer and designer for Leeds based charity, funded by Leeds City Council, prominent in the delivery of services for Adult Social Care. Featured in an article in Yorkshire Evening Post with Cllr Adam Ogilvy representing Adult Social Care for the launch of the new site. • Developed an anonymous job board used throughout Leeds, by Leeds City Council social workers. • Technical and Creative Lead for the Advisory Group, to ensure continual enhancement. • Attended contract meetings to explain design decisions with evidence to the stakeholders. • Worked with internal teams to determine strategy and design for annual marketing campaigns. • Updated computer graphic files using and maintained graphics library records. • Translated discussions into leading on-demand web layout wireframes and compositions. • Edited existing PowerPoint slides to enhance the corporate message delivered across Leeds. • Designed user interface, tools and web pages to meet branding guidelines and web best practices. • Delivered production ready graphics in HTML and CSS for all marketing assets. • Troubleshot page performance issues, SEO code incompatibilities and web imagery problems. Show less

Lecturer

• Dec 2010 - Nov 2015

• Created safe, inclusive environments inspiring students to become more creative and empowered • Recognised achievement of working with Bradford District PRU, maintaining good relationships with pupils displaying moderate to severe learning difficulties alongside social, behavioural and communication difficulties. • Lead on a series of CPD sessions demonstrating advanced Moodle features to develop staff knowledge. • Developed courses in line with the curriculum requirements using Moodle and Google Classroom. • Organised the curriculum to ensure the cohesive delivery of creative, technical and research-based units. • Developed resources giving students of all abilities the opportunity to make decisions on how they learn • Influenced how other staff members teach, making learning accessible, understandable and achievable. • Trained students on graphic / web design programmes included in Adobe Creative Cloud. • Fostered students’ commitment to lifelong learning by connecting course materials to broader themes and current events. • Coached students on public speaking and presentation skills. Pointed students to relevant information about academic and personal support services available. Show less

Visiting Lecturer

• Sep 2014 - Jul 2015

Delivering Level 2 BTEC Creative and Media Production Classroom management. Planning, preparing and delivering lessons Marking and providing appropriate feedback Attending and contributing to training sessions Delivering Level 2 BTEC Creative and Media Production Classroom management. Planning, preparing and delivering lessons Marking and providing appropriate feedback Attending and contributing to training sessions

Freelance Marketing Communications Manager

• Jan 2009 - Jan 2011

Developed an online communication tool bringing members of the community together using a social media approach, reduced printing costs and increased regional awareness of the charity Charity organisation promoting events held to prevent the closure of the park Liaising with trustees and park management whilst dealing with stakeholders and sponsors Responsible for the conception and production of a vast array of promotional media Developed an online communication tool bringing members of the community together using a social media approach, reduced printing costs and increased regional awareness of the charity Charity organisation promoting events held to prevent the closure of the park Liaising with trustees and park management whilst dealing with stakeholders and sponsors Responsible for the conception and production of a vast array of promotional media

Lecturer

• Sep 2009 - Jun 2010

Achieved 100% OCR Nationals Level 2 ICTPass rate plus 33% received Merit also a similar BTEC success with Merit learners reaching 90% Organising the curriculum to ensure cohesive delivery of a mixture of creative, technical and research-based units Incorporating marketing strategy techniques focusing on target audience demographics and psychographics using the Young and Rubicam 4Cs model Analysing media texts including semiotics, denotation, connotation and the deciphering of codes for greater understanding and communication Show less

Teacher of ICT

• Sep 2008 - Aug 2009

Raised 30% of learners Advanced level grades from D to B, with an overall class result of 60% gaining grades A and B • Incorporated strategic planning to curriculum development ensuring, successful, seamless delivery of OCR GCE Applied ICT and Level 2 OCR Nationals. • Structured the segments of each unit in a manner that pupils were able to develop their skills. • Taught HTML, CSS and image file formats. • Designed and developed high quality resources for e-Safety, awarded Outstanding by Ofsted • Trained students on programmes such as Adobe CC and Microsoft Office. • Guided students in using technology to support educational research. Show less

Graphic Designer

• Nov 2006 - Aug 2007

• Translated complex concepts and data into compelling visuals for media outreach. • Designed new on-brand visual elements to effectively convey concepts and messaging. • Maintained consistent use of graphic imagery in materials and other marketing outreach. • Generated computer graphics and page-layout software, graphic elements and photography. • Formatted text and graphics for blog posts, newsletters and other materials. • Translated complex concepts and data into compelling visuals for media outreach. • Designed new on-brand visual elements to effectively convey concepts and messaging. • Maintained consistent use of graphic imagery in materials and other marketing outreach. • Generated computer graphics and page-layout software, graphic elements and photography. • Formatted text and graphics for blog posts, newsletters and other materials.

Stylist / Assessor

• Mar 1993 - Aug 2002

• Cleaned, maintained and sterilised tools ensuring the salon and equipment are safe. • Cut, coloured and styled clients’ hair with precision and expertise delivering an outstanding experience • Established a strong relationship with a loyal client base to generate long term business. • Resolved complaints in a timely, efficient manner. • Trained salon staff in traditional and innovative haircutting techniques and salon management. • Provided assistance to colleagues especially in colour correction and techniques. • Trained junior stylists various aspects of hairdressing adhering to NVQ standards. Show less

Stylist Assistant

• Jan 1990 - Dec 1991

Ensured effective running of salon with clear client focus and essential presentation Ensured effective running of salon with clear client focus and essential presentation