To understand why I’m doing what I’m doing, you need to know a bit more about me and the way I work.

Of course, I didn’t choose to become a designer just for the cash. Although the promise of a decent salary was a bloody good motivator, given I was single parent to a 2-year-old when I went back into further, and then higher education.

London is our creative capital, home to some of the top agencies in the world. So, by design it’s where I headed to study, and then work.

I graduated with honours and two job offers, one from the much-coveted Designers Republic, the epitome of cool. Which I (sadly) had to turn down, because by this time my daughter was settled into school in South London. So, a move to Sheffield was off the table for me.

I started work straight away, losing my branding virginity at the legendary Coley Porter Bell in London, where I cut my corporate identity teeth on the British Gas account.

I didn’t fuck about, taking an aggressive approach to scaling the ranks, from Junior Designer to Middleweight, to Senior Designer, then Freelancer, and finally Creative Director & agency owner.

It’s given me the awesome client list you see today. Working with amazing clients and some of the best creative talent in the industry.

These days I work from my home in Devon, but my clients are spread far and wide. I primarily work with clients in Exeter and Devon, London and the South East, and Manchester, with clients as far afield as Singapore.

Getting stuck in to rescue props in a flooded photography studio. London, circa 1997. Yep, that’s me, far right - wtf were those jeans?!

I’ve up skilled along the way like a flippin’ ninja.

Design - I NEVER stop learning. Every day’s a school day. I don’t know it all. I simply do my best.

Strategy - Because design without strategy? Is like a one-night stand. Empty. And meaningless.

Writing - I’m not gonna call it copywriting, because I’m NOT a copywriter. But I’ll sling some words together when it’s needed. Something that’s come in bloody handy for brand strategy. But when it comes to choosing a copywriter? Rest assured; I always choose the right pro for the job in hand.

Project Management - an essential skill for large branding projects with many moving parts.

Digital media…web, socials & digital advertising.

Print Buying & Print Management - I love a bit of print. Yes people, print IS still a thing. And I do love to design a brochure when the opportunity presents itself.

For nearly three decades, I’ve worked my arse off to hone my craft, move with the times, and stay relevant.

Throughout that time, I’ve always remained true to my specialism of brand, learning from some of the best. I’ve continually invested time and money in self-learning and development. Time that’s been very well spent, because when I strategise a brand, the creative I produce fits like a glove. It’s all about delivering results for my clients.

And, let me be blunt. What I do makes you money.

Creatives don’t like to talk about this, because we make a living from doing something we love. And we’re not ‘sales’ people. But love doesn’t pay the mortgage, my friend.

When all’s said and done? What we do - Communicating your big idea - (done properly) will make you big bucks. It’s that simple.

And you don’t just get me, there are my awesome creative partners too.

You see, when you come to me you don’t get an ‘agency’, whose team are only as good as they can afford/get. And you don’t just get me, myself, and I. You also get THE best people for your project. Because I hand-pick ‘em - from the relationships I’ve built with the people I love to work with. People I can trust to deliver. No dodgy geezers, no let-downs, no self-professed experts.

Just top-quality creative talent.

From photographers and videographers to copywriters and animators, web developers, seo & ppc specialists, to printers, sign-writers, and a social media legend! (You guys know WHO you are).

I only work with the best.

I don’t need a fancy studio, or a ‘team’ chained to a 9-5. And my clients don’t need to pay for that.

Been there. Done that. Twice, in fact…

I started my first agency in 2002, running it very successfully until the recession took us out like a freaking wrecking ball. I hung on in there until 2012 before bankruptcy ended all hope to continue. A total kick in the tits, which knocked me, and my confidence, sideways. So, I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and went back to freelance from my spare room for a few years, before forming a second agency as a partnership, from which I parted company after 6 years.

Today, I work in a way that’s relevant. Where it’s immaterial WHERE people are working, provided we are all working cohesively to the same creative brief for the project in hand. Where each of us relies on our reputation. So, the work we do is not only creative, but conscientious.

And realistic pricing in return for real value.

Like many creatives, I’ve struggled to charge what all this experience is ‘worth’. As a ‘typical’ creative, I’ll admit that I’ve always been crap at the money side of things. So, I’ve lost many a night’s sleep over proposals and pricing.

I’ve continuously undercharged and overdelivered. Because I do my utmost for every client. Always with their best interests at heart. Of late, I’ve been charging less than I did way over a decade ago. Which doesn’t make sense, whatever way you look at it…

But I’ve now come to realise something.

I provide immense value to each and every one of my clients. Value that presents itself as profit, time and time again. So, it’s about time I put a more realistic cost to the value I deliver. And that time is now.

So, that’s why my prices will be going up from 1st January 2024

Working to the same model as I’ve always done:

No hourly rates
Fixed fees

My costs will be based on the value I provide

This value is relative to only 2 things:

The problem/s I will solve for you, along with the scope of the branding project I undertake
And the profit I will make you as a result

The price you pay will be good value. And non-negotiable. Take it. Or leave it.

No haggling.

No more Mrs Nice Guy.

From 1st January…shit’s gonna get real, until then, there’s still time

Right now, my availability is very limited.

So, if you want to catch my existing pricing, you’ll have to be quick, because my schedule’s filling up faster than a fat kid with a multipack of Mars bars.

To secure that pricing for the duration of the branding project you’ve thought about, but not actioned yet, a deposit will tie you in to my current costs. Saving you money on that big project that will likely take months, rather than weeks to complete.

So, if you want a brand or rebrand that’s gonna solve problems AND return a real profit, it’s what I do and what you need. Jump into my inbox

Or, just call me and we’ll have a chat: 07876 312523

Why I’m putting my prices up. And when.