Born in Great Britain in 1968 and educated in Cornwall, I emigrated to Australia in 1988. My first job, c1985 in Cornwall, was with a very small, local printing firm. I rode a gorgeous red 90cc Vespa everywhere!
I consider myself a life-long learner. Primarily self-taught, I have endeavored to further my understanding and passion not only for graphic design but all relevant disciplines, mediums, movements and ideas.
For the past 25 years, to the current day, I have operated a successful Graphic Design and Communications business-Celtink Creative-in partnership with my wife. In addition-during a passionate 39+ year career-I have held the positions of Senior Designer, Senior Copywriter, Studio Coordinator, Sessional Lecturer, Full-time Lecturer and Industry Fellow.
I have worked with, and for, agencies and studios both large and small, and for clients nationally and internationally. Firmly believing in graphic design and design-thinking on a global level, I have visited centres of art, design and culture throughout Western Europe, the Middle-East and Japan to develop a better understanding of creative communications and culture.
At age 43 (to prove to myself that I could achieve it), I was admitted to the Degree of Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours) with first class honours, at RMIT. "Teaching an old dog some new tricks", as my wife put it. Woof, woof!
My practical knowledge and 'ancient' technical skills cover the gamut of reproduction processes, including traditional methods such as; hand-lettering and illustrating, compositing and paste-up, camera operation, manual imposition, pre-press film output and combining, and plate-making.
With the introduction of digital applications in 1990, my experience broadened to the use of computers and related technology (again, mostly self-taught).
As if I am not busy enough... Alongside my professional life as a Designer, a personal passion lies in Celtic design and its history. I have built an extensive library on the subject and continue to research and develop my own skills, practicing the art form whenever I can. Utilising the same methods of construction and application as ancient scribes and illustrators, I have generated a portfolio of original designs, undertaken commissions and sold works within Australia and overseas. My works have been featured in an exhibition in New York and bespoke designs translated to full-body tattoos.
I own, build, maintain and ride a few motorbikes. Or, I'm told, "you have a garage full of crap"! That's me in a 'nutshell'. Now... What's next?