About

A bit about me. Experience, skills, qualifications and achievements

Hello :-)|I am Neil Readhead|Graphic Designer|Web Designer|Frontend Developer|Photographer|Art Director|DESIGN CONSULTANT

DETAILS:

Title:

Creative Director (Founder)

Phone:

+44 7976 375 925

Email:

[email protected]

Site:

neilreadhead.com

Location:

Wilmslow, Cheshire

Neil Readhead Singapore 2015
Neil Readhead Fiji during Cyclone Winston 2016
Neil Readhead Bangkok Elevator 2015
Neil Readhead Album Cover Wiki Hawaii 2016

INTRODUCTION:

Hello :-)
I am Neil Readhead.

I am a Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Frontend Developer, Photographer, Art Director and Design Consultant. With over 25 years of professional experience.

I am an experienced Senior and Lead Designer, designing logotypes, logomarks, brand identity guidelines (including print and web), social media, product and packaging, signage and livery. I am also an experienced Web Designer, hardcoding websites with HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript and using site builders like WordPress, Unbounce and Shopify. I have experience in studio process development. Developing internal systems, project processes and brief sheets. I have the technical knowledge to translate those requirements to the Technical Department for delivery. I speak “Tech” and translate it into English.

I am passionate about advertising, art, design, branding, web design, graphic design, product design, typography, illustration, photography, cinematography and architecture. I am a creative forward thinker, enthusiastic, innovative, proactive, highly motivated and self-improving. I provide a balance between innovation, original concepts and practical, deliverable solutions. I have a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills.

Here I showcase my skills and abilities, my academic background and my achievements.  "My life's work".

Sk!lls

The skills that pay the bills

WORK SKiLLS:

  • Graphics Design
    %
  • Web Design
    %
  • Photography
    %
  • Cinematography
    %
  • Print
    %
  • 3D Graphics
    %

Application SKiLLS:

  • Adobe Photoshop
    %
  • Adobe Illustrator
    %
  • Adobe InDesign
    %
  • Adobe After Effects
    %
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
    %
  • Maxon Cinema 4D
    %

Languages:

HTML 5
CSS 3
JAVA
PHP
Wordpress
Squarespace

Exper!ence

Companies I have worked for and the position requirements.

Neil Readhead Design

Details:

Company:

Neil Readhead Design

Business:

Desing Agency

Position:

Founder

Duration:

2020 - Present

Website:

neilreadhead.com

Location:

Wilmslow

Descriton:

NE!L READHEAD. Thats me. I am the design agency.

I set up this business initially to sell my services as a graphic designer and web designer. Offering graphic, web and hosting packages. But why stop there... As a Designer, I have been lucky enough to have had the chance of creating many different types of work. Work including illustrations, portraits, painting, murals, graffiti, sculptures, graphic design for print and web, web design, photography and development, photoshop and image editing, cinematography and video editing, 3D modelling and texturing and Art Direction.

I will endeavour in continuing the use of these skills to build my company and portfolio. Designing bespoke graphics, logo design, brand identity guidelines, marketing material and social media. Developing unique hardcoded and template-driven websites and email campaigns.

Let us NE!L something unforgettable!

Clients:

Soroptimist International, The Pankhurst Trust, Pizza Express, The British Gymnastics Association, Piggl, Commercial Leagal, Quartet Family Office, ISg PLC, Jeweller Solutions, The Jewellery Studio, Goodie Gumdrops Fashion, Arabian Nights www.88222.com Mobile Casino, Mouth Guards for Sport, Glen Tarn, Swann Micro Technology, Business Logix, Nano-Tech, Kiss Telecom, Finch Product design, Barrands Electricians, Britannia Car Leasing, Oldham Coliseum, "Clothes Show Live" Birmingham. Variouse bars, night clubs, bands and record labels. Including Sub Sub, Dry Bar, 10 Bar, Zest Bar and Grill and Zinc in Manchester. Technics DJ Academy and Spirit Recording Studio. Yesterday's/Millenium night club Alderly Edge.

Party Delights

Details:

Company:

Party Delights

Business:

Online Retail

Position:

Senior Designer / Art Director / Mentor

Duration:

2006 - 2020

Website:

partydelights.co.uk

Location:

Manchester

Descriton:

I worked as a senior designer, mentor and art director at Party Delights Ltd. and Delight Direct.  "The UK's leading online party retail store".  Working directly with the CEO/Creative Director Allison Graham, Managing Director Stephen Graham, Technical Director Paul Shuttleworth.

I worked closely with the Design Manager Sarah Allsop. Developing the design studio internal systems, project processes and brief sheets. Helping build a better communication relationship between the Buying, Photography, Marketing, Social, SEO, UX, Tech, Translation and design teams.

I art directed shoots creating photography and video content for the sites.  Marketing material for Email, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and other social media platforms. Bus stop and billboard advertising campaigns, Tesco Direct catalogue and numerous other publications.  Design of in-house documents, signage and retail trade fairs stands.

I worked with the design team to oversee an evolving set of design challenges for a growing list of features for the main web site and several dynamic and responsive white labels.  Including Parties"R"Us (Toys"R"Us), Funk Party (Funky Pigeon) and Tesco Party.  EU sites for Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Amazon and eBay.

I designed partyware products including invitations, birthday cards, plates, cups, napkins, party boxes, room decorations, banners, balloons and a range of personalised products.  Procuring and maintaining Licenses from numerous companies including Disney, Pixar, Nickelodeon, Lego, One Direction and Carte Blanche (Tatty Teddy).

I headed the design and development of Party Delights Personalised Product Range from front to back.  From the customer frontend UX, the design and layout of internal systems to the design of templates and plates for the in-house printing process.  Producing a range of products including personalised invitations, cards, confetti, balloons and banners.

Requirements:
  • Web site design, research and development.
  • Develop the design studio, internal systems, project processes and brief sheets.
  • Art direction of graphic design, photography and cinematography for site content, product design, packaging, email and social media.
  • Design of graphic material for advertising campaigns, site content, social media and press (flyers, poster, bus stop 6 sheets and billboard).
  • Product design for licensed and non-licensed party products (Party ware, personalised cards, invitations, confetti, balloons and banners).
  • Clients:

    Disney, Disney Pixar, Star Wars, DC, Lego, Batman, Nickelodeon, One Direction, Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends, Barbie, Ben 10, Bing, Carte Blanche.

    S.S.R. & Technics DJ Academy

    Details:

    Company:

    S.S.R./Technics DJ Academy

    Business:

    Media

    Position:

    Design Manager

    Duration:

    2001 - 2003

    Website:

    s-s-r.com

    Location:

    Manchester

    Descriton:

    I was the Lead in-house designer for both The School of Sound Recording (S.S.R) (aka Spirit Recording Studio) and The Technics DJ Academy.

    I wrote the syllabus on 'Promotional Design and Advertising' for Manchesters Technics DJ Academy and The School of Sound Recording.  Set design briefs for students to fulfil as part of the Student Course Pack.  I liaised with the Musicians and DJ's, creating their promotional materials, press releases, magazine adverts, bus stop poster, large wall poster and flyers to tie in with the student course requirements.

    Working their concepts through photography, art direction and preparation of finished work.  Orchestrating all aspects of the design and development requirements of each brief.  Assuring all students have all the materials they require to complete the project and pass their course.

    I also designed the branding, stationery, marketing material, brochures, flyers and poster and magazine adverts for both the Manchesters Technics DJ Academy and The School of Sound Recording.

    Requirements:
  • Write a syllabus on promotional design and advertising for student course pack.
  • Write students briefs.
  • Design and production of course promotional literature, brochures and marketing material.
  • Design and production of in-house advertising and marketing material.
  • Strong production knowledge.
  • Clients include: DJ Mag, Mixmag, New Musical Express, New Deal and M.O.L.P
  • Clients:

    The School of Sound Recording (S.S.R), Spirit Recording Studio and The Manchester Technics DJ Academy.

    Guardian Media Group PLC.

    Details:

    Company:

    Guardian Media Group PLC

    Business:

    Media

    Position:

    Production Assistant

    Duration:

    2003 - 2006

    Website:

    theguardian.com/gmg

    Location:

    Manchester

    Descriton:

    Working closely with the Production Manager, I designed adverts, set adverts and inserts for over 29 North West local weekly News Newspapers. Including the Manchester Evening News, METRO Newspapers, Home Search Magazine, Job Search and Channel M Manchester Television.

    Requirements:
  • Producing desk-top publications using Quark Xpress, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
  • Producing advertising imagery and editorial using Photoshop and Illustrator.
  • Designing and setting adverts to meet the customer brief.
  • Developing, updating and maintaining images, text and layout of regularly client bookings.
  • Producing illustration for adverts using Illustrator, InDesign and Streamline.
  • Text setting and Proof reading.
  • Strong production knowledge.
  • Clients:

    Manchester Evening News, METRO Newspapers, Home Search Magazine, Job Search and Channel M Manchester Television

    KDP Kronfli Duliba Productions

    Details:

    Company:

    Kronfli Duliba Productions

    Business:

    Media

    Position:

    Best boy  /  Runner

    Duration:

    2000 - 2001

    Website:

    kdproductions.tv

    Location:

    Alderley Edge

    Descriton:

    Involved in all aspects of projects, from conception to completion. Working closely with all members of the team, mainly the stylist.

    Requirements:
  • Sourcing of materials.
  • Set Design and Lighting.
  • Theme Revisions.
  • Clients:

    British Rail, Fashion Catalogue and Phil Cool

    Educat!on

    My academic background

    Pro Web Design:

    Details:

    Course:

    Pro Web Design

    Name:

    Adobe Cert. / Internet + ColdFusion

    Location:

    Manchester

    Descriton:

    My HND course was mainly practical and project-based, with an emphasis placed on sketchbook development and typography. I developed core skills, communication and problem-solving. This also included Contextual Studies, Research, Conceptual Thinking and Digital Media. Other specialist subjects are listed below.

    Core Units:
  • Advanced HTML Authoring
  • Advanced CSS Authoring
  • Advanced Dreamweaver
  • Advanced Flash (Action Script & Animation)
  • Advanced Photoshop
  • Professional Web Design/CIW Site Designer
  • Higher National Diploma:

    Details:

    Course:

    Higher National Diploma

    Name:

    Graphic Design

    Location:

    Manchester College

    Descriton:

    My HND course was mainly practical and project-based, with an emphasis placed on sketchbook development and typography. I developed core skills, communication and problem-solving. This also included Contextual Studies, Research, Conceptual Thinking and Digital Media. Other specialist subjects are listed below.

    Core Units:

    Year 1 subjects studied:

  • Digital Imaging
  • Graphic Design
  • Art & Design Projects & Context
  • Typography
  • Page Layout & Desktop Publishing
  • Introduction to Visual Communication
  • Commercial Printing
  • Introduction to Photography
  • Sustainable Design
  • Year 2 subjects studied:

  • Design Production
  • Multiple Design Briefs
  • Graphic Design Projects
  • Web Design Projects
  • Typography Projects
  • Motion Graphics
  • Video Editing
  • Preparing a professional portfolio and CV
  • Client Initiated Design Project
  • National Diploma:

    Details:

    Course:

    National Diploma

    Name:

    Art and Design

    Location:

    Stockport College

    Descriton:

    In my ND course, I worked through the design process. I was involved in numerous projects, design competitions and 'live briefs' (set by outside companies). I concentrated on generating ideas in response to creative briefs. Developing my software and practical skills, I created visuals that culminate in a Final Major Project and exhibition.

    Core Units:

    Core Units:

  • Visual Recording in Art and Design
  • Materials, Techniques and Processes in Art and Design
  • Ideas and Concepts in Art and Design
  • Communication through Art and Design
  • Contextual Influences in Art and Design
  • Study areas include:

  • Image Manipulation
  • Computer Applications
  • Typefaces and Letter Forms
  • Typographic and Layout Design
  • Information Graphics
  • Website Design
  • 1st National Diploma:

    Details:

    Course:

    1st National Diploma

    Name:

    General Art and Design

    Location:

    Macclesfield College

    Descriton:

    On my 1st National Diploma course, I developed the fundamental elements of art and design practice. Namely, drawing skills (including life drawing), creating digital imagery and generic creative skills (writing, research methodologies etc.)

    Core Units:
  • Fundamental creative skills (drawing, painting, making, demonstrations)
  • Technical skills (practical workshops and digital imaging)
  • Key generic skills (analytical and critical skills, research skills, confidence and motivation, presentation and communication skills)
  • Contextual studies introducing historical and contemporary debates and practice
  • Foundation skills in the various art and design specialisms
  • Elective choice (including philosophy)
  • An optional cultural study visit (major Scottish cities and London) enhances the learning experience
  • Other Ach!evements

    Awards / Hobbies / Sports / Travel

    Other Achievements:

    GCSE's:

    8 GCSE's Wilmslow County High School

    Awards:

    Junior Artist of the Year Red House School Norton

    Awards:

    Basketball & Tennis Coching Awards

    Certificates:

    Three week Outward Bound Course (Aberdovey)

    Commissions:

    Wall Murals, Illustrations, Portraits & Photography

    Hobbies:

    Back Packing, Hiking, Moutain Bikng, Road Cycling, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Photography, Drones

    Sports / Teams:

  • Muay Thai - 3 years Shanti Academy
  • Aikido - 4 years 4th Kyu Green Belt
  • Tennis - David Lloyds Tennis Team
  • Tennis - Pownall Park Tennis Club (Under 21/Seniors)
  • Tennis - Under 21 County Level
  • Hockey - Wilmslow Hockey Club (1st/2nd/3rd team)
  • Hockey - Disley Hockey Club (1st/2nd team)
  • Basketball - Wilmslow High School Team
  • Basketball - Stockport Atlas Team (Blue Johns Pool)
  • Basketball - Blue Johns Team (Manchester Giants Pool)
  • Football - Wilmslow High School Team
  • Athletics - Wilmslow (100m/100m Hurdles/High Jump)
  • Gymnastics - Eston Team (Trained with TGB)
  • Gymnastics - Longlands Team
  • Slalom Gold Medalist (Williamson High Montgenevre)
  • Exploring:

    29 Countries visited so far:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bali
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Christmas Island
  • Cyprus
  • India
  • England
  • Fiji
  • France
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Hawaii
  • Ireland
  • Isle of man
  • Italy
  • Laos
  • Monaco
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Tenerife
  • Thailand
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States
  • Vietnam
  • Wales
  • CL!ENTS

    Some of my happy customers