Rise Against Poster
Client: Rise Against (through Creative Allies)
Task: Design a poster to commemorate Rise Against’s ‘Endgame’ album
Technologies: Photoshop
Date: April 2012
This was created for a design competition on CreativeAllies.com. The brief was to create a poster which captured the ideas within the Endgame album- specifically revolution, endings and rebirth.
I was particularly struck by the lyrics used here and wanted to represent this, hence the burning Earth. The flame effect was created by building up several layers of different textures and filter effects and then blending them onto the Earth image.
I created 2 versions. The second displayed the message of rebirth a bit more, but despite the concept in my head, the finished version was not exactly as planned. In the end I think less was more.
Version 2
Rose Falcon Logo
Client: Rose Falcon (through Creative Allies)
Task: Design a logo for Rose Falcon (to be used on a new website and other publicity material)
Technologies: Illustrator
Date: April 2012
Up The Villa Website and Header
Client: Up the Villa
Task: Style the existing WordPress-based website.
Technologies: HTML, CSS, Photoshop
Date: August 2011 – March 2012
This was another job for David Grimble, Up the Villa is his main website.
This job began in August 2011 but has been ongoing since then, including most recently when the underlying WordPress theme was changed leading to a complete re-skinning.
The initial task was to style the existing site to make it more recognizable as an Aston Villa fan site. I changed the colour scheme to match the team’s strips (claret, sky blue and yellow). I created a background image incorporating the chequered pattern found on the team’s shorts. I also made a header image, which includes the club crest and the existing UTV logo; to this I added an image of Aston Villa fans, which I altered with some Photoshop filters.
I also added in some widgets (such as a Twitter feed) and generally made the site more appealing.
At the start of 2012, David wanted to change the site’s base theme for something more compatible with PPC ads (in line with their business strategy). I did this, installing a new ad-optimised theme (HeatMap). I then modified the theme skin to roughly match what the site looked like before. Again, I used the same header and background images. I also modified the link colours and made a few adjustments to the site spacing and layout.
Below are screenshots of the site(s):
Previous Version
Latest Version
Daily Football Quiz Logo and Header
Client: Daily Football Quiz
Task: Design a logo and header for upcoming football quiz website
Technologies: Photoshop
Date: July 2011
This job was off the back of a previous one (designing a logo for a poker site). This is a sister site to Poker Profiles.
The brief was simple, create a logo which could could be used for a football quiz site. The specification was to keep it simple. I immediately thought of a ball with lettering on it. After a couple of drafts I produced this logo. It is simple yet, with the bright colour for the letters, memorable. I used a bold font, with a thick border to replicate those commonly connected to sports.
The ball and background were stock images, I added the “wind” effect to give the impression of movement.
Once the initial logo was created I altered the letters so that it could be used for a weekly football quiz (either on a separate site or a section within the main site). I also incorporated the logo into a header banner for the site.
The site is currently undergoing some redesign, but should be back in operation soon.
Poker Profiles Logo
Client: Poker Profiles
Task: Design a logo for upcoming poker website
Technologies: Photoshop/GIMP
Date: June 2011
This was the first of several jobs for David Grimble (brought together under the umbrella business of WeLoveBeards).
The brief was to create a logo which would could be used for a poker site. There was no real specification. The idea of the double P and incorporating the card suit symbols was immediate. How to lay those out took some refining.
The initial draft was the double P, with a heart and a diamond, over a background of poker chips. This version also had a gradient on the letters to give a cylindrical 3D effect. Despite liking this concept I was not happy with the final result, hence a redesign.
The version above is the final version. I went with having the letters on the back of some cards, as it was simple yet clearly conveyed the message of what the website is. I left the letters matte black for boldness, but left some shading on the symbols to add a bit of visual interest. The P’s are a modification of a custom font, which I wanted as the sharp angle on the top left slightly resembles a shark’s fin (as in card shark). This is a subtle idea, but one I was keen to include.
Below are a couple of other versions of the logo.
Version 2 (with gradient)
Version 2.1 (with unaltered custom font)
Quick progress report
Just posted a new logo I designed for My Tag is a Plant, follow the link to their Facebook page for info. Seems like a really interesting project. Can’t wait to see how they get on!
Also, will hopefully be getting the WISH website online soon. Will let you know when that happens.
Other things going on, had a good conference in Glasgow last week explaining Android dev to college course coordinators from around Scotland. Maybe there’ll be a mobile development course near you soon! Also met up with a lady from the SIE about possible support for my Android project.
Starting full-time work next week, bottom of the ladder network refresh stuff – moving old PC units around a school. Not challenging but I need the money! And if all is well I may be back at Uni in September, will keep you posted on that too.
That’s pretty much all that’s happening just now, check back later for more news!
My Tag is a Plant
Company: My Tag is a Plant
Task: Design and create a logo (for use on the Facebook page)
Technologies: Photoshop
Dates: 29th June 2011
My Tag is a Plant is a new community project starting in Alloa, Scotland. They aim to engage people (especially those in disadvantaged situations) to participate in their community as well as raising awareness of environmental issues. The scheme is to get people recycling materials into planters and then filling these with plants to stimulate biodiversity in the area. A key aspect of this is promoting ‘graffiti gardening’, in other words planting wherever people feel like- expressing themselves in their environment through gardening. They also hope to promote the idea of a ‘portable garden’, where plants will be moved around the community.
My task here was to create a logo for their Facebook page (which I also set up). I wanted to convey the graffiti gardening element of the project. This was done in Photoshop; by taking a photograph of their ‘pet’ flower (Gertrude) and applying filters to create a painted look then adding some text. The brick-wall texture is a feature of Photoshop’s ‘texturize’ function.
Couple of new pages
Just posted up a couple of new pages – RO Annual Report and WISH Website.
The WISH website has actually just been restyled with a new theme, hopefully we’ll actually have it online very soon.
Also big changes going on over at MyTour soon. Rebranding and possibly even a new name! Watch this space.
WISH Website
Home Page
Company: WISH (Women in Sport and Health), Alloa
Task: Website design, implementation and training a small working group to maintain site
Technologies: WordPress, CSS, HTML, Photoshop/GIMP
Dates: February 2011 – October 2011
WISH are a support group for women in Clackmannanshire. They have recently relaunched as a social enterprise; as such they felt they needed a website to generate some extra publicity, as well as keeping current members informed of upcoming events and recent news.
I was asked to develop a site, which is easy to use and easy to maintain. Since the group whole will be in charge of site upkeep are not particularly technically-minded, WordPress seemed like the best option. It can easily be used as a CMS and the back-end is fairly self-explanatory and intuitive. I think with a few hours of training, they should be able to post updates and perform all necessary maintenance (clearing media, checking comments, etc.).
They wanted a clean design. It had to be slightly ‘girly’ as it is for a women’s group, hence the pink and purple colour scheme. They also requested Comic Sans as the font, as this matches all their other publicity material.
The design is based on the Evolve theme, as I really liked how everything is laid out. It also has plenty of customisation options. I also liked the slideshow of recent posts in the header.
The site is not live yet, as hosting has yet to be approved by the committee, however it should be online in the very near future.
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- Header
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- Footer
Reachout With Arts in Mind Annual Report 2009-2010
Reachout Annual Report Cover
Company: Reachout With Arts In Mind, Alloa
Task: Design and compile annual report for distribution to members and funders and for use as project publicity. Deadline was the AGM 24th March 2011.
Technologies: MS Publisher, Photoshop/GIMP
Dates: March 1st – March 20th 2011
As part of the preparation for their AGM Reachout wanted an Annual Report compiled and designed. It was to highlight and publicize their recent achievements – including exhibitions, conferences and relocation. All reports and statements were supplied, along with some images. My task was to design a vibrant layout, as well as proofing any text and sourcing some additional images to enhance the report.
The purple and yellow background are based on previous Reachout publicity material. I also thought a strong, darker background colour would serve to highlight the photographs and artwork; which is key to an arts project. The font is Arial in black, which is plain and easy to read, again the simplicity is to keep the focus on any images.
The real challenge was ensuring the maximum number of images could be incorporated into to the report around the text, which is important for telling the story of the project. While this did lead to the report being 20 pages, there was 2 years worth of material included.
The report was warmly received by staff and group members alike. I hope that it can be used to generate support and continued interest in a vital project.
Below are just some of the pages of the report. A PDF version of the full publication can be viewed here on the Reachout Website.
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- Reachout Achievements 1
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- Reachout Achievements 2
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- Reachout Achievements 3
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- Reachout Page 1 and 2
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- Reachout in Pictures
Quick round up
Just posted my CV up here, hopefully that gives a better overview of my work experience.
Also, spent Wednesday working on the MyTour app. Things are coming along nicely. A few issues to iron out. Got some smooth transition animations working though, so that ‘s good. Will keep you posted as things progress.
Stirling University Social Work Users and Carers Group
Company: Stirling University Social Work Users and Carers Group (Unity)
Task: Design logo for use on publicity materials
Technologies: Photoshop CS4, GIMP
Dates: October 2010-December 2010
I represent Reachout at the Unity meetings (providing input towards Social Work courses at Stirling University). The group had just completed a teaching DVD and were in the process of compiling their first newsletter, so wanted a logo to go on these. I was presented with a couple of designs and asked to work on some improvements or even a new concept. This was one of the originals, which I re-coloured with some brighter shades. They also felt that there should be some text to clarify who the group are, this was added around the bottom edge.
This was a fairly easy job, the only problem was the amount of time it took to get approval for the final version, several revisions were required.
Bella Coast Theatre Arts
Company: Bella Coast Theatre Arts
Task: Design and create a simple, black and white logo
Technologies: GIMP
Dates: October 2010
This was a request from a fellow volunteer at Reachout. They were working with a theatre company who needed a logo for their publicity material. The brief was something simple, easily replicated and in black and white.
I settled on this idea, because it denotes the coast to me. It was simple enough to create, with some line drawing, a ripple filter applied to create the moving waves and a gradient layer to show the fading light in the sky.
Creative Kids Easter Programme Leaflet
Company: The Makers Village, Alloa (through the Mulraney Group)
Task: Design and compile leaflet ready for printing
Technologies: MS Publisher, Photoshop/GIMP
Dates: April 2011
I was approached, on the recommendation of the Reachout Project Manager, with a view to putting together a brief information leaflet promoting a pilot scheme of arts and crafts workshops for local primary school children.
It was a joint project between various artists/groups based at The Makers Village in Alloa.
The actual job was to design a leaflet that would appeal to primary school aged children and encourage them to want to come along to the workshops. It also had to have enough information for their parents to make a decision about the programme. There was a very tight deadline on this project as the leaflets had to be signed off and printed in time for them to be distributed to all the local primary schools and out to the children before the start of their Easter holidays. From the time of initial briefing until the printing deadline I had about a week.
The design is quite simple, with the colourful images taking most of the focus. This is combined with a basic font to appeal to young children. As there were several different workshops, text had to be kept to a minimum to allow maximum space for the pictures. I also used different colour borders to differentiate between the various groups’ information. The calendar was supposed to provide an easy way for parents to see what was on on what day and at what time.
The "outside" of the leaflet
The "inside" of the leaflet
Reachout With Arts in Mind Website
Company: Reachout With Arts In Mind, Alloa
Task: Website design, implementation and maintenance
Technologies: WordPress, CSS, HTML, Photoshop/GIMP, Facebook
Dates: March 2010 – Present
Reachout With Arts in Mind is a members-led arts group catering for those affected by mental health issues. In the last year or so, they – along with many other voluntary sector groups – have been affected by the economic conditions and are now converting to a social enterprise. It is hoped that this move make them less dependent on external funding and allow them to continue providing a vital service to local people.
I was brought in as an IT volunteer. I noticed the opportunity for wider promotion through online exposure. They had a website, however it was very basic and long neglected.
This new website is a hosted WordPress.com blog. Despite being “out of the box”, it meets Reachout’s current requirements, which are to promote the project and keep people up to date with workshops and events being held at the base. I needed a system which was easy for people with no website maintenance experience to update, hence WordPress with its excellently intuitive CMS/back-end seemed like a perfect solution.
The site is based on the same free WordPress theme (Mystique) as my personal website, with a custom background image and header banner.
To further expand Reachout’s web-presence, I also set up a Facebook page to target the large number of members already using the social network. This has served as an excellent message board for quick updates, sharing pictures and for bringing members together. The website is directly linked to Facebook and vice-versa so people are never left out of the loop.
This is an ongoing project, as I am still in charge of updating the site and general maintenance. I will train the Reachout staff how to do this in the near future.
