Life.

Here’s a few things about me.

Ceramics

I’ve recently found a new creative outlet, making pots, bowls, cups and vases. I’m learning the techniques to create pieces at the moment. I hope to refine my style in the next few months.

Drawing

When I get the chance, I like to draw using pen and ink. Mostly old architecture with lots of character.
This is where I’m at so far with my most recent piece. ↓

This was my 52-year-old classic VW camper. When we got the chance my family and I went to VW festivals and events. We never knew if we were going to get to our destination, so each time we went out it was a bit of an adventure.

Karate

Ever since I saw Karate Kid I wanted a black belt! After a long physical journey, I was pleased to get 1st Dan. I’ve never been and probably will never be as fit as I was then.

Prost8

Over the last couple of years I’ve been working with the Prost8 charity as a brand consultant and lead designer. Recently the founder asked if I would become their Brand Director which I accepted. The design is created in my own time and pro bono.

Making Cider

In 2020 I pressed my first batch of apples to make craft cider. The apples were from the tree in our garden. I’ve made a couple more litres since then but need a good crop of apples to make enough for a demijohn.

Work.

It was at Baker Tomkins in Charlotte Street, London, where I started as a junior designer and typographer. Working there instilled a sense of craft and quality. While I was employed at Baker Tomkins the company was bought by the Saatchi Group.

After a brief period of designing and art working various print work at the Saatchi Group, I joined a new typography and design consultancy called Watershed. After a couple of years, I was made a Director of the company. We were backed by BBH and worked in the BBH studio in Great Pulteney Street, Soho. Watershed designed for direct clients and acted as an out-source design and typography department for several advertising agencies. Watershed joined Ogilvy London in 2001 and merged with the Ogilvy design department. While at Ogilvy London, I was promoted to Head of Type and Design and my department designed for all the Ogilvy group companies.

I started working as Head of Design at VCCP in 2008. I spent 11 years there, helping the agency win the accolade of the most successful agency in new-business wins for seven consecutive years, according to AAR's annual survey. In 2009 I was part of the team that won Campaign of the Year for Comparethemarket. 2013 turned out to be a good year as I was part of the team to win Campaign of the year for 'O2 - Be more dog' and VCCP was made Campaign's Agency of the Year.

After 11 years in that role, I left VCCP in 2019 and started a new position as Integrated Head of Design at Grey London. Overseeing every aspect of design output. My aim was to integrate all of Grey London’s design, from online, offline and shopper, which I succeeded in doing whilst I was there. Like many others, Covid hit Grey hard in the Summer of 2020 and unfortunately I was made redundant that September.

So I started Toffee Tree Studio and spent some time freelancing. After a few months of freelancing with Adam&eveDDB via King Henry London, they asked if I would join them. I agreed and this is where I am today.