Now then, I’m Jon, as you now know. A couple of things you might not as yet be aware of, however, is that I’m a designer with an allegedly poor taste in music (debatable), an equally ill-judged taste in football teams as a Spurs fan since 1981 (they might be on to something there), and far more hair on my chin than I’ve ever had on my head (you got me).

I have a demonstrated history of working in design and marketing with extensive experience in art direction, advertising, branding, creative strategy, design, digital, visual identity and web.

I graduated from Norwich University of the Arts, studying under Ray Gregory (himself taught by Bob Gill and Lou Klein), and was also lucky enough to learn from regular guest visiting lecturer, Jim Sutherland, a former student and future founder of Hat-Trick and Studio Sutherl&.

The methods of both were clear about great thinking and beautiful execution and had a profound impact on my work. Ray’s motto was “Do it. To see it, do it”, and I’ve lived by that in my work ever since, always trying things out before discarding or developing.

I’m a big believer in ideas. Design should never simply be for design’s sake and substance is essential in order to create successful and engaging work. Knowing your subject is fundamental and the ideas will flow if this is the case. Ideas breed ideas, those spark more, and so on. I genuinely don’t believe there’s any bad ideas at the start of a project to get the creative juices flowing but there’ll be plenty on show at the end if things haven’t been thoroughly thought through. Design can try to hide a lack of thought but it will only get you so far — when the foundations are solid however, design can inspire. 

I’m a Yorkshireman based in Hertfordshire and I’ve spent most of my career in London. But in addition to a couple of years in New Zealand, I’ve also worked on projects large and small across the UK, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ghana, India, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and the US.

For several years I was Design Director at property marketing leaders Wordsearch and spent a lot of time in the New York office, meeting and presenting to clients there, helping run client workshops in Houston, placemaking in Tampa and art directing in LA. Property marketing has been home for the last few years for sure, creating brands for luxury and high end residential, commercial and mixed-use projects, but branding’s branding with the thinking on show just the same. 

I’ve delivered strategic long term branding solutions, successful visual identities and marketing campaigns wherever I’ve been, not only in the property sector but also for Apple tech partners, pharmaceutical clients, logistical and construction companies, financial services, fmcg and the hospitality industries.

Other than design, I love nurturing younger talent, finding inspiration in unexpected places, sharing and pushing ideas, pensively stroking my beard and standing up when my watch tells me to.

Whether working individually, leading or as part of a team, I love what I do and relish the challenge each project brings, crafting high standard, concept-driven work whilst maintaining a clear understanding of the brief and budget to deliver results of which everyone involved can be proud.

Seriously, what’s not to love about that?

If you like my work and think we might be able to work together, feel free to drop me a line. I’m always interested to look at any project. Thanks for reading!