I’m a freelance designer and developer based in County Durham, north east England. I specialise in modern website design and development in addition to graphic design for print and branding. I love creating clean design whilst keeping it effective and creating impact.
My background is in industrial product design and I obtained a BA (Hons) from Northumbria University back in 2010. Since then I’ve been fortunate enough to work in many different product areas. Including designing furniture for clients such as John Lewis and kitchen appliances for Indesit in Milan, Italy.
I have steered towards a career working with graphic and web design because I love the instant results a few lines of code can produce or how some sketches in a Moleskine can develop to become a company’s brand guidelines. I solve problems in simple, elegant ways. Design is a part of the process, a tool, used to bring new ideas into the world. It just so happens to be my favoured tool of choice.
Often designers may have a certain style, I don’t have a style as such, as every project is so different. I turn my hand to work with existing artwork, build upon brand guidelines or work in whichever way suits you or your company best.
I have interests and take inspiration from things that influence my style, but I don’t push these on your brand. It’s yours after all. I do, however, have a design mentality and that is to make it simple, but significant. I don’t sacrifice your message in the name of design.
I’m fortunate to have a great base of clients who continually refer me to their peers, clients and friends. They also say some very nice things about me, which shows that as well as delivering on the work, I’ve also been great to work with.
why freelance?
Until November 2014, I worked as part of an in-house design team for one of the largest casino and entertainment groups in the UK.
I undertook freelance projects in my spare time and as my list of happy customers grew, so too did my waiting list. I made the bold move to take my side hustle full time when my wife announced we were expecting our first baby… And I’ve never looked back.
Since going freelance, I’ve enjoyed working with lots of very passionate individuals on many diverse and challenging projects as well as becoming their ‘goto guy’ for things that may even seem a little outside of a ‘normal’ designers limitations.
anything else?
I’m the reluctant walker of a border terrier called George Michael, husband to a very patient wife and certified ‘World’s Best Dad’ to my daughter Aria, and son Seth.
I’m around 37 hours of flight time from obtaining my pilots licence, have a love for independent films, American TV, fantasy fiction, aerial photography, craft beer and pretty much anything with a circuit board. I watch far too much vlogging on YouTube and play a little too much Call of Duty.
I tweet and write about the design industry and web development as well as providing video lessons on YouTube.
approach.
We’ll start by running through your requirements. A few easy questions to get to know you, your likes and dislikes and your ultimate goal for us working together. It’s an exciting process of discovery, and one I’m sure you’ll enjoy. Getting clear on your objectives means that every minute I spend on your project is dedicated toward delivering exactly what we set out to achieve.
availability.
I’m currently taking on larger projects commencing January 2019.
Dedicated, talented and a real expert covering all aspects of web design and development. An absolute joy to work with - delivers on time, every time to the highest standard. Ryan has great communication skills and gives an ultra responsive service.
Ian Mottashed - VP Marketing at Imagen Ltd
Ryan is one of the best designers I've worked with. He is very talented and has incredible attention to detail, always going that extra mile. His turnaround times are impressive and his understanding of the brief is second to none. I would undoubtedly highly recommend Ryan and look forward to working with him on many more projects
Melissa Collins - Marketing Manager at Indigo Software
I had the pleasure of working with Ryan on updating my Macali Communications website. It was my first experience working remotely with someone across the ocean. I was concerned, but Ryan delivered an excellent product and service in a timely manner. He also improved on some of my ideas in a very creative and practical way. Ryan was responsive, attentive and strategic in his insights and service. And he held my hand through my revisions and changes. He gets it and I would use him again in a heartbeat.
Kevin Donnellon - VP - Macali Communications
Ryan has helped me with my business site many times, there's nothing he can't fix. Additionally Ryan always has a super fast turnaround & excellent communication especially when it comes to explaining the technical to a lay person like me!
