David writes: Whilst these days our work is distinctly multi-media, Graphic Design for print and advertising will always be my favourite expression of the art.
Initially trained in print and publishing, my experience encompasses newspapers and magazines, advertising, the media, signage, exhibitions and TV. The basis of my training was typography and the disciplines of clarity and 'readability' remain a major influencing factor in my work.
Many years ago, the first studio in which I worked had numerous scruffy pieces of paper pinned to the wall. On one of them was a short poem which emcompassed pretty well everything I have subseqently learned to appreciate and seek to apply in the course of my professional work – regardless of whether it's for print or the Web, and I've even referred to it when teaching. I've always known its title as ‘Type, said the Foreman…’ and you can read it here. I'd like to be able to credit the author but I've never been able to find out who he was!
Since then (...and that's nearly 35 years if truth be told), I've undertaken commissions which cover just about every application required of a Graphic Designer, from corporate image development and logos to newsletters, to newspaper and magazine advertisements, brochures, reports, programmes, posters, leaflets, business stationery and, more recently, books and book jackets. It's been suggested that it might be easier if I told people what I don't do, but when it comes to graphics I can't think of anything that hasn't been across my drawing-board, or more recently appeared on my screen!
I have extensive contacts in the print industry and we offer managed printing and production services using a choice of reliable and cost-effective suppliers both in the UK and abroad (Eastern Europe, India and China)*. Many of my commissions require a multimedia approach to enable clients' designs to be used both in the production of traditionally printed applications and online.
* Managed printing services are offered on the basis of introduction and direct billing. We do not add mark-ups to suppliers' charges.
Logo design
Examples of Graphic Design for print and advertising are on the next page (see link below)