NUJ Freelance Directory

Personal Profile:

A skilled creative capable of generating high quality work for use in both print and web media. An accomplished and confident computer user who's able to use both PC and Macintosh operating systems, as well as a wide range of software, (especially Quark XPress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and MS Office). A pro-active, multi-tasker with very good communication and interpersonal skills. Team player with an ability to prioritise and manage his own workload without constant supervision. Able to produce work to a consistently high standard whilst retaining attention to detail.

Freelance Employment

2002 to Present

I currently freelance as a journalist/photojournalist, (I currently hold a valid UK press ID card), typographic/print designer and print procurement/production manager.

As I journalist I’ve written several news based articles, mostly for online channels/websites. I've also worked as a photojournalist/photographer on a range of assignments for various clients including: Le Cordon Bleu, GolinHarris and Brand Reputation.

I've also worked for several newspapers and magazines including: the Marylebone Express, the Evening Standard, the Morning Star, the Hampstead & Highgate Express, Socialist Worker, Southwark News, the Wood and Vale Express, Hackney Today, Disability Now and Virgin Trains.

I've worked as a designer for both large and small organisations on projects ranging from books for small publishers to complete corporate identity schemes for national charities, as well as all the normal kind of print projects, (booklets, leaflets, posters, stationery).

My design/print clients have included: the MS Society, the NCT, Clays Lane Housing Co-op, Peabody Trust, Panoptic Sport, Wish, Elect Care Services and London Civic Forum.

Education

To broaden my skills and improve my technique I've also been on several photographic and journalism courses.

London College of Communication - February 2008

Photojournalism (Intensive Short Course)

Magnum Photos - October 2007

Masterclass Weekend Course

Open University - May 2007

T189: Digital Photography Course - Pass, (86%)

Morley College - April 2000

Journalism - Theory and Practice

Pre-Freelance Employment

September 1981 to October 2006

Before being made redundant in 2006 and beginning to work as a freelance photographer and designer, I was employed within the design, printing and publishing industry for around 25 years. 

During this time I gained experience in many areas very closely or directly linked to the photographic reproduction of images including working for several years as a Colour Photo Printer at a professional photo laboratory. Whilst there I developed and processed both C41 and E6 film and prints as well as grading and correcting colour bias and retouching where necessary.

I'm a degree level trained graphic designer, (with a good eye for photographic form and colour) and as such I have very strong IT skills. I’m an expert in design, DTP and in the use of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark XPress.

For a significant period I worked as an major client/blue chip account handler, (dealing with: Elizabeth Arden, Bobbi Brown, British Museum, Co-operative Retail, Lloyds TSB, NatWest, Alfred Dunhill, Hackney Council, Harvey Nichols, L'Oreal, Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, National Theatre, Nestlé, and Viacom) and tight timescales and exacting requirements are something that I'm used to and comfortable with.

I've been involved in negotiation, liaison and problem solving with clients, designers and printers. This has allowed me to develop good interpersonal skills and a firm understanding of commercial realities. I don't waste time or money. I deliver to deadline, on target and to brief.

In addition to all the above, I've also worked as a Press Office Assistant which has giving me an understanding of press deadlines and the inner workings of the media.

I've also been a temp, (and I’m not afraid of getting my hands dirty if necessary) working for a wide variety of organisations doing everything from reception to PA'ing. Companies included: British Transport Police, Victim Liaison, Apple Store, The Probation Service and EMAP.

General Education

O Level Technical Drawing, B

O Level Art, C

O Level Geography, C

O Level General Science, C

GCSE English Language, B

GCSE Sociology, B

Further Education

City and Guilds Foundation Course in Art and

Design, Credit

City And Guilds 532 Certificate in Typographic

Design, Distinction (this is a degree level pass)

Short Courses & Other Education

Adobe Illustrator Essentials

Adobe Photoshop Intermediate

Quark XPress Intermediate 

Workplace Time Management

Basic Hebrew, (Kibbutz Ulpan)

Work Related Experience

Crisis

1990 to Current

As a Crisis key volunteer, (in effect, a senior team leader) I’ve gained wide experience in facilitating the needs of rough sleepers and homeless people. This has also allowed me to develop and strengthen my strong negotiation, assertiveness and team working skills. As well as skills in dealing with challenging behaviour. Adaptability and flexibility are essential to the role as the shelter priorities constantly shift and I particularly enjoy working in this challenging but rewarding environment.

Public Events Work

1995 to Current

I've worked as either a Gate Organiser, Team Leader or Shift Organiser at the Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts for the last nine years. This has also allowed me to develop and strengthen my skills in team management, logistics, customer care, ticket/pass checking, security and crowd control. It's a demanding job requiring adaptability, flexibility and an ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

I’ve been the Deputy Chief Steward with responsibility for disabled access and involvement at Pride London for the last four years. This has given me a considerable amount of experience in event logistics and management, risk assessment, health and safety, negotiation, providing accessible documentation and has also strengthened my team working, diplomatic and interpersonal skills as well as adding to my event experience.

I’ve also worked as a steward for Capital Radio and for the Notting Hill Carnival organisation.

Clays Lane Housing Co-operative

1994 to 2005

As an active member of Clays Lane Housing Co-operative, (now demolished due to the 2012 Olympic development) I sat on the Central Management, Membership and Environment Committees. As a committee member, I dealt with finance, staff liaison and other aspects of managing a 500 person housing co-operative. I was the lead member with responsibility for developing equal opportunities, diversity and equality policies and procedures. For five years I managed the co-operative’s LAN network of Macintosh computers and handled user support and IT training. I'm also an experienced counsellor and frequently used my skills in settling neighbourhood disputes and in conflict resolution.

I was also employed by Clays Lane as a Communications Officer for nine months to help the housing co-operative develop its brand identity and corporate communications.

Conference Organisation

1990 to 1994

Whilst working for the trade union Unison I was part of the team organising and facilitating national conferences. This included the Disabled Members and the LGBT Members Conference. Through this work I developed good experience in event planning, organisation, logistics, providing accessible documentation, information and facilitation as well as strengthening my team working, interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

Food Chain

2000 to 2002

Food Chain is a charity that distributes a Sunday meal to people with HIV/AIDS within the M25 area. This helps to improve their quality of life significantly. Whilst volunteering, through client contact, I developed a good understanding of the issues around HIV and AIDS as well as a firm grasp of how to handle confidentiality issues. I enjoyed working with Food Chain and found it very satisfying and fulfilling.

Hobbies and Interests

I'm a film fan and really enjoy French contemporary cinema and American 'B' movies. I read a lot, (anything from Ben Bova to Emile Zola). I also like mid to long distance cycling, (I've done the 56 mile London to Brighton charity ride eleven times). I like to travel and I'm a keen mountain walker. So far I've managed to visit countries in Asia, The Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

References

References are available on request.