About me

Hello, I'm Gemma, a junior graphic designer with a strength for research and craft. My practice is driven by the belief that the best answer is often found in the heart of the project, and subsequently I invest in thorough research to use stories, experiences, interaction and functionality to drive a designed response. I also strive to incorporate different techniques and uses of craft in my work to develop a diverse range of projects and skill set to keep me producing original and interesting pieces of work. I particularly enjoy projects with a cultural or heritage underpinning. I am currently working freelance and on the look out for new opportunities.

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Projects

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  The State of Sheffield Photography ExhibitionAn exhibition of student photography submitted by The Sheffield College to run alongside the launch of the State of Sheffield Annual Report in the Winter Gardens. Displayed as ann approachable, fun, yet functional space within a space. Simple MDF peg board walls attached together featuring24 images printed to either A4 or A3 size mounted on foam board and framed by acrylic sheets and attached to the pegboards with spray painted dowel pegs colour coded to identify the photographer behind each im
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  The State of Sheffield Annual ReportThe State of Sheffield Annual Report provides the Sheffield First Partnership with a holistic view of the city through personal accounts, reports, statistics and photography supplied by a local college. Designed as a highly usable and friendly reference document, the State of Sheffield Annual Report 2016 features a concise navigation system through its six sections with colours that have been inspired by elements of the city. Collaboration with Jake Clewis, Aliss Curtis, Hayley Hatfield, Andrew
• In Transit ExhibitionExhibition of student work held in the Post Hall in the Head Post Office, Sheffield Institute of Arts. March 2016 Photos by India Hobson In May 2016, In Transit went on to show at Clerkenwell Design Week, showing different work, but continuing the theme.

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Work history

Graphic Design Intern
Jan 2017 - Aug 2017London, United KingdomInternship
I was a helping pair of hands to everyone in the studio, assisting on a range of exciting projects spanning from the way-finding at Sheffield Institute of Arts, an illustration led identity project, a seasonal display for a shop, a photography led book and a type specimen. I was heavily involved in the way-finding project from day one, in May 2016 where I presented an existing catalogue of research on the history of both Sheffield Institute of Arts and The Head Post Office building to Andy Stevens (GTF) and Andy Altmann (Why Not Associates) who were collaborating on the project. Upon joining the team in January the following year I was able to pick up the project and fully develop the signage system, use of type and colour, the rationale behind the information presented and its location and oversaw the install of the signage in May 2017. During my time at GTF I also conducted in depth research supporting existing and new projects, developed concepts from an idea to something tangible, made mock ups and presentations to a high standard, prepared files for print, retouched images and developed compositions, I assisted on a photoshoot, and managed and organised any content received.
Creative InternOFFSET
Jul 2016 - Oct 2016Dublin, IrelandInternship
I worked with two peers to create and produce a visual identity for Offset Sheffield which channels the poplar design conference's existing bold, playful and bright personality and celebrates it's first venture to the North as part of the 2016 Sheffield Design Week, supported by Catalyst and Year of Making. Elements include posters, social media, venue dressing, schedules, a printed publication. Together, we tackled all stages from the design to production including concept development, mock up compositions, presentations, art direction of photo shoots, prop sourcing and making, retouching images, art working images for online promotional use (Instagram, Facebook, iloveoffset.com) as well as printed use (postcards, posters, a printed and foldable timetable, tote bags and a magazine). Team: Aliss Curtis and Andrew Robinson.

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Skills

• Editorial Design
• Exhibition Design
• Research
• Graphic Desgin
• Print Design
• Art Direction
• Identity/branding

Education

MDes Graphic Design
Sep 2012 - Nov 2016Sheffield, United Kingdom

Awards

Best Editorial
Chosen by tutor and professional, John Dowling for project "Sheffield Institute of Arts: A Timeline"
The Print, Design & Marketing Awards (nominated)
State of Sheffield nominated for the Print and Design awards 2016 for being 100% sustainable.