Katherine Hills Design

I’m lucky enough to have worked as a graphic designer alongside some wonderful people in the advertising industry for over 20 years, the past 10 years as a freelance senior designer.

I’ve managed a team and been part of a team – I can oversee juniors and freelancers if need be, or work with an art director and add some extra design sparkle to their big idea.

I listen, ask questions and challenge the brief.

I can throw a visual together for a pitch, or see a job through to artwork.

I’m not precious, and never lose sight of the initial brief. I’m equally happy doing the best job possible to meet a tight deadline, as I am crafting a beautiful design over several days.

I take pride in being requested by both creatives and account teams as the designer they’d like to have working on their brief.

Freelance Experience

Katherine Hills Design (Sept 2012-present)
Freelance Senior Designer

Since going freelance, I’ve enjoyed repeat bookings at several agencies.

Eleven Miles
Orange Business Services / BT

HeyBigMan!
Fentimans / Aviva / Wahaca

TMW Unlimited
Canon / Sony / HSBC / Infiniti / Tu / Sainsbury’s

WCRS
B&Q / Churchill / Sky / HMRC / Santander

VCCP Retail
McArthurGlen Designer Outlets

WARL
Diageo / Coke (Fanta)

D&AD Judge (Apr 2013)
I had the pleasure of spending two days at Olympia, feasting my eyes on some beautiful work in the Crafts for Advertising category.

Previous Experience

Inferno (Oct 2006 – Aug 2012)
Head of Design
Honda / BlackBerry / Nokia / Unilever / Hiscox / Kiss / Prudential
I was employed to set up a design department at Inferno, and established the key role it played working alongside creative teams in creating the look & feel for a campaign. I ensured that myself and my designers stayed actively involved in a job as it proceeded through the artwork and digital depts, to ensure consistency of brand guidelines and design throughout. Upon acquisition of the Nokia brand in 2009, we restructured from the traditional ‘creative department’ structure to a more retail-specific department and I took the opportunity to learn the specifics of retail working alongside some fantastic retail creatives.
DMA Press Award 2008 – Silver. Honda ATV press campaign.

Elvis Communications (Nov 2004 – Oct 2006)
Head of Design
Pizza Hut / O’Neills / Cadbury / Hollywood Bowl / Subaru
I was responsible for a department of 4 designers, and liaison between my department, studio and creative. I also managed workflow with creative services. I handled freelance resource and full time recruitment, including appraisals etc.
ISP Best New Product Launch Award 2006 – Gold. Pizza Hut 4forAll.

Claydon Heeley Jones Mason (Mar 1999 – Nov 2004)
Senior Designer
The Guardian / Vertu / Royal Mail, / Mercedes / Sony Playstation / British Airways / Callaway Golf / Bradford & Bingley / Elida Faberge / BAA / Pepsi
I was involved with all aspects of the design process from start to finish – analysis of brief, creative visual design, pitches, brainstorms, through to finished artwork. I managed day to day job allocation in a studio of 6 designers and handled freelance resource as and when needed.

PING Communications (Nov 1996 – Mar 1999)
Designer
Nationwide / Amex
Involvement in the brainstorming process on larger campaigns, working concepts through from initial ideas to finished mac visuals and presenting the finished designs to the client. I sourced freelance designers, illustrators and photographers, plus liaised with repro houses, print buyers and printers concerning high res scans and artworking jobs ready for print.

Jeff Robins Photography (Jun 1994 – Nov 1996)
Producer
Hasbro / Bernard Matthews
I worked here during my last summer at college, during the final year of my degree and after I graduated. Working as part of a small team shooting packaging photography, I was responsible for casting and booking models for shoots, and also sourcing hair, make-up and food stylists. My role also included hire and purchase of props, styling of every shot and extensive client contact throughout the duration of a job.

London College of Printing & Distributive Trades (1992 – 1995)
BA (HONS) Graphic and Media Design