A Lead UX/UI & Product Designer, with 14 years of creative industry experience, I have worked across diverse sectors, including automotive, retail (e-commerce), hospitality, beauty and real estate to name just a few. My approach centres on simplicity and I try to apply as much common sense to the solution as possible, I take pride in seeing projects through from conception to delivery. Whether joining mid-project or leading from the start, I bring a wealth of knowledge in mapping flows, wireframing, user testing, creating complex design systems and documentation, and developing animation guides I believe setting up files in the most organised way possible is key. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills through roles at various creative agencyís, working directly with numerous clients. I am committed to my craft and get immense satisfaction from delivering user-focused, creative solutions.
SKILLS OVERVIEW
• Figma / Sketch / XD / Invision / Principle
• Creative Suite (Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop)
• After Effects / Premier Pro
• HTML/ HTML5 Development
• CSS / CSS3
• PHP for WordPress theme creation
• JQuery / Javascript / React (Foundation of knowledge)
• HTML Animated web banners (DC Studio)
• C4D (Foundation of knowledge)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
My technical skills encompass an extensive range of design applications, including the Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, and various prototyping and mapping tools. Alongside these, I am proficient in After Effects and Premiere Pro. Having worked on numerous large-scale web and App projects. My experience includes mapping user flows, wireframing, creating countless design systems, and working closely with developers to deliver flexilble component based designs. My strong understanding of web development, enables me to collaborate closely with developers working in an aglie way to deliver component, write stories, and streamline the handover and documentation process and keeping my files organised to an almost obsessive level! Additionally, I am well-versed in HTML/ HTML5, JavaScript, jQuery, CSS/CSS3, and WordPress, enabling me to build fully responsive content-managed and e-commerce websites. All this and a host of other skill I have picked up over the numerous years of being the digital designer in every agency i’ve worked for!
EXPERIENCE
FREELANCE SENIOR UI DESIGNER
Identity Global (2023–2024 – 3 months)
I was asked to join the team to help roll out the UI design for the COP28 United Nations event app and portal. I helped to finalised the design and worked heavily on the design system and development hand off.
FREELANCE LEAD PRODUCT DESIGNER
Like Digital (2022–2023 – 14 months)
I worked with Like to help with a prestigious web project they had just won with a very tight deadline..I lead a team initially working closely with one other UX designer on all the initial presentations and research and was asked to lead the UI phase of the project. This includes all developer hand off, design system creation as well as component guide annotations, style and animation guide including prototyping the website and working with the development team to QA the build. Due to the success of this project Like asked me to stay with them a little longer to lead the UX and UI on a complex and prestigious hotel and fitness app and a very high end skincare brand working closely
FREELANCE LEAD UI DESIGNER
Identity (2022–2022 – 5 months)
I worked with Identity to help with a large digital project they had just won. I worked on the motion design and design system also creating a 3D model as well as the user back end interface. I was acting as design lead with one other designer supporting me.
FREELANCE SENIOR UX/UI DESIGNER
Saentys (2020–2022 – 15 months)
I worked with Saentys supporting the digital team on a variety of UX to UI projects as well as prototyping and motion design. Working on and winning a pitch for prestigious clients and delivering multiple digital projects from start to finish, including creating style guides and design systems and working with developer to deliver react components for multiple projects including Saentys own internal design system they still user to date!
Freelance Senior Integrated Designer
Hunter Design (2020–2021 – 15 months)
I worked with Hunter on a variety of projects from branding to advertising campaign, web design, animation and video editing as well as working on and winning multiple pitches.
Senior Integrated Creative
J2 (2018 – 2020)
I Joined J2 as a Senior Creative looking to learn and develop my skills in branding and to do more more identity work for a larger creative agency. I work on a variety of projects from branding to advertising campaign, web design and animation.
Senior Integrated Creative
Satellite (2016 – 2018)
Satellite had just lost one of their founding partners. They were looking for someone to work directly with the creative director on all creative projects to come through the studio. Also bringing a new set of skills into the company and giving direction to the other members of the team. I work on a variety of projects from branding to advertising campaign, web design and animation.
Senior Digital Designer
Acuity (2015 – 2016)
The Promotion to Senior designer came from the digital work growing large enough for me to be managing a team of three mid-weight designers. I was working purely on digital as well as running up numerous digital contracts for DS, Citroën, Suzuki, Zenith and St John Ambulance.
Middle-Weight Designer
Acuity (2013 – 2015)
At Acuity, my primary job was the lead designer on the Citroën and DS brochure contract. While working on that contract I made my digital skills known to the clients and we began to pick up more digital design and development work.
Middle-Weight Designer
Braden Threadgold Ltd (2010 – 2013)
The Promotion to mid-weight designer came with increased responsibility. More responsibility for concept work while still working as part of a team to see projects right through to print or production.
Junior Designer
Braden Threadgold Ltd (2009 – 2010)
I learnt a lot working as a junior designer this taught me about working as a designer to an industry standard. I learnt about printing processes, colour use and good design practice. As well as working as part of a team to develop ideas from concept to final artwork.
MY EDUCATION
BA (Hons) Visual Communication Design
2:1 (Middlesex University)
I really enjoyed my BA. I used this time to explore all areas of graphic design. As well as learning about photography, traditional printing processes and digital design and production.
BTEC National Diploma Multimedia Design
Triple Distinction (Oaklands College St. Albans)
This course fuelled my passion for design and made me sure that I wanted to be a graphic designer
Contact me
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to know anything else, have a prospective jobor just want some friendly help and advice.
Email: hello@craigelve.co.uk
Telephone: 07952 997 396