What's it all About?

I am a freelance designer, from Brighton, based in Manchester.

I specialise in advertising campaigns for print; combined with cutting-edge, effective digital strategies.

I am currently in the final year at Salford University, studying Digital Media Design, where I have been transferring my skill-set from picas to pixels.

I enjoy creating memorable brand identities for new businesses and services and creating effective advertising campaigns through all media. I enjoy a creative challenge and thinking outside the box. Get in touch and start your journey today!

Matt Hare signature

Bio

I started my career in 2001, as an apprentice, working in the Pre-Press department at Newsquest (regional newspaper publisher). My duties primarily involved designing adverts and constructing the page layouts for many of Newsquest’s titles including the Brighton Argus.

In 2004 I was awarded runner-up BPIF ‘Apprentice of the Year’, at the British Printing Excellence Awards.

In 2005 I became a graphic designer at the in-house studio at Newsquest. My duties progressed to creative design and building branding identities for local businesses. I also produced the design and extended collateral for regional events and other event marketing.

In 2007 I became the studio manager – a position I held until 2009. My role primarily consisted of managing the workflow and liaising with clients, to set design responses within the constraints of cost and time.

I am currently available for freelance work and have both agency and studio experience.

Skills

I am conversant with Adobe Creative Suite and am both Mac and PC literate. My strengths lie in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash, whilst I also have a good knowledge of HTML/CSS. I have a good knowledge of the printing process and have managed many projects, from design to doorstep.

I enjoy creating carefully constructed narratives; and using new media to share the stories with the world.

Marketing Image

Work/Play

When I'm not creating something, it's a safe bet I'll be doing one of the following:

1. Don't judge me. I am a big Arsenal fan, so moving up north, just as the two Manchester teams have become the biggest clubs in the country, is probably not my smartest move. I love football in general, from 5-a-side to Sunday league and there's probably no better place for that then Manchester. In Arsene we trust.

2. I don't own a pair of decks, yet spend more time window shopping for vinyl than is probably healthy. I love hip hop, dubstep and electro, but to be honest as long as it's good, I'll give it a go.

3. I am a big fan of urban culture. From street art and graffiti to open mic sessions. Some of the most effective advertising and guerrilla marketing stem for an understanding of people and 'the street'.

4. I go cycling regularly (usually without a seagull in my basket). I've spent many hours on the South Downs and am looking forward to hitting the Peak District and Lake District soon.

5. Coffee. How much is too much?

6. I enjoy photography and trying to 'capture the moment'. I have a long way to go before I get to a standard I'm happy with, but have started to generate my own assets. A work in progress.

Picture of interests

CMYK

I love building strong indentites and solving design problems using a broad approach. For a full portfolio range check out my cargo site

Brand Identity work sample

Brand Identity

I enjoy building strong brand identities that are relevant, unique, timeless, and that are equally effective cross-platform.

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Event Marketing work sample

Event Marketing

I have designed themes and branded collateral for a wide range of events, from awards to fundraisers.
[pic. The Argus Awards]

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Event Marketing work sample

Event Marketing

I worked with The Argus and Brighton Council to produce the print and online collateral for this festival. [pic. The Brighton Festival]

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Campaign Marketing work sample

Campaign Marketing

I have designed successful, in-paper promotions and campaigns for The Argus (from concept to execution). [pic. Dine For Less, 2008]

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Leaflets and Flyers work sample

Leaflets and Flyers

I have produced eye-catching leaflets, flyers and posters for a range of events and services.
[pic. Bath Times]

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Editorial work sample

Editorial

I have a background in Pre-Press and newspaper production, working in particular with layouts, grids and producing the odd map!

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Festival Branding work sample

Festival Branding

I try and create visual identities and narratives that are equally effective on different platforms.
[pic. Audiolympics, 2012]

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Convergence Strategy work sample

Convergence Strategy

I enjoy applying new media to concepts and narratives, which can really bring an idea to life while attracting maximum exposure.

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Front Cover Design work sample

Front Cover Design

I have worked on a range of editorial front covers. From newspapers and magazines to national catalogues.
[pic. Brighton Uni Programme]

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Advert Design work sample

Advert Design

I have produced a range of adverts for regional/national newspapers and magazines. I can produce effective design to suit the stock.

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Direct Mail work sample

Direct Mail

Direct mail is a staple part of every marketing campaign. I have produced artwork and copy for a variety of businesses and services.

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Artworking work sample

Artworking

I have good image manipulation skills and enjoy making something out of nothing!

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RGB

I believe in the power of insightful interactions and considered thinking. For a full portfolio range check out my cargo site

Video content and interactive proposal for PZ Cussons. Both are part of The Big Picture – an internal marketing initiative designed to promote awareness to employees and visitors about 'what is happening right now' in the company.

Other Projects

Microsite work sample

User-Generated Content Microsite

The site allows users to upload videos and aggregate content as part of the Audiolympics music festival [pic. Audiolympics]

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Social Media Platform work sample

Social Media Platform

Snow Tribe is a platform designed for skiers and snowboarders to meet, plan routes and share media.
[pic. Snow Tribe]

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Convergence Strategy work sample

Convergence Strategy

The 'Summer of Fruit' campaign for Feel Good benefits from an app, a microsite and re-worked packaging.
[pic. Feel Good Drinks]

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Front-end Design work sample

Front-end Design

I enjoy designing front-end branding for all types of websites.
[pic. WheelieBins.co.uk, 2012]

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Front-end Design work sample

Front-end Design

I enjoy designing front-end branding for all types of websites.
[pic. outdoormedicalsolutions.co.uk]

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Front-end Design work sample

Front-end Design

I enjoy designing front-end branding for all types of websites.
[pic. jackandskarlett.co.uk]

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Contact

For further infomation, you can check out my cargo collective portfolio.

Alternatively, you can drop me a line at info@matthare.co.uk or follow my twitterings

Either way, I would love to hear from you.