James Wakefield

CV

August 2018 - Present

Senior Designer   Freelance

I have been freelancing for the past 6 years and have enjoyed the variety and flexibility that brings. Working either on-site or remotely I have met and worked with some amazing people across many of the top advertising and design agencies including: Wieden+Kennedy, Mother, Adam&Eve, VCCP, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA, Ogilvy, Engine, BMB and Wonderhood amongst others. During this time I have worked across ATL, BTL, integrated, branding and digital. I have handled projects to Design Director level, helping to create well-executed campaigns for an extensive portfolio of well known clients.

 

August 2016 - August 2018

Senior Designer   Leo Burnett, London

A position that was seen as an internal transition from Atelier LB when the two sister agencies merged during 2016. The main difference was a shift from Leo’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio to their primary client base of McDonalds, Kelloggs and Co-op. Responsibilities include design and typographic styling of creative solutions across all of Leo’s clients. Execution and overseeing integration across all touch-points, briefing external work, attending photo-shoots and client presentation.

April 2015 - August 2016

Design Director   Atelier LB, London

As Design Director responsibilities included overseeing all of the design output from Atelier, Leo Burnett’s luxury and lifestyle arm. Clients included Max Factor, Aussie, ghd and The Outnet. Practical execution across all touch-points and briefing in designers and artworking as well as handling work flow expectation, attending photo-shoots and client presentation. Working directly into the Executive Creative Director.

January 2013  -  April 2015

Senior Designer   Mercieca Communications, London

The primary design position within the agency, working across full client base. Design ownership on advertising, experiential, digital and branding briefs, managing design output through a small team of designers and artworkers. Creating conceptual design solutions working alongside Creative Directors.

September 2008  -  December 2012

Senior Designer  Freud Communications, London

Initially working as part of and later heading up a small design unit within Freud Communications - the leading PR agency. As well as advertising briefs, there was a strong slant to brand identity and event design. Responsibilities included managing full design delivery to businesses, public sector institutions, products and campaigns.

May 2008  -  September 2008

Designer  Freelance

Work included freelance and commissioned work from TBWA, VCCP, LOWE, Adam & Eve, The Assembly, Optomen TV, Sony Home as well as numerous independent commissions.

December 2006  -  May 2008

Senior Designer  SHOP, London

CDD rebranded itself as SHOP towards the end of 2006. At the same point came a promotion to Senior Designer. The role included greater design and typographic input across all clients as well as management of general design and artworking.

June 2002  -  December 2006

Designer  Campbell Doyle Dye, London

The position started as Creative Artworker. A thorough understanding of all practical skills needed within the advertising agency studio environment was nurtured over a 2 year period. This developed into the role of junior and then mid-weight designer and typographer where more creative input was required.

January 2002  -  June 2002

Designer  Freelance / 23 Press

Here I gained a knowledge of the design and letterpress print process, developing a grounding in classic typography.