Hello my name is Karen, I am a freelance graphic designer working in Glasgow.
I have over 25 years experience working in graphic design, exhibition design and print, working across private, public and charitable sectors. I have excellent knowledge of the design and print process, and extensive experience of working with printers, photographers, illustrators, and exhibition builders.
If you need design cover or have a design project, that you think I would be suitable for, please get in touch.
testimonials
'Karen Smith is a creative inspiration. Her manner is likeable and infectious. As well as this Karen can intuitively look at a process and establish ways to refine it and save money. Karen's portfolio is amazing, her creativity is without question and yet her customer insight brings a much needed, level-headed common sense to projects.'
Peter Griffiths, Marketing Manager, CalMac.
'Most people can get to grips with a Mac and design software but it takes a special person to KNOW what good design is. Karen is one of the few who does. She can take a loose verbal brief and quickly produce ideas that provide for a range of solutions. Working autonomously or as part of a wider team she quickly adapts to her environment to provide designs that simply work hard. In addition she's a skilled print negotiator and utilises a wide network of resources across Scotland to help her deliver when required. In addition she's a nice person and one who I would recommend to being a part of your team.'
Phil Gates, Marketing Specialist, FCIM.
'Karen was a pleasure to work with. She took on a tough brief at ScotRail, managing design, print production and distribution across 350 stations and a multitude of demanding stakeholders. This also included biannual production of train timetables with multi versions, 800k print run and complex distribution. But she thrived on it and delivered on her objectives, thanks to a combination of great technical knowledge, good organisation, impressive work ethic, extensive industry network and a personality that is calm under pressure. She also helped to save the business a lot of money through rationalising the supply base and making efficiencies without sacrificing quality.'
Alistair Buckle, Head of Marketing, Kura.
'Karen is very professional to work with, great at interpreting briefs, sharing ideas and coming up with exciting, creative and effective approaches which combine creativity with commercial understanding. She is very collaborative in discussing approaches and sharing her knowledge and has a wealth of experience and skills. I would not hesitate to recommend Karen and would be very happy to work with her again.'
Maggie Maguire, Tourism Development Manager and Marketing Consultant.
'Karen made a real impact and made a number of improvements to the Graphics Design function. Amongst these I would highlight the streamlining of our supplier arrangements which generated tangible savings on print spend this financial year as well as formalising the briefing process between her own team and the rest of the business. Karen is a diligent and committed worker, as well as an excellent traffic manager. She understands the need for creativity even in the most basic pieces of work and is committed at ensuring all her work reaches the highest standards possible. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending Karen for any graphics design or creative role, in either agency or client sector.'
Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director, First Bus Scotland.