It all begins with an idea. Working with the Creative team and led by me, visual reference points, mock-ups and loose artwork will be worked on. Weekly catch-up and a live critical path keeps the schedule on track, but also ensures there aren’t too many revisions and change in directions!

Once concepts are developed and costings approved, I brief and commission any out-of-house design work.

The main commission goes over to existing and new artists. Working from my own mock-ups or sketches artists and designers are normally briefed to specific specifications but are sometimes given open briefs. Contracts and payment terms, as well as commission statements are all managed by me.

Once artwork has been received and I’ve checked for final amends I then ensure the designs are print-ready and liaise with printers and studio managers. All final digital print proofs are signed off by me.

In my role at Archivist the art direction goes beyond the design and packaging of products and follows through to the photography and overall marketing of the collections and designs. The main deliverables are product shots, lifestyle photography, website updates, eDMs and printed mailers, overseeing social campaigns and any necessary collateral for in-person trade shows for launches.