DESIGN PORTFOLIO
I GET IT... YOU WANT TO DIVE RIGHT INTO THE PORTFOLIO. BUT FIRST, HOW ABOUT A BRIEF
BACKGROUND BLURB?
I should start with the name and why I’ve slid into your email inbox. I’m Kyle; one of those graphic designer types, and it’s true what they say - we’re driven by creativity, we feed off the success of our clients, and we’re an absolute delight*. As a freelance designer, my approach is to use that one-to-one setup to get a clear understanding of the client and their business but also provide a professional and reliable service.
So... the portfolio. I’ve rounded up a handful of examples to showcase my work and how I can adapt my skills to suit design briefs from different backgrounds and industries. As graphic designers, we rely on project variety to keep our creativity on the boil. So whether you’re a cosy village baker or a global hotel chain, I’m ready to get stuck in.
Kyle Mackay
E kyle@kovek.co.uk P 07896 059555
*Unless Adobe software crashes mid-flow. In which case, stay away... stay well away.
LOGO DESIGN
When it comes to the identity of your business, logo design is the foundation which everything else is built on. It should be original and carefully thought through to ensure that it represents individuality and professionalism.
The logo design process shouldn’t be a direct route. To achieve originality, the scenic route should be explored collaboratively with the client.
THE PERMANENT JEWELLERY COMPANY
Logo Design / Branding / Print / Social Media
The Permanent Jewellery Company offer equipment and training to anyone interested in taking on the growing trend of permanent jewellery. As a trend-driven business, the branding and all marketing had to stand out among other industry competitors while at the same time, appealing to the industry audience.
The brand and all marketing consists of a clean, minimal design style which appeals to a female demographic without being to feminine like most other jewellery brands.
Click here to view brand guideline example.
MARRIOTT Print
As a globally recognised hotel chain, this is a case of taking an established brand and producing the goods based on that. Lucky for me, Marriott have an brand which compliments my preferred “less is more” design style.
As well as working on hotel brochures, internal marketing has also be produced for the bar/restaurants and spas including menus and price lists.
Within Marriott are various brands which provides the opportunity to produce creative and varied designs while working with the same company and design process
Click here to view eBrochure example.
BOURNE & BREAD
Logo Design / Branding / Print / Packaging
How about a rustic brand style? Let’s go in with a neutral palette to represent the natural produce and throw in a clean typeface to give it a bit of contrast and modern aesthetic.
AMIATA COSMETICS
Logo Design / Branding / Print / Packaging
As a range of masculine grooming products, nothing says mysterious elegance like black and gold. These branding decisions play a crucial role when it comes to attracting the intended demographic.
TEXTON Pitch Deck / Print / Icon Design
As a provider of office rentals, these projects were approached with professionals in mind. Texton required a pitch deck and various other advertising materials which they’d use to present to business as potential tenants for their various office blocks.
This particular project illustrates the advantage of using iconography and infographics to create a visually appealing presentation style, making it easier for the viewer to follow and take in the information.
Click here to view pitch deck example.
SENECA MEDICAL GROUP
What says medical more than a clinical design style? The branding shown here illustrated how a simple design can be lifted by combining brand assets with a complimentary typeface and palette.
Click here to view eBrochure example.
THE FASHIONISTA
Logo Design / Branding / Print / Merchandise
Strike a pose... vogue. This project is one for the sartorialist; sharp, monochrome, and a tailored for editorial. For the purpose of the street fashion blog, the brand style is straight to the point so it doesn’t get lost in that city rush. The bold use of typography makes it eye-catching whilst being easily adaptable to the editorial aspect of fashion article writing.
CLOUD 9 RESORT & SPA
Logo Design / Branding / Print / Packaging
The term “cloud nine” represents a state of bliss and elation so for this brand style, I went for a natural palette combining warm tones. The overall design style is more aimed towards the 20-40 female demographic which favours the branded cosmetics which are paired with the spa treatments.
As a brand based on natural elements, the palette should be adaptable to suit different seasons. The palettes in the examples shown here demonstrate how the design style remains consistent all year round even with the changing palette.
PLUS GROUP
Branding / Print / Icon Design
Why should corporate clients’ brand styles be “safe”? Take a single colour and throw in five more - now that’s corporate gone rogue! Why stop there... let’s go with bold patterns, statement typography, bespoke icons, and informal photography.
Even corporate brands should be original (tick), eye-catching (tick), and illustrate the intended tone of voice (tick).
NEWMARK
Print / eBrochure / Icon Design
This hotel chain required designs which could be altered for their various locations so whilst creativity was a must, this was approached from a practical angle to ensure that the work produced reflects the brand but must also be adaptable. A more strategic approach compare to the usual design process.
And just for a bit of added pressure, they’re based in South Africa which tightens the deadline by two hours due to time difference. Challenge accepted.
Click here to view eBrochure example.
KYLE MACKAY
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
CONTACT
E kyle@kovek.co.uk
P 07896 059555
L Fife, Scotland, UK
DESIGN SPECIALITIES
Logo design Branding
Packaging Brochures
Presentations Design for print
Signage Documentation
Social media Editorial design
Web graphics Image editing
SOFTWARE
Illustrator Photoshop
Acrobat (PDF) InDesign
Keynote Pages
PowerPoint Word
OTHER USEFUL SKILLS
Project management
Brief interpretation
Timekeeping skills
Client collaboration
Business management
Presentation
EXPERIENCE
Kovek | Graphic Designer | 2015-Present
In 2015, I made the decision to go freelance to open my options to client celection and project diversity. As well as general improvements in my design skills, by working as a solo freelancer, this also strengthened my skills in business managements (reliability, client communication, sales, etc).
Appeal Media | Graphic Designer | 2020-2020
During my employment here, I worked with a small team of designers as well as a production team takeing care of print. By working first hand with print suppliers, I seen what’s involved with the print process, application and distribution.
Certus
Creative | Graphic Designer | 2012-2015
This was my first taste of working as a partnership. Myself and my then business partner started Certus Creative and was my first steps of business management and creative collaboration. Some clients gained during these years are still with me today.
COS Media | Graphic Designer | 2010-2012
I was offered a job at COS Media during my fourth year at university so I took this opportunity to conclude my education and begin my professional career as a graphic designer.
EDUCATION
Graphic Design & New Media (HONS)
Napier University, Edinburgh 2009-2010
Visual Communications (HND)
Fife College, Dunfermline 2007-2009