Make things that matterMake things that matter

I am a highly skilled and experienced graphic designer on a mission to make things that matter.

Obsessed with design and branding – the idea, the thinking, the craft and the impact. I believe in good ideas. It’s ideas that make the work remarkable, unique to the brand, and true to the product. Ideas are what make work stand out, connect, endure, and inspire. Ideas make things that matter.

I think, write, illustrate, art direct, design, make, and build.

I’m always open to new challenges. I do my best work around talented people – those who inspire me to think deeper, try harder and bring more to the table. I have experience, ideas and a strong sense of craft, but I know the best work comes through collaboration. I thrive in creative cultures that challenge me and help me do the best work of my life.

Professional Experience

HAVAS LYNX
Lead Designer

April 2019–April 2025

Part of the Havas Health & You global network, Havas Lynx is a leading healthcare communications agency.

Lead creative on brand campaigns, visual identities, editorial, film and digital projects.

Collaborate closely with strategists, art directors, copywriters, designers, developers and account teams.

Present work internally and to clients – guiding them through the creative process and taking ideas through production to delivery.

Work across a wide range of therapy areas, bringing brands to life across print, digital and live experiences.

Mentor junior creatives and designers, helping to uphold high creative standards across the team.

Clients include: AbbVie, Dupixent, GSK, Janssen, Lundbeck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Teleflex, ViiV

DESIGN LABS (KPMG)
Senior Designer

October 2018–April 2019

Design Labs is KPMG’s internal creative studio, focused on bespoke design and communications.

Created new business identities for KPMG bids and initiatives.

Delivered corporate design projects for clients including Centrica, Deceuninck, Shell and Virgin.

Produced brand identities and communications for pro-bono clients and charities, including Sporting Force.

HAGUE & HAGUE
Creative Director and co-founder

Jan 2014–October 2018

Co-founded and led an independent design studio producing thoughtful, crafted work for a wide range of clients.

Directed all creative output, from concept to delivery.

Worked with brands including Adidas, Bench, Hermes, JD Sports, Shop Direct Group.

Collaborated with agencies such as Cheetham Bell JWT, Ear to the Ground, TBWA Manchester, WRG.

Developed brand identities for Bernard Weatherill, Ear to the Ground, Oh, You Pretty Things, The Old Building Society, WayOut Travel, Whereabouts Holidays.

SHOP DIRECT GROUP
Brand Designer - Brand stores & Brand content

May 2011–January 2014

Designed bespoke digital shopping experiences for brands including Adidas, G-Star RAW, Lacoste, Nike.

Art directed and oversaw build and delivery of site pages and interactive content.

MADE BY JAMES
Freelance Designer

January 2008–May 2011

Worked independently with a wide range of creative agencies and in-house teams including Cheetham Bell JWT, Music, Origin, Shop Direct Group, TBWA Manchester, The King’s Arms, The Refinery, WRG.

THE KINGS ARMS
Head of Design

June 2007–May 2008

Led design output for this independent agency.

Produced campaigns and brand work for clients including Frosty Jack’s, Imperial War Museum North, New York Bagels, The Information Commissioner’s Office, The NHS.

TBWA MANCHESTER
Graphic Designer

June 2005–May 2007

Worked as part of the design team under Matthew Casey on branding, packaging and campaigns for Brother, GHD, Morphy Richards, Museum of Science and Industry, Patak’s.

MARKS & SPENCER
Womenswear Graphic Designer

May 2004–May 2005

Responsible for the design and production of their quarterly design brief.

Designed seasonal graphic content and garment prints.

Produced diagrams and visuals both digitally and by hand.

KEY SKILLS

DESIGN THINKING AND CREATIVE DIRECTION

Strategic, idea-led and hands-on — from initial concept through to delivery. My approach is thoughtful and collaborative, rooted in creating real value and making the creative process as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

TOOLS AND SOFTWARE

Advanced knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Basic understanding of Adobe Animate, Dreamweaver, HTML, CSS and Figma – enough to communicate effectively with developers, animators and digital teams, and to understand what’s possible and practical.

AI-ASSISTED CONCEPTING AND VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

Fluent in using AI tools to support and enhance the creative process. From shaping prompts in ChatGPT to generating visuals with Midjourney and Adobe Firefly. Able to bring ideas to life to a standard that was previously unachievable.

TYPOGRAPHY AND LAYOUT

Fluent in the principles of typography and layout, with a strong understanding of type, hierarchy and spatial relationships. Experienced in designing and setting type with freedom and precision across a wide range of styles and formats.

DESIGN FOR PRINT, DIGITAL AND MOTION

Expert in preparing and delivering artwork across print, digital and on-screen. Experienced working with printers, developers and animators to get the best result for each output.

PRESENTING AND PITCHING

Experienced in presenting work at all stages, from early concepts to final delivery. Clear and considered in how I explain creative thinking, with a focus on preparation and communicating ideas with clarity.

WRITING AND LANGUAGE

Confident writing as part of the design process. From headlines and tone of voice to rationales, brand propositions and long-form content. I write clearly, thoughtfully and with purpose.

Download CV