I graduated from Coventry University with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design in 1999. Since then, I have worked in industry as both a full-time and freelance practitioner, predominantly within the specialist fields of packaging and branding.
I was awarded a PGCE in post-compulsory education and training at the University of Greenwich in 2005, which led to opportunities for me to lecture at various institutions on a part-time basis.
I undertook a two-year programme of part-time postgraduate study in 2012, gaining a Master's with Distinction in Graphic Design at the London College of Communication in 2014.
Following 14 years as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, I joined Arts University Bournemouth in 2024 as Course Leader of the highly successful, award-winning BA (Hons) Visual Communication course, as well as the new BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy course.
I regularly publish visual research and self-initiated projects to a personal online platform graphicamusing.co.uk, which I also use as a pedagogical resource within my teaching.
I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
My research interests are focused on exploring the existence of heraldic language within 21st century British society. This includes looking at how heraldic language is used in corporate and cultural branding, and the parallels between the ancient practice of heraldry and the contemporary practice of brand identity design.
Further to this, I am currently researching the nature of visual histories, exploring the potential of graphic design as an innovative form of historiography. This has led to a co-authored published graphic research paper in The Poster, as well as a collaborative theory-practice workshop with students at Merz Akademie, Stuttgart.
I also have research interests concerning graduate employability, with a focus on developing ways to make more meaningful links with industry. This has led to various media contributions and studio-based student projects in collaboration with industry partners.
Awards previously received at University of Portsmouth include: