Stephen’s experience across many commercial design sectors and projects has taken him to the realisation that what he was doing all along was simply good UX.
He has always designed with the end-user first and with great appreciation of the business and client needs. His breadth of knowledge gives him an expert understanding of people and perspectives and he bring proven skills, processes and a different point of view to any project.
His work is driven by creative problem-solving and an innate curiosity. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working with numerous businesses, agencies, organisations, and individuals, delivering ideas and designs that have made a difference. His goal is to always deliver measurable and significant results for the clients and to hopefully have a little fun along the way.
Stephen’s journey is a little different than most. After going to art school and then on to studying classical animation he decided to teach himself graphic design as that is really what he really wanted to do. Fast forward a number of years and he has diversified into UX design, which he feels is the logical next step to build on his his many years design experience.
He is lucky to have both full New Zealand and Irish citizenships.
Work Experience
JANUARY 2019 – JULY 2023
Multidisciplinary Designer
SMG STUDIO
For the past four years I have been running my own successful freelance design business working with local, national and international brands, government agencies, individuals and organisations across Ireland in the areas of graphic and visual design, digital design and branding and identity.
JANUARY 2017 – DECEMBER 2018
Creative Director
MAGNIFY AGENCY
Working alongside a small and dedicated team of marketing professionals I provided the
creative input and direction for all projects including marketing, branding, UI/UX, print and digital media design. Our goal was to support and grow medium to large businesses with fresh ideas and inventive marketing strategies.
SEPTEMBER 2005 – MAY 2013
Production Manager
& Senior Designer
GALWAY INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS LTD.
I was responsible for the production management, planning and design of a weekly city newspaper along with designing and producing special features, client ads and marketing materials.
JUNE 2000 – DECEMBER 2001
Multimedia & Web Designer
VISUAL GROUP LTD
I was a graphic, web and multimedia designer for a small Auckland technology startup. We were at the cutting edge of interior and exterior panorama technology and worked with some of the biggest yacht builders in Auckland to produce multimedia sales tools using the technology.
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SEPTEMBER 2022 – JANUARY 2023
UX Designer
TIPPLE
I was lucky to spend a few months working with Tipple, an online D2C alcohol seller startup based in Ireland. Working with the CEO I was tasked with researching and developing a new B2B arm of their business. Using UX tools and processes it culminated in a proof of concept prototype of the B2B website.
APRIL 2014 – JANUARY 2017
Senior Designer
DANJOL LTD.
I was responsible for the creative direction of all visual output for seven major pub and restaurant venues. Working closely with the marketing department I developed all promotional concepts and campaigns and created visual and graphic design for all aspects of the businesses.
JANUARY 2002 – NOVEMBER 2003
Production Manager
& Graphic Designer
PHOTOCOM
My first taste of production management. After two months I was offered the job of managing the production department that designed and typesetting advertisements for a national motor-trade magazine. A fun fast-paced place to cut my teeth and learn how to work smart and fast.
Education
Level 7 Certificate in User Experience
Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland
Diploma in Social Media Marketing
Irish Times Training, Dublin
Graphic and Multimedia Production
Centre for Emerging Technologies, Dublin
Animation Production
Ballyfermot Senior College, Dublin
Visual Art & Design
Atlantic Technological University, Galway