Shortly after leaving school, I followed in my brother’s footsteps and became a Screen Printer. This was my first job within the creative industries and although I enjoyed the role – I knew there was something missing. 

I was always distracted by, and very interested in, the design and artwork department. It wasn’t long before I was sneaking off at every opportunity to spend as much time as possible there. I was so keen to learn as much as I could about the whole design process. 

This is where I can first remember feeling that creative spark and knowing that a career in the creative and design industry was what I wanted. So, after my request to transfer over to the artwork department was declined (as they didn’t want to lose me as a printer) my mind was made up - I was going to go art college, and I applied to Herefordshire College of Art & Design. 

A week later I had an interview and within a fortnight I’d moved to Hereford, from Mid Wales, to start college. Looking back now it all happened very quickly and was certainly a bit scary, but it is without doubt one of the best things I have done.

I specialised in visual communications for 3 years in Hereford, before moving to Somerset where I began working as part of an in-house design team for an Exhibition & Events Company. I continued to study alongside this role and attended Somerset College of Arts & Technology (now Somerset College) every Saturday for a further 2 years, as I achieved a HNC in Graphic Design.

As the Exhibition & Events company grew, I grew with it, and I soon became the Design Manager with a small team of designers to oversee. Throughout that time, I learnt a lot about design in different mediums, dealing with staff and business in general. However, I knew deep down how much I really wanted to create my own design business, and so in January 2005, I took the plunge and set-up uandi design and I have never looked back. 

I get great satisfaction out of running uandi design and have built some amazing relationships along the way. I’ve worked with so many amazing businesses and people since launching over 15 years ago, and I’m looking forward to working with many more.

The thrill of my Harley, and the calm of the sea

Away from the studio, I am a bit of a motorcycle fanatic and ride a Harley Davidson - which is my pride and joy. Live music is also a big thing for me, with classic rock being my goto music of choice. 

I have always loved being by the sea, and so living in Exmouth gives me the chance to enjoy being around the sea every day. Since moving to Devon, I’ve also discovered paddle boarding. I find it incredibly calming, inspiring and mind clearing.

Staying active is important for me, so I do like to keep fit(-ish!) and enjoy running – even if it is on a sporadic basis.