GREY MATTER DESIGNS
CV
Alexander james charles harold
I am a highly creative and motivated individual that enjoys adventure, a challenge and in recent years I have found an addiction to learning new skills in order to enhance my creative output.
I have been fortunate to have experience in many creative practices including Graphic Design, Website Creation, Jewellery Design, Interior Design/Architecture, Content Creation, Photography, Videography and Hand Drawing/Painting. I believe that the exposure to such a wide range of design industries has broadened my creative brain allowing for free flowing ideas and campaigns.
1999
2013
2009
2014
yarlet School
Art + Design Scholarship
Repton School
School's out
Gap Year
First introduction into graphic design, began to learn the basics in Photoshop and other design applications and software.
Nottingham Trent University
Interior Design + Architecture
Studied structure, light, ergonomics and how to create a journey within a space
Learned about the design process in depth and set up a jewellery brand whilst studying with design themes relating to architecture and structure; Alex&er Jewellery.
Studied graphic design/photography/videography
Although my main focus at University was Interior Architecture, I used my knowledge of Photoshop + Illustrator to learn the principles of Graphic Design. During my placement I spent time shadowing one of the top Photographers/Videographers in the country, Christian Priestley.
From there I became a freelance designer, gaining experience in multiple design disciplines.
Interior design freelance work
Recently, I have focused on broadening my skills through my freelance work in Interior Design, Branding Packages and Content Creation. Since leaving University I have received a couple of projects in the form of restaurants and office spaces.
2018
2020
2021
Art series
During lockdown we all received an opportunity to explore new avenues and reignite old passions. I took my opportunity to design, create and paint my first series of art. Which will be exhibited in a solo exhibition in Spring 2021 in Staffordshire.
The next challenge...
Developed hand drawing skills. Decided to move towards a career in design
Portfolio
Interior design +architecture
Throughout the years of 2014- 2018 I Studied Interior design and Architecture at Nottingham Trent university. Whilst the design and functionality of the designs were imperative I actually took a particular interest in the presentation of my work, figuring new and original ways to display, engage and spark interest amongst my peers. Model making, hand drawing, photoshop renderings and even paintings were all used to differentiate my work form the rest. Illustration came naturally and evoked more passion within me.
ININDUSTRY
After leaving University, I worked at an Interior Design studio in Manchester called Imagineering. They had a lot of projects that were bars and restaurant chains. I enjoyed my time there creating visuals and designing layouts however before long they went into administration. From there I decided to find my own clients and use my skills to become freelance. I have worked on a number of interesting projects including shops and restaurants.
I studied Fine Art from the youngest age and received a scholarship to Repton Art School. The fine art has always played a huge role in my design work and has allowed that design/art crossover thus leading to my love for illustration. I feel that the hand drawing and painting that I have been spent so much time practicing has allowed for a positive transition to computer work due to free flowing thought processes.
ContentCreation
I have also attached a small selection of further content that I have created for a variety of brands and businesses to show the diversity of my portfolio.
