I started my career in Graphic Design with a National Diploma at Wakefield College in ’99. In what turned out to be the final era before the complete digitalisation of the way designers now work, I learnt the fundamentals of design and typography on drawing tables with Letraset sheets and a plethora of Pantone Marker pens. Along side the Diploma I took an A-level in Photography and experienced the joys of developing negatives in the dark room.

I continued my design education with a Higher National Diploma at York College. The HND was a more software oriented course where we were encouraged to explore all aspects of design and to be as experimental as possible. Early iterations of Photoshop and (the now defunct) Freehand were the core tools to learning image manipulation and vector-based design.

I was lucky enough to be approached at my end of year show at college by Peter Turpin Associates and offered the role of their Junior Designer. Working in the in-house design studio in a commercial print house was huge for me. I gained invaluable knowledge from everyone there on how to optimise artwork for the huge lithographic printing presses. Peter, a former lecturer of Graphic Design, helped instil valuable design traits and principals which are now the foundation of my approach to design.

Over the next five years I worked as a Mid-weight Designer for a boutique design studio, Mode. I was entrusted to oversee all aspects of the briefs, from meeting clients and understanding all their requirements, to delivering high spec finished jobs. There was a great variety of briefs that covered logo creation, advertisements, exhibition graphics, small to large brochures and catalogues and a magazine sold nationwide. It was at Mode where I learnt how to work under existing brand guidelines while encouraged to push and find opportunities to create something new. I enhanced my editorial design skills enormously over my time there and feel it was at Mode where I really developed a keen eye for detail.

As the popularity of websites in the late 00’s grew, I made the full time switch over to website design and became the Senior Designer at Designition. In a sector that just won’t stand still, I worked alongside some seriously talented developers to embrace the steep technological learning curve from design-for-print to web design and UI. We produced hundreds of sites that ranged from single pages, brochure sites, e-commerce shopping platforms and music festival websites.

Over a decade ago ‘Grafiklee’ evolved from my artist pseudonym into my own design business. Combing fifteen years of know-how and experience I set up on my own. Since then I have been delivering high quality designs for start-ups, SMEs, large educational charities and multi national companies. I primarily specialise in branding and editorial design although my portfolio covers much more.

"Lee’s enthusiasm and natural flair was apparent from the beginning and continued throughout the journey. Lee very quickly understood what I was looking for and exceeded all expectations. His guidance was invaluable and ultimately lead to better results than I ever could have hoped for. We have since worked together on other projects and I will not be looking elsewhere in the future,”

Oliver McLaren | King O

"I’ve worked with Lee on numerous branding and website projects, and will hopefully continue to do so! Although he’s obviously a super-talented illustrator, it’s his knowledge of design theory, and application of process, that really inspires confidence and eliminates guesswork. Total pleasure to work with.”

Nico Jones | Hidden Door

"Lee has worked with us for a number of years. He works well using our existing brand guidelines, developing sub-brands and associated guidelines, as well as creating a wide range of digital and print materials. He has a very thorough and creative approach, ensuring he understands the strategy and background from the outset which really contributes to quality output."

Kat Hunt | Advance HE

"Having revamped the interior of the salon it was time to look at rebranding. I knew Lee would be the perfect person to do the job.

What he came up with was amazing – a new logo that is so fitting with what I’m all about! The new branding is now used all over my salon, from price lists and gift vouchers to tote bags and dresses, and of course the signs on the front of my shop. Thanks so much to Lee, I would recommend him over and over. He delivered something to be really proud of!”

Jess Steel | Rock The Barnet

“Lee always communicated clearly both his ideas for the pieces and the timescales involved in this. I was always amazed that he could turn my uncreative briefs into something fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Lee and was always excited to see what he came up with!”

Debbie Keste | PR & Social Media Executive