About me

Dear Sir/Madam,

Through my work experience and continuing development, I feel that I have a strong understanding and appreciation of what would be required for a perminant position at a creative company.

Any post would offer me the opportunity to use the strong creative, time management skills and knowledge I have acquired, in an environment that is both enriching and challenging.

Experience of working under your own initiative and managing your time productively:

Whilst studying I started an online design shop with another student. We created posters and other

personalised gift ideas. I am a creative and innovative individual who constantly looks for areas to

develop and improve. I think that this quality can stretch across any business environment.

During my degree I received praise and acknowledgement for my work and research into designing products for the elderly and for people with disabilities. Using my initiative I went to talk to people about their wants and needs for design.

Time management plays an important role. Individual responsibilities and team objectives may be in

place, but with ever changing priorities it is important that workloads are managed effectively.

I am capable of planning and prioritising my own workload, I have the confidence to ask others for assistance where needed and recognise the needs of others.

Experience of administration work in an office environment:

Whilst working for Matalan I was involved in the recoding and organisation of the stock. Good organisation, time management and record keeping skills were essential.

By planning my time effectively I was able to help my colleagues to ensure that the tight deadlines were met, whilst adhering to the company's policies and procedures.

While studying at university I have been assigned a number of projects which have involved the co-ordination and management of a group and the production of timely reports.

Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, in a variety of styles and to different audiences:

I have excellent communication and people skills. Throughout my working/personal life it has been necessary to communicate both written and verbally with a wide range of people with different skills and abilities. It is important to listen and acknowledge the needs of individuals. I react positively to problems and can inspire and motivate others.

As a designer I have experience with putting together professional and creative presentations with accurate, clear and concise information. I also have experience working closely with clients throughout the design process whilst working at Capita we would have regular communication with regards to amends, design constraints and any other problems or concerns that needed addressing. Please see my CV for a client list in which I worked for during my time at Capita.

Experience of publicising and marketing events, including writing materials for press and media:

I have produced publicity, including handouts and posters for a local voluntary organisation,

promoting forth coming events.

I've collated information and produced a newsletter which was distributed to over 250 households.

I've produced marketing material for Sainsbury's and Boost products as part of my degree.

During my time at Capita I designed and typeset many newsletters and flyers which were printed up to 10,000 units, I am aware of what is needed when producing a design which is going to be seen by many people and the rigorous process in which this has to be achieved and also the cost factor in which makes it essential to be perfect.

Experience of working as part of a team:

I have always worked as part of a team, at Capita I was part of a small design department of 3 and we would always bounce ideas of one another and then implement these on our own, in a professional environment. I personally value the skills and experience of other team members and encourage participation where possible.

I believe in treating people with respect and in turn ask it of others. Accepting and embracing differences and promoting a willingness to work together.

Computer skills: Good knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (inDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator and Photoshop) Microsoft Office, internet, email and Excel

My university course was dependent on my computers skills and my ability to present information in a

clear and concise way.

My design experience was highly dependant on the use of CAD and I have worked extensively on the adobe creative suite, clocking up many of hours and expertise.

I have experience of using Excel. I am a fast learner and have a good basic knowledge of spreadsheets. With transferable skills.

I have a vast experience of Microsoft Office and can type 40-50WPM.

I have past experience developing websites. Using Flash, Dreamweaver and online web creators i.e. Wix.

Understanding of and commitment to working within an equal opportunities framework:

I strongly believe that all people should be treated fairly, with respect, and free from discrimination. The different perspectives and experiences of individuals from a diverse workforce can contribute and add value to the way an organisation works.

Additional Information:

Research has played a large part in the second year of my degree course. In particular primary research, working and learning from others. I'm required to regularly write reports that accurately detail my findings.

I am familiar with Sheffield and its surrounding area. I am an active member of the community and I'm also involved with the student community.

I have worked with the voluntary sector on community projects like Sharrow Lantern Festival and the Walkley Community Green. I also volunteer my time to help with the care of the elderly.

I firmly believe that art and sport can inspire people and bring communities together. I have a great passion for all things sport. I worked for Ladbrokes and it was my love for sport which was the reason I applied and worked for a year in this role.

I would be willing to undertake any further training necessary.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.

Thank you very much for your time.

Yours faithfully,

Christopher Kimmins

Skills

illustrator, photoshop, indesign, print, packaging, typesetting.

Sector Experience

I have some excellent experience working within the design department of a big company in Capita. Capita specialise in pensions and during my time there I designed and typeset brochures, flyers, leaflets and Z-Cards resulting in me setting them up for print with thousands of copies being printed at big costs to our clients. The work and the copy needed to be perfect in a high pressured and very busy environment I did this on a daily basis using the adobe creative suite (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator). I would also provide e-shots for companies using DreamWeaver. Working for major brands seeing through pieces of work from design ideas all the way through to the final stage of printing some of the brands I worked for are as follows: Amazon, Henry Boot, Steria, Fremantle, Kelda, Morrisons, BP, William Hill, Western Power, Southern Water, Scottish Power, Hewlett Packard and Experian.

Awards

BA Hons Degree in Graphic Design (Specialised in Structural and Packaging)