neil ross

Spent a very happy six months here following a short freelance contract and a subsequent permanent job offer. Sadly waved goodbye when offered a partnership in Four Square Design.

I was made redundant after nine years. Company folded shortly afterwards.

Moved here to further my studio manager career but it didn't really work out. Was offered my old job back at Stephenson Moore but with improved terms and conditions.

Stephenson Moore was one of my freelance clients. A full-time position became available and I was fortunate to be offered the job.

My wife's company relocated to Bristol and we were offered opportunity to move. Had lived near Bristol as a kid so we jumped at the chance to buy a house close to the Bristol Channel. Was offered a job so I moved down several months before Carol was able to join me.

Commuting into London was getting me down and I needed a change. Tight little agency in Kent presented opportunity so I went for it. Lovely people.

Andrew Noble was inspirational: artist, cartoonist, calligrapher, great designer, problem-solver. Would take any job on. Great place to work and some really interesting colleagues.

Super ad agency to work for in the middle of Soho. Learned a heck of a lot from Creative Director, Rik Harle. Fast paced, frenetic, really rather exciting!

Jumped feet first into graphic design after aborted year training to be teacher. First rung on the ladder!

* Graphic design for print, publishing, advertising & web applications * Illustrations - traditional & digital media * Cartoons * Magic Marker visuals & storyboards * Fine art commissions - landscapes, dwellings, the built environment, harbours * Corporate identity/logo development and implementation for stationery, signage & liveries * Brochures, leaflets, newsletters and magazines, point-of-sale * Direct mail, training material, promotional & dealer support material * Print management, copy writing, PR and Marketing support

Went freelance after redundancy. Bit of a steep learning curve as I knew nothing about computer-based design (had worked almost exclusively with layout pads and markers) so had to get stuck in, smartish!

Work was a little quiet so I applied for, and was fortunate enough to be offered, a full-time position as an art worker in the vibrant marketing department of Nisbets plc, probably the UK's foremost supplier of catering equipment and one of Bristol's best-kept secrets. More than three years have now passed, and I have left the corporate world for a freelance career as an illustrator and artist - the activities I love best and which have taken a back seat for far too long.