10 Things I’ve Learned in 10+ Years as a Graphic Designer in Manchester

Since a very young age, I have always enjoyed drawing and creating different forms of visual communication. My journey within the creative profession began in Amposta, Cataluña, Spain where I graduated with a BTEC in Artwork Finishing  and Photography from Escola d’Arts Esardi 2009-2012. I then graduated with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from the University of Salford 2014-2018.

Picture taken back in 2015

  1. Design solves business problems, not just makes things pretty. The most successful logo, website, or brochure isn’t the one that wins awards; it’s the one that helps a Salford tech firm attract investors or a Stockport bakery sell more cakes.
  2. Always get the print specs before you start designing. This simple step has saved countless projects from costly re-dos. The requirements for a billboard in Piccadilly Gardens are very different from a boutique business card.
  3. The best projects start with a detailed creative brief. A solid brief is our roadmap. It saves time, aligns expectations, and is the single biggest predictor of a smooth, successful project.
  4. Invest in your brand identity like you invest in your premises. For your customers, your visual brand is your digital storefront. A cohesive, professional image signals trust and quality from the first click.
  5. “Can you make it pop?” usually means “make it clearer and more compelling.” I’ve learned to translate common feedback. It’s my job to probe deeper and find the strategic need behind the request.
  6. Consistency is the secret weapon of trusted brands. Using your fonts, colours, and tone of voice correctly across every touchpoint—from your website to your socials to your packaging—builds recognition and credibility.
  7. Your nephew with Photoshop is not a business strategy. Quick, cheap fixes often lead to a diluted brand that confuses customers and costs more to fix later. Professional design is an investment, not an expense.
  8. Leave trends to fast fashion. While it’s important to feel current, a brand built on a fleeting trend dies with it. We aim for timeless strength with a modern edge.
  9. The most important skill is listening. The magic happens when I truly understand your business, your customers, and your vision for making a mark in Greater Manchester.
  10. Great design is a partnership. It’s a collaborative journey. The best results come from a relationship built on clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared goal.
    What This Means for You in Greater Manchester

In my 10+ years of experience, I have worked in several creative fields, such as Photography, Graphic Design and Motion Graphics, Marketing Collateral, Signage Design, Social Media and Website Design.  It seems like only yesterday when I used ‘Freehand of Macromedia’ or ‘Corel Draw’ for car wrapping and merchandise printing in my very first professional design brief.

Inspired to build a brand that truly represents your business? Whether you’re in Altrincham, Bolton, or right in the heart of the city, let’s start the conversation. Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about your projecst.