Karl Randay

Head of Design

Lichfield, United Kingdom
I am an Art Director with qualifications in Typography and Graphic Design, also specialising in usability, accessibility and multimedia typography.

With experience in digital strategy, creative direction and brand development, I have worked on a distinctive variety of clients; from global law firms, PCT and private healthcare to major brands, automotive clients and broadcast media. My work has also won at both the Webbies and Cream Awards.

I have also been practicing professional photography for over ten years. In that time I have had images published by National Geographic, exhibited internationally and have recently won a Professional Photographer of the Year award.

Work Experience

383 Project

Head of Design

We’re an innovation studio who work with the worlds most ambitious organisations to disrupt themselves before someone else does. We introduce businesses to new technology, new business models and new brand thinking to help create new opportunities.

We believe that new technology, new category competition from startups and new customer behaviour should be changing how organisation's are operating.
December 2013 - Present United Kingdom

Cogent Elliott

Senior Digital Art Director

Cogent Elliott is the UK's number one integrated agency. Founded in Coventry in 1930, with the agency fully established in 1965, it has remained staunchly independent ever since.

My role at Cogent has involved digital strategy, creative pitch leadership, managing creative teams, working directly with clients on creative strategy and maintaining the high-quality visual output of the agency.

Clients include: Jaguar/Land Rover, Bandai Namco, Marketing Birmingham, Club Med, Wesleyan, Bullring Birmingham, Chrysler, Network Q, MG, Manchester Airport, Ideal Home Show, Arriva, Triumph, Halfords, Calor, Hozelock, Samuel Heath, AGA, Jewson
September 2008 - December 2013 Meriden, United Kingdom

Schmakk

Creative Lead

Schmakk is a brand, design and digital agency with extensive experience in bringing brands to life. I was the lead on a number of highly reputable accounts, working with the likes of Eversheds, Bentley, Birmingham International Airport and Sigma Kalon in the implementation of creative direction and full project scoping and implementation.

At Schmakk I was responsible for the strategy, creativity and successful delivery of all given design-related projects to a successful outcome.

Clients include: Eversheds, No5 Chambers, University of Birmingham, Birmingham International Airport, Wesleyan, Samuel Heath, PPG/Sigma Kalon, Shakespeare Putsman, Bentley, Standard Chartered Bank
June 2007 - September 2008 Birmingham, United Kingdom

3form

Creative Lead

3form was one of the most successful and award winning agencies in the Midlands. I was responsible for client liaison and all creative output. I worked on projects from the initial ideas discussions through to producing a detailed specification and full documentation including all stages of project costings and quotation.

I was involved in consultation on the use of technologies including graphic and usability issues through to the inclusion of third party software and database driven technology.

My responsibilities also involved generation and implementation of designs, augmented using the 3edit content management software and other third-party open-source systems, development of online typography and refinement, working to W3C standards and full accessibility.

Clients include: BBC, Vivienne Westwood, Channel 4, The Mailbox, V&A Museum, Marion Foale, Contigo, Film Birmingham, Maverick Television, Astra Zeneca, First Light Movies, NHS, Opus, Bristan, Birmingham City Council, Millennium Commission
May 2004 - June 2008 Birmingham, United Kingdom

Education

University Of Salford

BA (Hons) Design Practice - 2:1

September 1996 - June 1998 Manchester, United Kingdom

Stafford College

HND Typography - Distinction

September 1994 - June 1998 Stafford, United Kingdom

Burton College Of Design

ND Graphic Design - Distinction

September 1992 - June 1994 Rolleston on Dove, United Kingdom

Personal Interests

While not at work most of my time is now taken up by my baby boy, but I still manage to find time to dedicate to my other great passion, photography. Along with one of my oldest friends I run a fairly young wedding photography business for which we have received a great deal of recognition for our simple yet elegant approach to reportage, including an editorial piece in the Vogue wedding special.

Aside from weddings, landscape work is something that I find extremely rewarding, having had my work published by National Geographic and exhibited in Toronto, Canada.

Before I became thoroughly besotted with typography and photography (and up to my eyes in nappies), I could also be found practicing AikiJutsu, KenJutsu and JoJutsu, learning to speak Japanese and enjoying a good bit of hiking.