Joshua Hurst
Digital Designer
Ormskirk, United Kingdom
07506591085
www.joshuahurst.co.uk
Multi-disciplined digital designer with over 6 years experience working in the graphic design industry. I've worked in several different environments, such as in a fully-integrated design agency, freelancing on the road across Australia, and working remotely as the co-founder of a startup. I have a passion for photography, video games, sports, travel, and of course, design.
I would describe my personality as approachable, humorous and empathetic, as well as loyal and positive. I'm eager to work with a team of hungry designers and developers, working together to build products that impact the world, however large or small.
I would describe my personality as approachable, humorous and empathetic, as well as loyal and positive. I'm eager to work with a team of hungry designers and developers, working together to build products that impact the world, however large or small.
Work Experience
Obelisk Creative
Co-Founder & Creative Director
After returning to the UK from my time in Australia, I decided to set-up a digital creative agency with two fellow co-founders. The agency was set up with the focus of helping companies build their brands through leading digital experiences, including website design, app design, social media management, and paid media.
As the Creative Director, my focus was researching, wireframing, designing (low and high fidelity visuals), prototyping, and planning the user experience for our clients. My responsibilities also extended outside of design, and I gained invaluable experience in business management, client relations, finance planning, and multi-tasking.
Although we had some great clients, and I felt I was producing some of the best work of my career so far, unfortunately we weren't able to continue due to the difficulties faced as a result of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.
As the Creative Director, my focus was researching, wireframing, designing (low and high fidelity visuals), prototyping, and planning the user experience for our clients. My responsibilities also extended outside of design, and I gained invaluable experience in business management, client relations, finance planning, and multi-tasking.
Although we had some great clients, and I felt I was producing some of the best work of my career so far, unfortunately we weren't able to continue due to the difficulties faced as a result of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.
July 2019
- April 2020
United Kingdom
Freelance Graphic Designer
Digital Designer
I decided to broaden my experience of the world in early 2019, and took off on a road trip adventure around Australia with my girlfriend. During this time, I was taking on freelance design projects, ranging from website design, branding, and print work.
I used this time to reflect on my career and to take in more of the world around me, which I knew would help me get a better understand of design, and how I approached it.
I used this time to reflect on my career and to take in more of the world around me, which I knew would help me get a better understand of design, and how I approached it.
January 2019
- July 2019
Ormskirk, United Kingdom
BD2
Graphic Designer
Whilst at bd2, my knowledge and understanding of graphic design grew exponentially. I was exposed to a variety of visual disciplines, including, but not limited to, web UI, digital/print design, motion graphics, photography, and branding.
With over 4.5 years experience at the company, I developed a strong understanding of how to allocate my time efficiently, manage client expectations realistically, as well as how to apply my skills appropriately, dependent on the media/project type.
As well as these capabilities, I have also developed excellent interpersonal and communication skills through working closely with my colleagues and clients.
I have experience working with some great clients during my time at bd2, including Hewlett-Packard, Everlast Gyms, Ralawise, Boodles, and Survitec Global.
With over 4.5 years experience at the company, I developed a strong understanding of how to allocate my time efficiently, manage client expectations realistically, as well as how to apply my skills appropriately, dependent on the media/project type.
As well as these capabilities, I have also developed excellent interpersonal and communication skills through working closely with my colleagues and clients.
I have experience working with some great clients during my time at bd2, including Hewlett-Packard, Everlast Gyms, Ralawise, Boodles, and Survitec Global.
July 2014
- January 2019
United Kingdom
Absolute Media
Work Placement
Whilst on placement at Absolute Media, I developed various skill sets such as client presentation and project organisation which has significantly added to my development as a designer.
By developing these skills, it has allowed me to think more clearly about how I present work to current and prospective clients. During my time at Absolute media I feel my general approach to my work is more creative and professional.
By developing these skills, it has allowed me to think more clearly about how I present work to current and prospective clients. During my time at Absolute media I feel my general approach to my work is more creative and professional.
June 2014
- July 2014
United Kingdom
BD2
Work Placement
bd2 was invaluable in helping me gain a more realistic view of the Graphic Design industry. This included understanding how timelines are set and managed through to managing both mine and client expectations.
The fast paced environment at bd2 gave me a clearer view of what to expect from an active design studio and motivated me to improve on these skills whilst completing my degree.
The fast paced environment at bd2 gave me a clearer view of what to expect from an active design studio and motivated me to improve on these skills whilst completing my degree.
July 2013
- September 2013
United Kingdom
Education
The University Of Salford
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Graphic Communication
After completing my two-year foundation degree at Wigan School For The Arts, I attended Salford University for a final year to acquire my BA Hons degree in Graphic Communication.
September 2013
- June 2014
Manchester, United Kingdom
Wigan School For The Arts
Foundation Degree Graphic Design
During my time on the FD course, I was taught an incredible amount about the industry from my tutor, whom had previously run his own successful design agency. The small class size allowed for constant 1-on-1 tutoring, which meant I was able to extract information and learn about the industry in ways not possible on larger courses.
My attention to detail and quest for perfection are traits that I adopted as a result of my world-beating eduction from my Tutor.
My attention to detail and quest for perfection are traits that I adopted as a result of my world-beating eduction from my Tutor.
September 2011
- June 2013
United Kingdom
St. John Rigby College
3 A-Levels: Graphic Design / Photography / Sociology
September 2009
- July 2011
United Kingdom
Languages
English (Native),
Skills
Adobe Illustrator,
Adobe Photoshop,
Adobe XD,
App UI ,
Branding,
Client Relations,
InVision,
Logo Design,
Product Design,
Responsive Design,
User Experience Design,
User Interface Design,
UXUI,
Webflow,
Website Design,
References
References are available upon request.
Hobbies & Interests
My drive to stay active means that I am committed to exercise, health and sport. Maintaining this focus over long periods of time has helped me build a motivated and energetic personality, in which I strive to achieve the best from every situation. I believe that staying healthy is a great way to ensure the mind is concentrated and direct, which benefits me greatly in the workplace.
During my downtime, my passion is playing video games. Ever since I was young I've filled my nights and weekends with experiences getting lost in virtual worlds. As well getting access to that sweet dopamine from playing the latest AAA title, I also enjoy honing my gaming skills, such as coordination, reaction time, situational awareness and even empathy. To non-gamers, this may seem wasteful or pointless, but I genuinely believe gaming has taught me a lot about the world around me, and has impacted my personality in a positive way.
I also have a strong passion for photography which is a great catalyst for me to get outside and see the world. My photography helps drive me forward and encourages me to experience new cultures, landscapes, people, and place. It has allowed me to capture wonderful memories from my adventures so far, and I know it will continue to do so into my future.
Overall, I strive to better myself in every situation and my passion to improve is reinforced by my commitment to both work and social activities. I know when to be patient and how to set myself realistic and achievable goals. I have taken this mentality and applied it to my work, which has helped me learn and improve in all aspects of my career.
During my downtime, my passion is playing video games. Ever since I was young I've filled my nights and weekends with experiences getting lost in virtual worlds. As well getting access to that sweet dopamine from playing the latest AAA title, I also enjoy honing my gaming skills, such as coordination, reaction time, situational awareness and even empathy. To non-gamers, this may seem wasteful or pointless, but I genuinely believe gaming has taught me a lot about the world around me, and has impacted my personality in a positive way.
I also have a strong passion for photography which is a great catalyst for me to get outside and see the world. My photography helps drive me forward and encourages me to experience new cultures, landscapes, people, and place. It has allowed me to capture wonderful memories from my adventures so far, and I know it will continue to do so into my future.
Overall, I strive to better myself in every situation and my passion to improve is reinforced by my commitment to both work and social activities. I know when to be patient and how to set myself realistic and achievable goals. I have taken this mentality and applied it to my work, which has helped me learn and improve in all aspects of my career.