Rob Last Digital & Print Design
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Hi, I’m Rob Last, a multi-disciplined freelance graphic designer. I have a rare combination of creative, design and technical experience amassed over twenty years of working for a rich variety of agencies, organisations and independently. These opportunities have helped me mould a rich varied portfolio.
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What makes a great website?
There are a number of items that a website needs to make it 'great'. These range from more subjective views to important practical/functional requirements. I have listed some of these below;
Subjective
• Synchronised branding; Professionally designed logo; strategic use of typographic elements, images, colour, size etc.
• High-quality use of images, illustrations and infographics.
• Strong typography
• A great informative Homepage. Ensure that the homepage unquestionably communicates your message to your audience. Who are you? What do you do? How can I get in touch?
• A memorable presence; Personal connections, try and maintain a personal association with your audience.
• Testimonials.
• Social media links.
• Try and keep your messaging short, sharp and personal.
• Include a blog page; share some of your knowledge and experience.
Functional
• Use a content management system.
• Simple navigation/site structure
• Responsive (mobile friendly).
• Basic company information including; informative homepage, contact page, a good knowledge base and a strong call to action.
• Consistent contact details on all pages.
• Security; SSL, firewall protection, backups updates etc.
• SEO.
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
Depending on the role or project these are some of the headline questions that I ask.
• Company Information
• Products and/or services
• Audience
• Likes / dislikes
• Goals
• Mood and tone
• Competitors
• Deliverables
• Budget
• Timing
Describe your creative process.
1. Setting the brief
This is a crucial stage of discovery and learning, it's a simple chat to unpack the needs of the client. This stage enables me to understand the business I am designing for and get to know who I will be working with.
We will work collectively to identify and agree on; project objectives, deliverables, deadlines and budget etc.
2. Research, discovery, ideas and mock-ups
With a pen/stylus and sketchbook/tablet/iMac at the ready – I will begin my research looking at; competitors, images, styles, narratives and trends.
Once I have a few sketches and ideas I will mock-up some examples exploring; shape, space, texture and typography. Presenting you with the strongest concept. Feedback at this point is important – as it will help shape the final product.
3. Concept development
At this stage images, illustrations, typography and content combine to create the visual narrative. The final artwork is delivered for consideration and upon acceptance, we proceed to the final task.
4. Finalisation and delivery
This is the most rewarding part. Once you are happy (which is the most important part) For print work; I will supply you and/or a printer all final artwork files, and manage the printer if needed. For web work, this is the moment the site goes 'live'; from here we can monitor audiences, measure growth and impact – and find other projects to work on.
What information do you need from a client before you can start work?
Here are a few items that I would like to know before starting a project.
• Basic company information
• Goal
• Audience
• Products and/or services
• Deliverables
• Restrictions
• Mood or tone
• Likes and dislikes
• Budget
• Timing
Graphic Design
The goal of good design is, balance making an impact when needed and blending in seamlessly with your overall marketing and business objectives.
Print Design
My wealth of experience allows me to inform and guide your choices using the best practices to deliver outstanding outcomes on all your printed material
Digital Design
Digital design is not restricted to website creation, creating engaging keynote presentations are a vital tool to help deliver your message, whether at a trade show, meeting room or in a café.
Logo Design
A company needs its own unique style that sets it apart from its competitors, a logo is a good starting point. Great logos are; simple, memorable, versatile and timeless.
I combine the best logo design concepts and blend them with colour and explore visual relationships to create a Logo that represents you, your company and your values.
Brand Identity
Your brand identity is not just a logo design or slogan, it's an evolving narrative. As a designer, I enjoy discovering your story and finding ways to communicate your narrative in a visually creative manner to your audience.
Your brand tells its unique narrative through the creative use of; typography colour, images and style.
I enjoy blending these different facets and creating a unique brand experience that is tailor-made for your company.
Packaging Design
Just like your logo – your packaging is the consumer's first impression of your product. It's part of your brand narrative and advertising combining to work in harmony.
I take the following into consideration during the discovery and design phase; How it sits on the shelf, its relationship to similar products, materials and durability.
