About me
I am a designer, editor and writer with a track record of delivering high-quality design, brand development, communications and strategic support services for third sector organisations in Scotland and the UK.
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As a youngster, I thought I had to choose between art and design, and architecture and archaeology. Turns out I didn't! Now I get to research and write about subjects I'm passionate about and design for and support sectors that I know well.
Profile
I have a wide range of skills developed over a 25-year career working with civic, tourist, heritage and built environment organisations. In early 2013 I left my full time job at the Scottish Civic Trust to focus on my own freelance business, Ruskin Lane, which was first established in 2003.​
Skills
I offer more than just design. Using my knowledge of the third sector, I can suggest improvements to text, correct language and spot things that other designers might miss - like an out-of-date funder's logo! Put simply, I don't just cut and paste your content, I engage with it and make sure it represents your organisation and communicates what you need it to.
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I have developed and designed events leaflets, educational resources, campaigning manifestos, fundraising brochures, banners and posters, newsletters and magazines, books, merchandise, exhibitions, signage, website visualisations, maps, brand development and guidance, logos, infographics and icons.
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I can support your organisation by improving communications, reviewing funding applications, policy research and writing, or offering strategic development advice.
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Partnerships
I regularly collaborate with Hannah Clinch of Tacit-Tacit who, in her words, provides "comprehensive design services that create value in communities".
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I often call on the expert proofreading skills of Colin Cumming of Closely Observed Text, who specialises in academic and non-fiction publications and has an international client base.
Rates
My daily rates are between £250-450 depending on the nature and scope of the work. If the scale of the work is unclear in the initial stages, I may propose an upper and lower threshold. I will always try to tailor costs to meet your budget and use time efficiently to maximise the impact of my work.
Other interests
Co-housing and co-working, rural development and land reform, and sustainable tourism. I run two traditional self-catering log cabins, Ruskin Lodges in Cowal.
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Memberships
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (Fellow), CHARTS (Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly, Argyll and Bute), Reforesting Scotland, Archaeology Scotland, and SURF (Scotland's Regeneration Forum).