Abigail Daly
I am a designer, editor and copy editor with a track record of delivering high-quality design, brand development and communications for third sector organisations in Scotland and the UK.
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 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.
Recent and ongoing clients include:
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Archaeology Scotland
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Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland
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Community Land Scotland (in partnership with Tacit Tacit, led by Hannah Clinch)
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Heritage Trust Network
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Scottish Civic Trust
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Scottish Council on Archives
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Previously, I have worked with Built Environment Forum Scotland, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, Hostelling Scotland, Haddington and District Amenity Society, and Visit Cowal.
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sector, I can suggest improvements to text, correct language and spot things that other designers might miss - like an out-of-date funder's logo!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.
I have worked on events leaflets, fundraising brochures, banners and posters, newsletters and magazines, books, merchandise, exhibitions, signage, website visualisations, maps, brand development and guidance, logos, infographics and icons.
Partnerships
I regularly collaborate with Hannah Clinch of Tacit Tacit who, in her words, provides "comprehensive design services that create value in communities".
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.
Other interests
Co-housing and co-working, rural housing and land reform, and sustainable tourism. I run two traditional self-catering log cabins, Ruskin Lodges in Cowal.
Memberships
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (Fellow), CHARTS (Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly), Reforesting Scotland, and SURF (Scotland's Regeneration Forum).