I am a highly experienced graphic designer with a strong background in multiple business sectors. My journey started with an HND in Design Communication from Sheffield College and has led me through various top agencies in Nottingham and London. I am the founder of BLU:72 Creative and take pride in delivering creative solutions that drive business growth. I am currently seeking new challenges to apply my expertise in graphic design and continue my professional development. Over the years, I have successfully collaborated with numerous clients and built long-lasting relationships with them. I thrive when I can combine creativity with strategy, ensuring that each project not only looks good but also achieves its intended goals. My dedication to the craft keeps me motivated to learn and grow in this ever-evolving field.

Mark Leary

I am a highly experienced graphic designer with a strong background in multiple business sectors. My journey started with an HND in Design Communication from Sheffield College and has led me through various top agencies in Nottingham and London. I am the founder of BLU:72 Creative and take pride in delivering creative solutions that drive business growth. I am currently seeking new challenges to apply my expertise in graphic design and continue my professional development. Over the years, I have successfully collaborated with numerous clients and built long-lasting relationships with them. I thrive when I can combine creativity with strategy, ensuring that each project not only looks good but also achieves its intended goals. My dedication to the craft keeps me motivated to learn and grow in this ever-evolving field.

Available to hire

I am a highly experienced graphic designer with a strong background in multiple business sectors. My journey started with an HND in Design Communication from Sheffield College and has led me through various top agencies in Nottingham and London. I am the founder of BLU:72 Creative and take pride in delivering creative solutions that drive business growth. I am currently seeking new challenges to apply my expertise in graphic design and continue my professional development.
Over the years, I have successfully collaborated with numerous clients and built long-lasting relationships with them. I thrive when I can combine creativity with strategy, ensuring that each project not only looks good but also achieves its intended goals. My dedication to the craft keeps me motivated to learn and grow in this ever-evolving field.

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Work Experience

Senior Designer/Partner at BLU:72 Creative
April 1, 2001 - November 19, 2025
Freelanced as BLU:72 Creative for Croydon College while based in London over a 13-year period. Designed a full range of communications, including prospectuses, course guides, open event campaigns and graduation ceremonies. Became an integral part of their marketing department while simultaneously expanding the BLU:72 client portfolio. Managed diverse projects and collaborated with clients and third parties.
Senior Creative at AKQA
April 1, 2001 - April 1, 2001
Responsible for the upkeep of BMW.co.uk as part of the BMW creative team. Designed and produced a flash website to promote the new MINI ahead of its appearance at the Birmingham Motor Show.
Lead Designer at Bentley Holland
July 1, 2000 - July 1, 2000
Produced company literature and annual reports for government agencies as well as adverts and product guides for various clients. Learned to design and build websites using Dreamweaver and Flash.
Graphic Designer at Purple Circle
November 1, 1998 - November 1, 1998
Worked on a range of projects from packaging to corporate identity for various clients, providing a great introduction to the industry.
Senior Designer/Partner at BLU:72 Creative
January 1, 2009 - Present
Managed a creative agency delivering a full range of communications for clients including Croydon College, expanding the client portfolio while fostering strong partnerships.
Senior Creative at AKQA
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009
Handled the upkeep and design of BMW.co.uk and produced a flash website for the MINI relaunch at the Birmingham Motor Show.
Lead Designer at Bentley Holland
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Produced literature and annual reports for government clients while learning web design.
Graphic Designer at Purple Circle
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006
Worked on diverse projects from packaging to corporate identity for notable clients.
Senior Designer/Partner at BLU:72 Creative
January 1, 2010 - Present
Freelanced for Croydon College over a 13-year period, designing a full range of communications including prospectuses, guides, and marketing materials. Expanded the client portfolio while collaborating with various stakeholders.
Senior Creative at AKQA
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Maintained the BMW website and designed a flash website for the MINI relaunch ahead of the Birmingham Motor Show.
Lead Designer at Bentley Holland
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009
Produced literature and annual reports for government agencies, learning to design and build websites using Dreamweaver and Flash.
Graphic Designer at Purple Circle
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2007
Worked on various projects from packaging to corporate identity for clients, gaining a strong introduction to the industry.

Education

HND in Design Communication at Sheffield College
January 11, 2030 - November 19, 2025
National Diploma in Graphic Design at Sheffield College
January 11, 2030 - November 19, 2025
Foundation + A-Level Photography at Parkwood College
January 11, 2030 - November 19, 2025
CPVE in Business Studies and Art & Design at Loxley College
January 11, 2030 - November 19, 2025
HND in Design Communication at Sheffield College
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2002
National Diploma in Graphic Design at Sheffield College
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Graphic Design Foundation + A-Level Photography at Parkwood College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1998
HND in Design Communication at Sheffield College
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2002
National Diploma in Graphic Design at Sheffield College
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Foundation + A-Level Photography at Parkwood College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1998
CPVE in Business Studies and Art & Design at Loxley College
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1996
HND Design Communication at Sheffield College
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2002
National Diploma in Graphic Design at Sheffield College
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Foundation + A-Level Photography at Parkwood College
January 11, 2030 - December 18, 2025
CPVE in Business Studies and Art & Design at Loxley College
January 11, 2030 - December 18, 2025
High School Diploma at Stocksbridge High School
January 11, 2030 - December 18, 2025

Qualifications

HND Design Communication
September 7, 1992 - June 24, 1994
A great education in the vocational aspects of all things graphic design.

Industry Experience

Computers & Electronics, Consumer Goods, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Gaming, Government, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Retail, Software & Internet, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Wholesale & Distribution
    uniE621 Brand Identity Design for Apricus Marketing
    We were approached by Apricus Marketing, a new startup Marketing company based in Derbyshire, to create their brand identity. The brief was relatively simple, Apricus means 'Sunny, having lots of sunshine, warmed by the sun' so the new logo needed to reflect this and the owners sunny disposition as well as having a modern feel. A number of concepts were presented and within no time we'd settled on a winner. We went on to create the whole visual language of the company including icons to represent their Market Analysis Framework, literature including stationery, leaflets, folders, and PowerPoint presentations as well as digital designs for their social media. graphicdesigner branding designer logo
    uniE621 Brand Identity Design for Apricus Marketing
    We were approached by Apricus Marketing, a new startup Marketing company based in Derbyshire, to create their brand identity. The brief was relatively simple, Apricus means 'Sunny, having lots of sunshine, warmed by the sun' so the new logo needed to reflect this and the owners sunny disposition as well as having a modern feel. A number of concepts were presented and within no time we'd settled on a winner. We went on to create the whole visual language of the company including icons to represent their Market Analysis Framework, literature including stationery, leaflets, folders, and PowerPoint presentations as well as digital designs for their social media. graphicdesigner branding designer logo
    uniE621 Brand Identity Design for Apricus Marketing
    We were approached by Apricus Marketing, a new startup Marketing company based in Derbyshire, to create their brand identity. The brief was relatively simple, Apricus means ‘Sunny, having lots of sunshine, warmed by the sun’ so the new logo needed to reflect this and the owners sunny disposition as well as having a modern feel. A number of concepts were presented and within no time we’d settled on a winner. We went on to create the whole visual language of the company including icons to represent their Market Analysis Framework, literature including stationery, leaflets, folders, and PowerPoint presentations as well as digital designs for their social media. graphicdesigner branding logo designer graphicdesigner
    uniE621 Brand Identity Design for Apricus Marketing
    We were approached by Apricus Marketing, a new startup Marketing company based in Derbyshire, to create their brand identity. The brief was relatively simple, Apricus means ‘Sunny, having lots of sunshine, warmed by the sun’ so the new logo needed to reflect this and the owners sunny disposition as well as having a modern feel. A number of concepts were presented and within no time we’d settled on a winner. We went on to create the whole visual language of the company including icons to represent their Market Analysis Framework, literature including stationery, leaflets, folders, and PowerPoint presentations as well as digital designs for their social media. graphicdesigner branding logo designer