Richard Oram: Freelance Branding and Identity Specialist After an extensive career in corporate design, I am now embarking on an exciting journey into freelance, bringing a wealth of expertise in branding, identity creation, and visual storytelling. My experience spans almost 30 years, with a particular focus in the last ten on the medical device industry, where I’ve led global teams, revitalised brand toolkits, and driven creative transformations. From managing cross-functional design initiatives to shaping omnichannel branding strategies, I specialize in building cohesive brand identities that resonate with target audiences. Now, as I transition to freelancing, my goal is to collaborate with businesses looking to strengthen their brand presence and deliver impactful, creative solutions.…

RICHARDORAM

Richard Oram: Freelance Branding and Identity Specialist After an extensive career in corporate design, I am now embarking on an exciting journey into freelance, bringing a wealth of expertise in branding, identity creation, and visual storytelling. My experience spans almost 30 years, with a particular focus in the last ten on the medical device industry, where I’ve led global teams, revitalised brand toolkits, and driven creative transformations. From managing cross-functional design initiatives to shaping omnichannel branding strategies, I specialize in building cohesive brand identities that resonate with target audiences. Now, as I transition to freelancing, my goal is to collaborate with businesses looking to strengthen their brand presence and deliver impactful, creative solutions.…

Available to hire

Richard Oram: Freelance Branding and Identity Specialist
After an extensive career in corporate design, I am now embarking on an exciting journey into freelance, bringing a wealth of expertise in branding, identity creation, and visual storytelling. My experience spans almost 30 years, with a particular focus in the last ten on the medical device industry, where I’ve led global teams, revitalised brand toolkits, and driven creative transformations.
From managing cross-functional design initiatives to shaping omnichannel branding strategies, I specialize in building cohesive brand identities that resonate with target audiences. Now, as I transition to freelancing, my goal is to collaborate with businesses looking to strengthen their brand presence and deliver impactful, creative solutions.

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Skills

Adobe Illustrator
Si
Signage
Pr
Presentation Design
Po
Poster
Po
Postcard
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Experience Level

Adobe Illustrator
Expert
Signage
Expert
Presentation Design
Expert
Poster
Expert
Postcard
Expert
Logo
Expert
Letterhead
Expert
Leadership
Expert
Icon
Expert
Freelance Gig
Expert
Flyer
Expert
Catalogue
Expert
Business Card
Expert
Brochure
Expert
Branding
Expert
Book Cover
Expert
Artwork
Expert
Adobe InDesign
Expert
Adobe Photoshop
Expert
Advert Design
Expert
Greetings Card
Expert
Magazine
Expert
Web Design
Intermediate
Social Media Design
Intermediate
Email Design
Intermediate
adobe acrobat pro
Intermediate
Microsoft Word
Intermediate
Microsoft Powerpoint
Intermediate
WordPress
Intermediate
App Design
Beginner
AI Images
Beginner
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Language

Education

BA(Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration at Swindon School of Art & Design, Swindon, Wiltshire
November 12, 2024 - November 12, 2024
This honours degree programme focused on graphic design and illustration fundamentals, providing a comprehensive grounding in traditional and digital techniques. The course combined practical studio work with critical theory, allowing students to develop a strong understanding of visual communication, typography, image-making, and composition. During my studies, I honed my skills in design software and illustration techniques while also developing a professional approach to creative briefs and project management. The curriculum encouraged exploration and innovation, with modules in printmaking, life drawing, branding, and editorial design. These skills allowed me to adapt to various design disciplines throughout my career.

Qualifications

Equality and Diversity L2, Runway Training
November 12, 2024 - November 12, 2024
The Equality and Diversity Level 2 course, provided by Runway Training, is designed to deepen my understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace and beyond. It offers advanced insights into promoting inclusivity and valuing diverse perspectives. This course builds on my practical experience in EDI. Previously, I led an EDI programme at a global medical device company, where I successfully implemented initiatives to foster a more inclusive and diverse work environment. Expanding my knowledge of EDI principles through this Level 2 course, I’ll gain additional strategies for addressing discrimination, promoting cultural awareness, and advocating for a fairer workplace. This training will enhance my credentials and reinforce my commitment to inclusive design practices and championing diversity in my professional roles.
Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3 (VTQ), ProTrainings UK
November 12, 2024 - November 12, 2024
I hold the Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3 (VTQ) qualification from ProTrainings UK, a regulated vocational training qualification designed to provide essential first aid skills for workplace settings. This Level 3 course aligns with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and covers various emergency response techniques appropriate for workplace incidents. Through this training, I gained hands-on experience in performing CPR, treating severe bleeding, managing unconscious casualties, and identifying symptoms of shock and choking. Additionally, the course addressed handling minor injuries, such as burns, scalds, and fractures. Completing this qualification has prepared me to respond effectively to emergencies, ensuring I am a valuable asset in promoting a safer work environment.
Accelerate Leadership Course, Smiths Group
November 12, 2024 - November 12, 2024
I participated in the Accelerate Leadership Course at Smiths Group, a comprehensive training programme designed to sharpen leadership abilities and drive impactful change. This course gave me invaluable insights into strategic thinking, effective communication, and team motivation, equipping me with advanced techniques for managing and inspiring diverse teams. I refined my decision-making skills and learned best practices for addressing complex challenges in high-stakes environments. By the end of the course, I felt more confident in my ability to lead with clarity and vision, fostering innovation and alignment within the teams I managed.
Situational Leadership Course, Qstream
November 12, 2024 - November 12, 2024
I completed the *Situational Leadership Course* through Qstream, a programme focused on adapting leadership styles to meet the varying needs of team members and specific situations. This course taught me how to assess each team member's level of competence and confidence for particular tasks, allowing me to tailor my approach—whether through directing, coaching, supporting, or delegating—to enhance their performance and development effectively. The training emphasised flexibility and responsiveness, equipping me to adjust my leadership style as needed to maintain productivity and engagement. This experience helped me develop a more dynamic leadership approach, ensuring that I could lead in a way that genuinely empowers my team, regardless of the challenges.
Creating a Business Start-Up, West Lancashire College.
November 12, 2024 - November 12, 2024
I completed the Creating a Business Start-Up Level 2 course at West Lancashire College, which was an incredibly valuable experience that provided me with a solid foundation in the essentials of launching a business. Throughout the course, I learned about key areas such as business planning, market research, budgeting, and legal considerations. I developed practical skills in creating a business proposal, identifying potential customer bases, and conducting competitive analysis to understand market positioning. The course also covered financial planning and cash flow management, which helped me grasp the importance of sustainable financial strategies for a new business. Additionally, I gained insight into effective marketing strategies, which was essential for understanding how to build brand awareness and reach target audiences. This course equipped me with both the confidence and skills needed to approach the start-up process methodically, from concept to execution, and reinforced my understanding of what it takes to turn an idea into a viable business venture.

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Non-Profit Organization
    uniE621 SYSTEM C / healthcare software specialists
    System C specializes in providing IT solutions for the health and social care sectors. They required a brand transcending specific sectors, so I designed a ‘globe’ device to represent their comprehensive approach. This choice was crucial as they aimed to expand into new territories where illustrative imagery would be less effective. Categories: Concept, Branding Designforprint B2B Public/PrivateHealthcare photo logo graphicdesigner branding illustrator webdesigner designer…
    uniE621 TERSONS ESTATE AGENTS / brand refresh
    Terson Estate Agents in Dover initially sought a brand refresh using their original colors and fonts. However, after further discussions, they decided to pursue a new direction. This led to the development of the logo and color schemes shown above, aiming to provide a more executive feel to the identity while still appealing to customers in the traditional residential market. Categories: Designforprint B2C/B2B PrivateandcommercialProperty photo logo graphicdesigner branding illustrator webdesigner designer…
    uniE621 HORNBY HOBBIES LTD / Airfix
    Airfix, the flagship brand of Hornby Hobbies, boasts over 70 years in the toy and hobby market as the UK’s leading plastic scale model kit manufacturer. The in-house team meticulously creates and oversees every aspect of the Airfix brand. My role involved modernising the brand’s look and feel to keep it current while maintaining its classic appeal, ensuring a subtle yet effective evolution rather than a radical overhaul. Categories: Designforprint Packaging Advertising Branddevelopment Leisure/Hobbies/Retail photo logo graphicdesigner branding illustrator webdesigner designer…
    uniE621 PILGRIMAGE / exhibition posters
    In 2015, I was invited to participate in an exhibition of pre-digital photography and was also commissioned to design the posters. The posters shown above were initially part of a set of five visuals, but the exhibition curator selected three for the promotion. Proceeds from the exhibition benefited the Oasis Domestic Abuse Service. Categories: Concept, Designforprint, Exhibition, photo graphicdesigner logo illustrator branding designer…
    uniE621 TOM AITKENS / sustainable fish app
    A final requirement from the brief was to develop an app for the promotion of eating sustainable fish and seafood, as all of Tom Aitkens food is sourced locally to his restaurants it was important to him that his customers continue to eat sustainably wherever they choose to dine. Categories: UX/UIdesign, Online, Leisure/Catering, Concept, Branding, Advertising, Exhibitions, graphicdesigner photo logo branding illustrator webdesigner designer…
    uniE621 TOM AITKENS / pots, pans and boards
    This project was a speculative endeavor to launch a new restaurant in Dubai under the auspices of Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens. The overarching concept delves into the heritage of the Old World and Northern Europe while consciously avoiding a medieval theme. Drawing inspiration from the proposed interior design of the restaurant, my objective was to imbue the space with a handcrafted, traditional ambiance, offering patrons an authentic European dining experience. Central to this endeavor was the development of branding that evokes the historical essence of Northern Europe during the Middle Ages and the era of chivalry. However, I was resolute in my intention to eschew overtly themed elements and sidestep references to the Crusades. My innovative approach involves exploring heraldry, symbols, and motifs from the past, reimagined in a contemporary context. By seamlessly blending elements of history with a modern sensibility in both aesthetics and culinary offerings, we aim to strike a perfect balance between historical resonance and present-day appeal. A final requirement from the brief was to develop an app for the promotion of eating sustainable fish and seafood, as all of Tom Aitkens food is sourced locally to his restaurants it was important to him that his customers continue to eat sustainably wherever they choose to dine. Categories: UX/UIdesign, Online, Leisure/Catering, Concept, Branding, Advertising, Exhibitions, graphicdesigner photo logo branding illustrator webdesigner designer…
    uniE621 SMITHS MEDICAL / brand refresh
    During my time at Smiths Medical, a global medical device company, I led the in-house team responsible for developing new brand guidelines. My primary responsibility was to revise existing materials to align with these guidelines and to convert the collateral into 12 different languages. Categories: Advertising, Designforprint, B2B, Healthcare. graphicdesigner photo branding illustrator logo webdesigner designer…
    uniE621 SOVOS / brand creation
    Smiths Medical was divested by Smiths Group, and my team and I were given the responsibility of rebranding the company in preparation for its acquisition by an investment firm. Faced with copyright and legal challenges associated with the use of certain names, which could have resulted in significant financial penalties, we were under considerable pressure to execute the rebranding swiftly and efficiently. Despite these constraints, we successfully completed the rebrand within six weeks. Our efforts were recognized with a prestigious internal CEO Award for Innovation, highlighting our dedication, creativity, and ability to deliver exceptional results under tight deadlines. Categories: B2B, Healthcare graphicdesigner logo branding illustrator designer photo webdesigner…
    uniE621 BABANANGO / book jacket
    A former colleague’s husband asked me to design a jacket for his husband's debut novel set during the Zulu War. It is the first book in a remarkable three-part series. The story follows two ordinary young men grappling with their growing feelings for each other while fighting in an army divided by race, wealth, experience, and differing views on what is right. Initially intended for self-publishing, the author later secured a deal with Cranthorpe-Millner publishers, who opted to use their in-house design team, leaving my design as a speculative piece. Categories: Concept, Design, BookJacket, Leisure Retail graphicdesigner designer…
    uniE621 EUROSTAR / onboard café branding
    This speculative Eurostar Café branding concept envisions a modern, vibrant, and inviting identity tailored for travellers seeking convenience and quality. The design leverages a dynamic colour palette of deep teal and bright yellow, symbolising reliability and warmth, with clean typography and a logo that subtly evokes travel through a stylised star. Product packaging and promotional materials are designed for simplicity and functionality, ensuring strong brand visibility without overpowering the customer experience. The cohesive visual language, featuring appealing food imagery and intuitive iconography, aims to create a memorable and engaging café experience that aligns seamlessly with Eurostar’s brand values. graphicdesigner branding designer…