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The designer behind the work
I'm Julie Nicholls, a freelance graphic designer based in Essex with over 30 years of experience in the industry. I work with design, marketing, digital and PR agencies as a reliable extra pair of hands, and directly with businesses who need a trusted designer to call on regularly.
Before going freelance nine years ago, I built my career across a broad range of agencies: London ad agencies and design studios, a media company and boutique creative shops. I've been senior designer and head of design, led teams, mentored juniors, managed projects, and worked on everything from global financial brands to theme parks to government departments. That breadth is something I bring to every project, however large or small.
The foundations were laid early. My first job was at a healthcare advertising agency where I learned very quickly the value of great copy, the discipline of tight deadlines, and how to stay calm when everything is happening at once. Those habits have never left me.
30+
YEARS
EXPERIENCE
9
YEARS FREELANCING
1581
PROJECTS AND
COUNTING
85
CLIENTS
SO FAR
How I work
I work remotely so if you're not local to Essex, that's absolutely fine. Most of my clients are based in London or further afield and we've never been in the same room.
I'm tool-agnostic. I use the full Adobe Creative Suite, but I'm equally at home in PowerPoint, Keynote or Canva when that's what a project needs. Good work is good work, whatever you make it in.
I'm responsive. You'll always know where things are up to. I don't miss deadlines, I don't go quiet, and I don't wait to be chased. If something's going to be a problem I'll tell you before it becomes one.
I ask questions. I've been doing this long enough to know when a brief needs pushing back on or a different approach is worth raising. That's not awkward, it's how you get to better work. And I've learned when to make the case and when to just get on with it.
What clients say about working with me
"You are so professional and clear talking that it is a luxury to work with you. You can always see the wood for the trees so you bring so much more to the table than just a good eye. You always over deliver. You are fair with your pricing and clear on timing. Your talent is huge and your smile so genuine it gives a huge sense of confidence to your clients.You are funny and that is a pleasure to work with."
Jennifer Burgos, Eclipse Productions
My 93-second pitch
Pop the kettle on and turn the sound up...
The short version of a long career
Over 30 years in the industry has taken me through ad agencies, London design studios, a media company and boutique creative agencies — working as senior designer, head of design and everything in between. Clients along the way have included BT, HSBC, Audi, BP, Alton Towers, the European Parliament and the Department of Health, among many others.
It's a broad mix, and that's deliberate. Working across so many sectors and disciplines early in my career means I can turn my hand to most things and bring genuine experience rather than guesswork to whatever lands on my desk.
