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Design matters
A collection of thoughts, ideas, and lessons from my work as a freelance designer. I share simple ways to bring clarity to complex briefs, along with insights from real projects and collaborations. If you’re looking for a more thoughtful approach to design, you’re in the right place.


Creative infographic design: FIFA World Cup 2026
One of the things I enjoy most about being a freelance graphic designer is creating infographics. I love taking complex facts and figures and transforming them into something visually engaging, accessible and easy to understand. Good infographic design isn't just about presenting information; it's about telling a story through data. Away from design, football has always been a passion of mine. When I decided to create a series of self-initiated infographics, the upcoming FIFA

Chris Gardner
1 day ago3 min read


5 ways to boost your creativity as a visual designer
If you are running low on creative energy, try these tips to help you get some much needed inspiration 1 Get out and go to an art...

Chris Gardner
May 8, 20254 min read


How to give yourself a creative boost: the 5 minute challenge
Try this regular exercise to improve your skills and focus your mind If I get time between projects, I like to set myself a 5 minute...

Chris Gardner
Apr 24, 20251 min read


How to give yourself a creative boost (part three)
Visit an exhibition and be inspired by other designers and visual pioneers. Two passions of mine collided on a visit to the Design...

Chris Gardner
Apr 24, 20251 min read


I use this tool to boost my productivity and here's why...
A simple app that enables you to capture your thoughts and creative ideas on the go. I can’t praise this simple app enough. It’s great...

Chris Gardner
Apr 24, 20251 min read


5 tips for designing your own brand identity
After over 30 years of creating and developing brands for numerous companies and products and I finally had to design one for myself as I...

Chris Gardner
Apr 24, 20252 min read


I use these tool to help my creative business, and here's why...
Get your great ideas down on paper without breaking the bank I discovered both of these about 5 years ago and have stuck with them ever...

Chris Gardner
Jul 18, 20241 min read


How to give yourself a creative boost (part two)
Get some much needed inspiration from artists, past present and future. It was great to spend some time at the Barbican in London earlier...

Chris Gardner
Jul 18, 20241 min read


Why I became a visual designer (part two)
Sequential art, stickers, Smash Hits and The Face combine to kick start a creative career From the weekly adventures of Judge Dredd and...

Chris Gardner
Jul 5, 20241 min read


An experience to get inspired and your pulse racing
If you’re lucky enough to have an hour or so free and you’re near London’s Southbank, then I highly recommend you check out Pulse. Pulse...

Chris Gardner
Jun 28, 20241 min read


Cover story: Taylor Swift illustration
I really like this cover of the June edition of Stylist magazine. Simple, effective, eye-catching, instantly recognisable and a great...

Chris Gardner
Jun 21, 20241 min read


The ugly side of football?
With the mens Euro 2024 football tournament well underway and our respective hopes and dreams resting on the shoulders (or boots) of our...

Chris Gardner
Jun 20, 20242 min read


How to give yourself a creative boost (part one)
How taking an art class inspired me in my career as a visual designer Working remotely can sap your creative energy, so in a bid to give...

Chris Gardner
Jun 11, 20241 min read


How visual designers can inspire people and change lives
This advertising campaign for a charity based in the UK, uses simple visuals to great effect I caught sight of this advert while waiting...

Chris Gardner
Jun 11, 20241 min read


Why I became a visual designer (part one)
How a love of music growing up, inspired me to start a creative career I’m fairly certain my career in graphic design was born out of a...

Chris Gardner
Jun 11, 20241 min read
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