Martin Byrne

https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01bd2d84e46478bbff

I worked as a graphic designer on many different campaigns for a great deal of different companies over these years, among those were Sacla, Ocean Spray, Philips, All Clear and the Sheraton to name a few. The position entailed developing banner advert solutions from contract proposal, to developing the brief with the client, to mock-ups and delivery and final sign off. The applications I used regularly entailed:

• Developed innovative design concepts for various clients, enhancing brand visibility and engagement.
• Created graphics for signage, packaging and digital promotions using Adobe InDesign.
• Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritising tasks to maintain high-quality output.
• Designed visual images fit for brief, going above and beyond client expectations.
• Managed deadlines to deliver finalised functional and aesthetic materials on time.
• Utilised Adobe Creative Suite to create compelling visual content, meeting tight deadlines with efficiency.
• Transformed client briefs into creative visual solutions, consistently exceeding expectations.
• Reviewed and refined final designs, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand standards.

I began looking after my mother when she was diagnosed with late stage Dementia in 2015. I was also working as a freelance graphic designer when I moved home to look after my Mam.

As her condition worsened it became harder for me to meet my commitments to my customers and hit deadlines and in 2018 I applied to become my mother's full-time carer which entailed all the aspects of caring for a person, such as preparing meals, washing her clothes, taking her to appointments and making sure she took her medicine. The level of care was always increasing and remained so until my Mam's death in late 2025. Following my mother's death up to today I have been working for different companies as a freelance contractor trying to reestablish myself online as a freelancer however with the advent of A.I. in the graphic area finding worthwhile contracts is near impossible. My daily tasks when looking after my Mam entailed.

• Supported Mam's mental health with reading, games and activities.
• Completed detailed daily care logs, documenting care provided and any significant observations.
• Monitored Mam's' conditions, reporting any concerns or changes to relevant healthcare providers.
• Prepared nutritious meals tailored to Mam's dietary requirements, supporting their health and dietary needs.
• Administered medication according to prescribed schedules, maintaining records for healthcare professionals.
• Conducted housekeeping tasks to keep living areas presentable, clean and hygienic.
• Kept spaces clean and organised, handling linens, clothes washing and basic housekeeping.
• Provided emotional support for Mam through regular conversation and companionship.

My Position with Werdemann e-learning consisted of building a Flash-based e-learning teaching tool for the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) This was a large task which entailed working with experts in developing the brief and the look and feel of the entire curriculum. Obtaining approval for hundreds of my graphics and animations based on the copy supplied by the CIFFC, and perfecting my understanding of the flash based computer code Actionscript 2 in order to build the course for the client. We delivered the final product on time and were rewarded with the localisation contract to convert the curriculum into French for the Quebec region. My position here etailed using the following:

• Designed visual images fit for brief, going above and beyond client expectations.
• Researched new animation techniques and technologies to stay ahead in the industry.
• Prepared and shared design drafts, sketches and layouts to communicate initial progress.
• Provided additional information to support production of designs.
• Verified animation quality and made improvements to align with technical constraints and artistic direction.
• Consulted with clients to understand project limitations and constraints.
• Conducted project research for informed design decision-making.
• Collaborated with directors and scriptwriters to align animations with narrative requirements.
• Utilised Adobe Creative Suite to craft high-quality animations for various media platforms.

• My Job here entailed building a new animated e-learning teaching tool to inform investors and users of the company’s many products. I was responsible for building the graphics and the navigation for the course. As well as flash I also used the Adobe suite of software and used HTML CSS XML and actionscript 1 as a base code. My work here included using the following.
• Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
• Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
• Demonstrated consistent hard work and dedication to achieve results and improve operations.
• Developed style guides and branding manuals, ensuring consistency across all company materials and platforms.
• Adapted quickly to new design software and tools, maintaining a cutting-edge skill set.
• Evaluated and integrated new design technologies, keeping the creative team at the forefront of industry standards.

Retrofitted and updated e-learning software navigation and graphics for pre-created teaching tools under tight deadlines, demonstrating commitment by working late and through weekends.

• Collaborated with team members to identify and resolve software bugs, contributing to improved functionality.
• Developed and implemented software solutions to meet client requirements, enhancing system functionality and user satisfaction.
• Wrote and developed new and well-tested code for different software projects.
• Led the design, coding, and testing of new software applications, consistently delivering projects within tight deadlines.
• Troubleshot and debugged software to rectify discrepancies, ensuring reliable system performance.

I originally started in the company when it was known as Smartforce and my opening position was as an HTML author, which was a language I didn't know when I applied for the job; however I had a week before the interview and studied HTML hard every day until the day of the interview. During my time as HTML AUTHOR I applied to an open position as a graphic designer which I was successful in getting and I started as a Graphic Designer in 2001. I then began to create graphics based on the product of the technical writing team following weekly meetings with the SME team and the management team. Creating graphics and animations based on the technical writing copy. My job here entailed the following.

• Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritising tasks to maintain high-quality output.
• Understood functional requirements and adapted design work accordingly.
• Designed visual images fit for brief, going above and beyond client expectations.
• Utilised Adobe Creative Suite to create compelling visual content, meeting tight deadlines with efficiency.
• Adapted quickly to new design software and tools, maintaining a cutting-edge skill set.
• Managed deadlines to deliver finalised functional and aesthetic materials on time.

Worked part-time evening shift during college, concluding six months before finals.

Filled orders from warehouse using hand-held device for product location, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfilment.