RICHARDSON
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Rob Richardson is a freelance graphic designer and art director in Manchester, working with brands and agencies across the UK. 20+ years of agency-trained craft, with specialism in eLearning design and the cultural sector — from brand identity and editorial to packaging, digital and campaigns.
Based in
Manchester, UK
Portfolio
SELECTED
WORK
A selected portfolio of graphic design and art direction projects for clients across the UK — spanning brand identity, editorial and print design, packaging, web and digital, motion graphics and OOH advertising campaigns. Recent work includes Manchester Museum, MindTools, Anders Pink, BCLP Law and Manchester Art Fair.
About
THE
DESIGNER
BEHIND
THE WORK
I'm a Manchester-based freelance graphic designer and art director with 20+ years of agency-trained experience — crafting brand identities, print collateral, packaging and digital experiences for everyone from early-stage start-ups to global enterprises including Shell, RBS, NHS, BMW and MINI.
My approach bridges strategic thinking with meticulous craft — every project begins with understanding the why before touching the how. Whether you're a Manchester business, a UK agency looking for an in-house freelancer, or a brand in the eLearning or cultural sector, I'll help you show up clearer, sharper and more memorable.
Start a project with Rob →20+
Years Experience
1600+
Projects Delivered
50+
Happy Clients
10+
Years Freelance
Disciplines
What I Do
SERVICES
A full-stack graphic design and art direction studio-of-one serving Manchester and UK clients. From brand identity and packaging to digital, motion and OOH campaigns — everything designed, art-directed and delivered by Rob directly, with big-agency quality and zero account-management overhead.
01
BRAND IDENTITY DESIGN
Logo design, visual systems, typography, colour and brand guidelines that make your business unmistakable at every touchpoint — from Manchester start-ups to enterprise brands.
02
PRINT & EDITORIAL DESIGN
Brochures, annual reports, handbooks, magazines and book layout. Precise typesetting and editorial design that communicates clearly and commands attention.
03
PACKAGING DESIGN
Shelf-ready packaging design that communicates brand values at a glance — turning your product into a statement piece shoppers actually reach for.
04
WEB & DIGITAL DESIGN
Website design, UI/UX, digital campaigns, email and social templates — built to translate your brand seamlessly online and convert the scroll.
05
CAMPAIGNS & OOH ADVERTISING
Advertising campaigns, billboard and out-of-home design that stop people in their tracks — whether they're scrolling a feed or walking past your poster.
06
MOTION GRAPHICS & ANIMATION
Animated social content, Instagram Stories, GIFs and motion-led branding that brings your visual identity to life and earns the scroll-stop.
FAQ
QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS
Do you work with clients outside Manchester?
Yes. I'm based in Manchester but work remotely with brands and agencies across the UK and internationally. Over 20+ years I've delivered projects for clients from Liverpool and London to New York and Sydney — everything runs smoothly over video, email and shared tools.
Do you work with design agencies as a white-label freelancer?
Yes — a significant portion of my work is in-house and overflow support for UK design and marketing agencies. I can slot into your team on day rates, Slack channels and file systems, and deliver agency-standard artwork and design without the account-management layer.
Which industries do you specialise in?
My specialisms are eLearning (brand, collateral and product-led content for learning businesses like MindTools, Anders Pink and Insights Media) and the cultural sector (museums, art fairs and exhibitions, including Manchester Museum and Manchester Art Fair). I also regularly work in healthcare, legal, fashion and FMCG packaging.
How long does a typical branding project take?
A focused brand identity typically runs 4–6 weeks from brief to delivery. A full brand system with guidelines, print collateral and website can run 8–12 weeks. I'll always build the timeline around your launch date - and if you're on a tight deadline, tell me and I'll be straight with you about what's possible.
Hire a graphic designer in Manchester
LET'S MAKE
SOMETHING
GREAT.
Starting a new brand? Launching a product? Need an experienced freelance designer to join your agency's next sprint? Drop me a line — I reply to every enquiry within one working day.
rob@robrichardson.co.ukMessage sent — thank you!
I'll be in touch as soon as possible.