Welcome to Thorne Designs

This is the online portfolio of my freelance work as a Graphic and Web Designer, with a few other pieces thrown in for good measure.

As a designer Im always looking to push the boundaries of my knowledge, experience and how to represent information in a visually simulating way. Boring is a word I hate and strive to distance myself from.

All too often people create websites for clients that are, simply, boring! The text is black, the background is white and there is not any clear or logical way to how the information is displayed. Not only as a designer but as a user I want to find the information I am looking for easily, simply and quickly.

Navigating around a website shouldn't be difficult, there should be as few pages as possible and a site should not have several different navigation bars which is makes it all the more confusing!

No where is there a set of rules that states a website has to have a white background with everything in perfect columns and no artist flare within the pages, but somehow that has become the accepted standard for a website. Well unfortunately, I do not subscribe to that point of view.

I think there should be three things taken into consideration when designing a website.

Firstly, you the client. You want your information represented on the internet for people to view, without costly printing and you should be able to update the information on your website easily, and efficiently should you need to.

Secondly, the user. The user needs to be able to navigate around your site easy, without waiting along time for the images and information to download. Equally, there experience viewing your website needs to be enjoyable, otherwise they wont come back because no one likes getting a headache trying to find something out on the internet.

And thirdly, design. The website needs or should have a different design to a similar website, differentiating it from its rivals, yet making it aesthetically pleasing to the eye while representing your business or personal ethos.

About me

I've been designing things for as long as I can remember, although its a cliche, I have always enjoyed taking things apart, finding out how something was made and approaching an idea with enthusiasm and verve.

Thorne Designs evolved from a college project to working for a variety of clients, from construction, to charitable organisations to churches and individuals. I enjoy working for clients, their individuality, ideas and their ethos brings with it challenges, interesting approaches to ideas and each time a new way of presenting their information.

I mostly work in two areas. Graphic and Web Design. I have a very good relationship with a reliable and up-coming printers who are reasonable and to an exceptional job. Equally I have experience with an excellent hosting company who are competitive in prices, but you get far more for your money. Unlike most hosting companies, they’re based in Manchester so if something does go wrong, there is peace of mind knowing they are but a phone call away.

I have an interest in photography which is evident both in my work and on my photography page, you can request prints of my photography and art work. I am not a professional photographer however I can highly recommend one.

Please do have a look at my portfolio and contact me about any work I have done up to date or for any queries you may have.