That's What Friends are for...

It's been a real pleasure this week to work in the studio of pionneering illustrator and photographer John Harwood. Now based in Brighton this most talented of creatives is an old friend, who produces amazing photorealistic images that combine 3D modelling, illustration and cutting edge technology to superb effect. The chance to work alongside John again is a real priveledge, many thanks to him!

John Harwood portfolio

Brighton Digital Media Job Fair

Looking forward to getting along to the Brighton Digital Media Job Fair on the 13th Feb, particularly the freelancers slot in the afternoon. It looks really interesting and should be great networking. Any recommendations on particular people or companies to look out for would be appreciated, also hope to see some familiar faces there too. More info at Wired Sussex.

My CV

There's a download link on the right hand side of the page for a copy of my CV, but here's a summary of my industry experience and skills.

High End Retoucher.	Creative, experienced, resourceful digital imaging professional.
Experience.	2001 - 2007 Career break/Homemaker
	1993 – 2001 Freelance High-End Retoucher, 2D Film Compositor & Digital Consultant AMV-BBDO; set up and developed in-house creative retouching suite for Electronic Solutions. Saatchi’s Facilities Group/First Base; retained to work on high-end fashion, cosmetics and beauty retouching accounts. John Harwood Studio; collaborated with this pioneering photographer and illustrator on the fusion of photorealistic 3D modeling with high resolution retouching and compositing. Regular retouching and compositing work with major London agencies and studios including; Lintas, Legas Delaney, Dorlands, Metro and Obscura. Completed Cineon compositing training at Pinewood Studios. 2D film composting at Digital Film / Moving Picture Company, Cinesite and Mill Film. Worked on ‘The Maskof Zorro’, ‘The Borrowers’ and ‘Babe in the City’. Delivered on site retouch & composting staff training for nationwide clients, using Barco Creator/Silicon Graphics workstations.
	1991–1993 Jones Bloom Photographic, London High End Retoucher High resolution retouching, compositing and image manipulation. Worked on research & development of pioneering Barco Creator retouch system. Worked on high profile projects such as ’92 Olympics imaging.
	1988 – 1991 Artisan Retouching, London Company Partner/ High End Retoucher Established and developed specialist retouching studio. 1984 – 1988 Studio 10 / Parkway, London High End Retoucher Completed training and worked on ground breaking Scitex Imager software.

By Way of Introduction

I'm starting this blog to help people stay in touch with me and to record my progress this year as I return to the cut and thrust of advertising, design and film after a career break to start a family. I left AMV-BBDO London in 2001 to have my first child and relocate down to the south coast.

Now is the time to get back to work, so I'm busy getting back in touch with all my old studio and agency contacts with a view to returning to regular work. I'm also hoping to establish a new network of colleagues and clients in the thriving Brighton digital media scene.

My first priority is to get my Photoshop skills up to speed and refresh my portfolio. So I'm looking around for a supportive studio where I can help out on some quality retouching projects, I'll be bringing over twenty years high end retouch experience and shouldn't take too long to get back into my stride. I'm really looking forward to the challenge!