Charlie
Jemmett Graphic designer in County Durham

I've had the pleasure of working with Charlie over the past four years whilst studying here at New College Durham, and during that time I've seen him continue to develop into a confident, capable and industry-ready designer. His development has been steady and well-earned, driven by a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to keep improving. Charlie is naturally curious and always looking to understand the 'why' behind a brief. He takes time to clarify client requirements, thinks carefully about his recommendations, and responds thoughtfully to feedback. He doesn't just complete work to a standard, he pushes himself to refine, strengthen and elevate it using all aspects of digital technology. That willingness to challenge himself has helped him drive a confident visual voice and a clear, considered design approach.

He's approachable, professional and easy to work with — someone who communicates well and understands the importance of reliability in a creative environment. He balances creativity with professionalism, which is a real strength. Charlie is a strong all-rounder with the right attitude and mindset to succeed in the creative industries. He's definitely one to watch as he takes the next step in his career.

In the six months I had the pleasure of teaching Charlie on the BA (Hons) Design programme at New College Durham, he made a genuinely lasting impression on me. He is an intelligent, highly creative graphic designer who consistently embraces new challenges with enthusiasm, curiosity and professionalism.

Charlie has the ability to work confidently across both analogue and digital platforms, combining strong conceptual thinking with excellent technical skills. What stood out most was his exceptional work ethic and commitment to continually developing his practice. He is proactive, receptive to feedback and always strives to push his work further.

Alongside his creative ability, Charlie is personable, approachable and communicates effectively with fellow students, staff and industry professionals alike. Having worked with many design students throughout my career, Charlie is someone I believe has the talent, dedication and attitude to build a successful career in the creative industries. He would be a valuable asset to any employer, and I look forward to seeing where his career takes him.

I have had the absolute pleasure of teaching Charlie for over three years at New College Durham, from his Foundation Degree in Graphic Design through to his BA (Hons) in Design. Throughout this time, Charlie has consistently proven himself to be an exceptional and highly dedicated student, achieving Distinction level work through his ambition, commitment, and passion for the discipline.

Charlie is an ambitious and inquisitive designer who is always eager to learn and develop his skills. He consistently keeps himself up to date with emerging design software, new technologies, and contemporary trends within the graphic design industry. His passion for design is evident in every project he produces, demonstrated through his excellent attention to detail, strong design aesthetics, and natural ability to create thoughtful and impactful branding. Beyond his own work, Charlie is a kind, polite, and highly engaged member of the class. He actively participates in critiques, welcomes feedback, and enjoys being challenged as a designer, using this input to continually refine and strengthen his work.

He also goes above and beyond to support his peers, contributing positively to the collaborative learning environment. Charlie is also incredibly proactive in developing his professional practice. He regularly seeks out design competitions, work experience opportunities, and freelance projects, demonstrating both initiative and professionalism in preparing himself for the industry. Through his curiosity, proactiveness, and commitment to staying at the forefront of design trends, styles, and technologies, I have no doubt that Charlie will excel within the design industry and continue to grow into an outstanding and innovative designer.

I've had the privilege of teaching Charlie for four years and have seen first-hand how much he has grown, not only in technical ability, but in confidence, creativity, and professionalism. From the outset, he demonstrated a natural eye for design, but what has stood out most is his willingness to learn, develop, and challenge himself with every project.

Charlie approaches his work with genuine enthusiasm and curiosity. He responds positively to feedback, refines his ideas thoughtfully, and is not afraid to experiment in order to achieve stronger outcomes. Over time, he has developed a confident visual voice and a clear, considered design process. Charlie is reliable, motivated, and a pleasure to teach. He would be an asset to any creative team, and I have no doubt he will continue to grow and succeed as a graphic designer.