Graphic design in Brighton
Hello. My name is Katie Merrien and I’m a visual communicator based in Brighton. I founded CommuniKate Design in 2019 (sort of by accident).
I taught myself how to do graphic recording, create animated explainers and make infographic designs because I’m curious, and have a lifelong love of felt tips.
After redundancy from my healthcare career, I went to a design agency recruitment event. Instead of a written CV, I showed people a short animation about me. They loved it, and I had…
… a lightbulb moment
… and started freelancing as a graphic designer.
I love problem-solving to help people find creative solutions, which results in lovely feedback like this:
“Katie brought an incredible blend of creativity, humour, and inspiration to the animation she created for my book launch. She is an absolute pro – highly responsive and communicative with meticulous attention to detail. Her energy and creative thinking are truly remarkable, infusing the animation with a vibrancy that perfectly captured the essence of my book. Working with Katie was not only productive but also an absolute pleasure. Her enthusiasm and dedication made the entire process seamless and fun. Everyone needs a Katie on their project!” – Roz, author of Get Your Career Unstuck
What it’s like to work with me
I’m friendly, approachable, creative and occasionally distracted by cake.
I’ve been described as `kindly honest’. If something won’t work for your audience, show empathy and make their lives easier, I’ll be both honest and kind about it.
My clients are equally kind and lovely, and often send me feedback like this:
“Katie has incredible skill in processing information quickly and coming up with key themes. She is really lovely to work with, kind, warm, caring, great communication” – Sally, Amaze
It’s my job to break down communication barriers for people who are often excluded. I want to help you do the same.
It makes things less stressful or difficult for your customers. This sets you apart from your competitors, who may not be as thoughtful and inclusive.
If you would like to find out more about how it feels like to work with me, this PDF guide (based on my clients’ feedback) should give you an idea. You can also download a Microsoft Word version here.
Hit the big red button and we can have a chat.
Research… and simplicity
I don’t have the lived experience of someone with a disability, or someone with dyslexia.
That’s why I take time to research your audience, and how they like to receive information. It’s important that my designs don’t inadvertently exclude them.
I’m happy to share this research with you. It makes life better for everyone. That’s why I created my free rucksack of tips for making information more accessible and inclusive. You can download it here as a PDF guide, or as a Microsoft Word document.
My graphic designs are simple because your message is important. Information overload hinders understanding, while simplicity puts it across in an instant.
I also use my knowledge to help improve people’s websites. Partly because I love seeing a good “before and after” makeover, but mostly because I want to help make their content more accessible for their clients. Which results in lovely client feedback like this:
“When St Richard’s needed a new website, we were so glad to have Katie, she was amazing, she came up with some brilliant designs and put the whole thing together for us, made it look great and then gave us coaching and a manual on how to use it. Since then, we have had great feedback from grant givers, more people have accessed our website and we have had enquiries and bookings through it. She is a lovely person to work with, friendly and professional” – Ann, St Richard’s Community Centre
If you’re passionate about what you do, I’d love to hear about it… Partly because I’m nosy, but also because I want to find the most creative, simple way to tell others about it.
I offer free consultations so if you’d like a chat, click the big red button.
