About me
In my 40 years, I have travelled the world, worked with some fantastic inspirational people, lived through some amazing life experiences, but none can quite compare to becoming a Dad.
I live in Brisbane with my partner Zoe, we have three amazing children; twin girls who are 7 and our son who is 3. The girls are high level performing gymnasts and our son is showing signs of enjoying his soccer, so there isn't much time for consuming hobbies for myself, but in my spare time what I love to do is re-create logos of companies I come across day to day.
What I love about doing these re-designs is that it helps keep my creativity sharp. My current role is niched into a very particular industry and isn't much scope explore design outside of this. So I create logos and branding for fun! One of my favourite ways recently is using free online brief generators.
As well as design my other love is football followed closely by whipping up a storm in the kitchen. Having three sous chefs at times can be fun!
I was born in the USA, my father was in the American AirForce which meant we travelled around a lot. Around 1988 we moved to the UK where I have been ever since. I have dual citizenship which I used to my advantage in 2010 where I decided to take a career break and visit my American family. Travelling around the southern states and up to California.
Career to date
Junior Designer
2005-2006
I commenced my design career journey by joining the design team responsible for the creation of
advertisements featured in prominent national monthly
magazines catering to the care home industry.
It was here where I began to gain valuable experience in the realm of design, honing my expertise in
various essential facets of the industry. I adeptly mastered
the art of generating visually captivating spreads and
layouts for the magazines, using software such as Quark Express, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Production Manager
2006-2010
I joined JAK in 2006 as a Production Assistant, becoming the company’s first employee based in the North East region due to relocating. Primarily entrusted with the task of crafting advertisements for a trio of monthly magazines, I steadily progressed through the ranks over my tenure of four years, ascending from the role of Production Assistant to that of Senior Graphic Designer and ultimately
assuming the responsibilities of Production Manager.
As Production Manager, my duties encompassed managing a small team of designers and artworkers who assisted with the creation and design of multiple monthly magazines, the development of visually engaging advertisements for various businesses, and the composition of editorial features for inclusion within each publication.
Studio Lead
2010-Present
As the leader of a talented team of graphic, digital, and technical designers for the UK's leading design and print company, I take pride in providing the guidance, mentorship, and feedback necessary to optimise both individual and team performance. By collaborating closely with clients, I ensure we understand their design needs and develop creative solutions that perfectly align with their brand identity and business goals.
As well as leading, I manage multiple design projects myself from executing branding projects, creating marketing campaigns, designing high end property and company brochures and creating marketing templates for the company's web-to-print platforms. Attending client visits is also an important aspect of my role that I regularly plan into my schedule to help build strong client relations.
I also plan, create, and manage our internal marketing campaigns, working closely with the Head of Sales to stay ahead of market and client spending trends. Organising our presence at industry events is another key responsibility, from designing stands and samples to liaising with key suppliers and handling all logistics.
Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment is at the heart of what I do. I promote open communication, creative thinking, and professional growth among all team members. I maintain a high standard of quality in all our work. Coordinating with external vendors and suppliers ensures the timely and accurate production of printed materials and other design assets, keeping our projects running smoothly from start to finish.
References
Graeme Edwards
Managing Director - Ravensworth
Toby Howd
Head of Sales - Ravensworth
I worked with Phil at Ravensworth Digital Services Ltd between April 2018 and August 2022 in the capacity of Managing Director for the business, whilst Phil was in his role as Studio Team Lead I always found Phil to be extremely personable, easy to work with, and eager to make a difference. He is passionate about his work and contributed greatly to the business and our customers, and always received very positive feedback both from colleagues and customers.
Phil is hardworking and trustworthy, and I would highly recommend him to any future employer simply based on his work ethic and ability to engage with others across the business.
I am writing to provide a character reference for Mr. Philip Hawkins, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with for several years. My name is Toby Howd, and in my professional capacity, I have come to know Philip as a dedicated, reliable, and highly skilled individual.
Philip and I first met in 2022 when I joined Ravensworth as Sales Director and Philip was in the position of Head Of Design Studio and Marketing. From the very beginning, it was evident that Philip possesses an exceptional work ethic and a passion for excellence. His commitment to his work is unwavering, and he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every task is completed to the highest standard.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Philip's character is his ability to work well both independently and as part of a team. He is a natural leader who is not only able to motivate and guide his colleagues but also welcomes feedback and collaboration. His interpersonal skills are exemplary, and he has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and supervisors alike.
Philip is also known for his problem-solving abilities. He approaches challenges with a positive attitude and a keen analytical mind, often finding innovative solutions to complex issues. His attention to detail and his organisational skills have been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous projects.
Beyond his professional attributes, Philip is a person of high integrity and strong moral principles. He is honest, trustworthy, and always conducts himself with the utmost professionalism. His genuine kindness and willingness to help others make him not only a valued colleague but also a cherished friend.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Philip Hawkins. His skills, dedication, and personal qualities make him an outstanding candidate for any endeavour he chooses to pursue. I am confident that he will continue to excel and positively impact anyone fortunate enough to have any dealings with him.
Nikki Hamersley
Senior Key Account Manager - Ravensworth
I have worked alongside Phillip now for 6 years and I find him professional, creative, hard working and loyal. Having worked together for this time, this has allowed us to broaden our range of what we can offer and produce for clients with Phillip at the forefront of new idea generation. His resourcefulness then allows him to adapt his thinking and workload to see said new ideas come to fruition.
Phillip regularly attends a large number of corporate client meetings and he has proved time and time again he is capable, determined and goal orientated. His time management skills are impressive, often being the lead in a number of ongoing projects within the company, he delegates, and project manages
efficiently and effectively. Phillip demonstrates a knowledgeable understanding of a client’s needs and wants which shows in abundance through his passion and creativity. His commercial awareness makes him an asset to the team.
Phillip is incredibly trustworthy, not only to his team and wider team but to clients and partner suppliers. Changes within the business have seen Phillip take on a more varied workload which he has handled with a proactive approach securing his place as not only senior but a reliable and dependable key
member of the company. An all round team player, with excellent communication skills, Phillip is driven and enthusiastic.
Nichola Goodliffe
Senior Technical Designer - Ravensworth
Phil Hawkins was my Studio Team Lead at Ravensworth, where I was employed as a Senior Technical Designer for almost 10 years between November 2003 and July 2023. Throughout my time at Ravensworth, I had the privilege of working closely with Phil, both as a colleague and friend, and also as my direct line manager.
As the Studio Team Lead, Phil cultivated a great working relationship and sense of togetherness within the entire team. His approachable and relaxed management style created a positive work environment that promoted productivity and creativity and one where everyone felt valued and motivated.
One of Phil's greatest strengths was his unwavering support to the Studio team. He was always available to provide guidance and assistance, ensuring that each team member had the resources and encouragement they needed to excel within their roles. Phil's support most definitely helped me to develop a greater sense of confidence and self belief within my own abilities and allowed me to be able to consistently deliver on projects, time and time again.
Phil is an excellent manager who combines a relaxed and effective management style. His unwavering support for his team, his receptiveness to feedback and his respectful attitude towards everyone, demonstrates that Phil will be an asset within any professional setting and I would wholeheartedly recommend him.