charlie@blueonion
Hi, I’m Charlie – founder of Blue Onion, and a creative with a knack for doing things a little differently.
My journey didn’t begin in a design studio. It actually started in a music studio... but that’s a Simon Cowell story for another day.
The design path kicked off in account management. But even then, I couldn’t stay away from the ideas and the creative side. Late nights learning Quark and Freehand on a blueberry iMac (remember those?), a few courses at the local Tech, plus a lot of desire and hard work—that turned into real design gigs, and eventually a full-blown career shift. As a one-man band, if I didn’t know how to do it... I faked it till I learned it.
Since then, I’ve gone from marketing LPG car conversion kits around the UK in a Suzuki (pulling a 10ft trailer, no less), to launching my own studio, landing NHS contracts, and co-founding a national taxi magazine that was distributed by models (yes, really). But that’s not what got me in hot water—it was Onsite Magazine (think Loaded for building site workers that got me infront of the Chamber of Commerce )... not my finest hour, but I kid you not.. I got a gig off them by the end of it!
I’ve worked with all kinds of printers (remind me to tell you about one whose niche was... let’s just say, very specific, which I only realised when I was stood inside the printers ready to meet the client for a press pass !@), built magazines from scratch, managed millions in print assets, and always found creative ways to deliver results—and turn a profit.
Over the past 25+ years, I’ve worked across healthcare, construction, transport, legal—you name it. It’s never been about the sector. It’s about people, energy, design smarts, sharp strategy, and just the right mix of risk and luck.
I don’t stick to one niche or discipline. I work with people. And I go where that takes me.
If you're looking for someone with real-world hustle, creative instinct, people skills—and a few stories to tell—let’s talk.
Career Overview
Education
1993–96: Durham University
Early Career
1998–2000: Kudos Creative – Account Manager
2000–2002: Fueltech Ltd – Marketing & Franchise Manager
2002-2004: Flogas - Regional Sales Manager
2004–Present: Founder & Creative at Blue Onion
A snap shot of some of my Main Freelance Internship & Directorships
2004-2008: Brand, Layout & Production - Building & Construction North Magazine
2007-2012: Director - Upfront Media Ltd (Upfront and Onsite Magazines).
2010-2012: Director - Cream Creative (... just add clients...)
2010-2020: Creative Director - PBL Print Ltd
2012-2015: Director - Meteor Mail Ltd (email marketing company)
2015-2024: Brand, Marketing & Website - Clark Handling Ltd
2018-2020: Brand & Marketing - Elopa Estate Agents
2019-2020: Brand & Marketing Director - Signature Benefits Ltd
2020-2024: Brand, Marketing & Websites - Movin Legal Ltd
2022-present: Marketing, Website Services - Active Air Solutions Ltd
2022-present: Marketing, Website, E-commerce services - Brit Cars International Ltd
Specialist Services
Logo & Branding
I create distinctive logos and supporting brand imagery, helping to launch and shape successful national brands.
Design & Artwork
I work with clients and companies who share my values — selectively taking on projects where I can deliver real impact. I’m currently booking 3–6 months in advance.
Print Management
Are you getting the best value from your print suppliers? I manage everything from brochures and flyers to packaging, exhibition stands, and promotional items — across both litho and digital print.
Printed Literature
With over 25 years of experience producing print artwork, I’ve delivered brochures, magazines, leaflets, banners, and more — with deep knowledge of design, layout, and production techniques.
Software & Platforms
- Design: Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Adobe Express
- Video: Premiere Pro, iMovie, Adobe Express
- Email & CMS: Brevo, Joomla, WordPress, Shopify, Nembol
- Productivity: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Portfolio & Contact
My work is my CV — Click here to view
Client list available — Click here to view
References available on request.
📩
🌐 www.blueonion.uk