Darren Smith
Rugeley,Staffordshire
Summary
Creative Graphic Designer with strengths in delivering high-quality design solutions. Manages the entire design lifecycle, ensuring timely project completion and client satisfaction. Experience in developing graphics for signage, packaging, and digital promotions, enhancing brand visibility. Also has general knowledge of computers and networking.
Honest and resourceful individual with solid foundation in mechanical skills and genuine enthusiasm for vehicles. I bring a practical approach to diagnosing and resolving issues. My background includes hands-on experience in maintenance and repair on a wide range of vehicles, complemented by knack for problem-solving and effective communication. I also have some experience in vehicle conversion/coachbuilding, bodywork repairs and detailing and classic car restoration. Am eager to contribute to team environment and continuously develop my technical expertise, but also happy to work independently.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Graphic Designer
Heritage Crafts Ltd
Rugeley, Staffordshire
05.2002 - 05.2026
- Oversaw design lifecycle from concept to delivery, ensuring projects met deadlines.
- Created graphics for signage, packaging, and digital promotions using Adobe Photoshop and Quark Express, enhancing brand visibility.
- Conducted colour proofing of scanned products to ensure accurate representation in digital print images.
- Managed inventory of printing supplies to maintain operational efficiency.
- Experience using a Guillotine to trim various projects
Motor Vehicle Mechanic/Restorer
Self employed
Rugeley, Staffordshire
03.1999 - 04.2002
- Self-employed car repairs/restoration including mechanical and bodywork.
- General servicing plus brake and suspension system repairs.
- Some paintwork repair and detailing/polishing
- Serviced vehicles with care and precision, making required changes to oil, filters and fluid levels.
- Identified mechanical faults, determined causes and ordered new parts to resolve issues.
- Identified and fixed engine faults impacting function, performance or fuel-efficiency.
- Conducted test drives before and after repair services.
- Ran vehicle diagnostics to pinpoint repair requirements.
- Cleaned inside of vehicles to sanitise and meet customer expectations.
- Restored classic cars, meticulously working to preserve original features while updating components for modern roadworthiness.
- Dismantled vehicle parts to diagnose and trace faults.
- Provided detailed explanations of mechanical issues and repair strategies to vehicle owners, fostering trust and customer loyalty.
- Regassed vehicle air conditioning units effectively and efficiently, maximising customer comfort.
Assembly Team Leader
ARM Buildings
Rugeley, Staffordshire
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Led assembly team in manufacturing timber framed farm buildings, overseeing 5 staff members to ensure efficient workflow.
- Ensured workplace safety by adhering to occupational and environmental health requirements.
- Delegated production tasks effectively to optimise assembly team performance.
- Led assembly team in daily tasks, focusing on maximising productivity and maintaining high-quality standards.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting assembly line efficiency, ensuring minimal impact on production schedules.
Building Construction Worker
Self employed
01.1995 - 01.1997
- General construction worker undertaking all aspects of building work, including transporting materials, equipment and work mates to and from site.
- Performed diverse roles, including groundwork and painting, for a secondary school.
- Loaded and unloaded equipment, tools and materials from vehicles.
- Provided useful assistance to equipment operators, carpenters and other construction crew.
- Reduced exposure to hazards by wearing personal protective equipment.
- Assisted carpenters, machine operators and skilled crew members with workloads.
- Operated cranes, trucks and forklifts in compliance with safe working practices and procedures.
- Applied finishes to buildings, including painting, wallpapering, and fitting exterior cladding, ensuring aesthetic quality.
- Erected scaffolding and other temporary structures, ensuring secure platforms for construction activities at height.
Air Conditioning Installer
B&W Installations
Rugeley, Staffordshire
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Installed and repaired HVAC systems, ensuring optimal performance of air conditioning units in commercial properties.
- Maintained and repaired HVAC equipment and components according to manufacturers' recommendations for maximum efficiency.
- Customised HVAC systems to fit specific customer needs and space requirements.
- Put in new gas lines, wiring and other support components for HVAC systems.
- Performed general cleaning and maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment and tools in clean, operable condition.
- Operated soldering and welding equipment to connect piping.
- Collaborated with construction teams on new builds to design and install efficient HVAC systems.
Vehicle Builder
TBP Holdings Ltd
Birmingham, West Midlands
03.1991 - 01.1993
- Attached finishing components including door trims, rubber seals, locks and handles.
- Fastened and clipped sheet metal objects together using rivets or other materials to form complete objects or structures.
- Customised vehicles (van/minibus/ambulance) to meet client specifications, enhancing user satisfaction.
- Managed installation of electrical systems in vehicles, ensuring safety and operational compatibility.
- Followed health and safety protocols in the workshop, minimising risks and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Customised interior layouts for commercial vehicles, improving comfort and utility for end users.
- Modified assembly line vehicles to meet special requirements and bespoke project needs.
- Constructed framework components from metal, wood, fibreglass and other materials using cutting and welding equipment.
Electrical Apprentice
S&S Electrical Services
Birmingham, West Midlands
08.1987 - 03.1991
- Learned best practices in electrical safety and risk assessment by observing senior electricians.
- Supported electrical installation tasks by gathering tools and components, ensuring job readiness.
- Collaborated with team members to complete various projects efficiently, contributing to overall project success.
- Installed lighting, power outlets, and switches, enhancing residential and commercial spaces' functionality.
- Troubleshot electrical issues using specialist testing devices.
- Identified hazards, defects, or repairs required through electrical testing.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the use of hand and power tools, efficiently completing tasks with precision and care.
- Adhered to company standards and HSE regulations for work site safety.
- Transported supplies from headquarters to job site using company vehicles.
Education
City and Guilds - Refrigeration and Air conditioning
Garretts Green Technical College
Birmingham01-1993
Diploma of Higher Education - BTEC Electrical Engineering
Matthew Bolton Technical College
Birmingham01-1990
Skills
- Graphic design
- Branding and logo design
- Photography
- Colour proofing
- Print management
- Print design
- Vehicle maintenance
- Brake maintenance
- Oil changes
- Parts replacement
- Engine maintenance
- Exhaust systems repairs
Hobbies and interests
- Keen interest in all things automotive.
- Avid motorsport fan and have participated in many driving experiences and track days ranging from road cars to single seater racers.
- Interested in mechanical engineering and car restoration.
Timeline
Graphic Designer
Heritage Crafts Ltd
05.2002 - 05.2026
Motor Vehicle Mechanic/Restorer
Self employed
03.1999 - 04.2002
Assembly Team Leader
ARM Buildings
01.1997 - 01.1999
Building Construction Worker
Self employed
01.1995 - 01.1997
Air Conditioning Installer
B&W Installations
01.1993 - 01.1995
Vehicle Builder
TBP Holdings Ltd
03.1991 - 01.1993
Electrical Apprentice
S&S Electrical Services
08.1987 - 03.1991
City and Guilds - Refrigeration and Air conditioning
Garretts Green Technical College
Diploma of Higher Education - BTEC Electrical Engineering
Matthew Bolton Technical College