20 years of Steve Pitt – Graphic Design

Hello there...

As I started my business in April 2003 I am about to go into my 21st year of running my own business... So this seems like a good time to re-introduce me!

I’m Steve Pitt, a Graphic Designer, and I’ve been working with my lovely clients for what seems like a very quick 20 years!

The background story:

Started out at a very young age (5 or 6) drawing, and I found I was quite good at it!

From 6 to 16 went to a local Art Club run by an amazing lady, who taught me so much about the world of Art

In 1983, at age of 16, I went to Stourbridge Art College to do an Art Foundation Course.

The first session at Art College was "Graphic Design" which I knew nothing about and a whole new world opened up to me and I decided I wanted to be a "Graphic Designer".

Completed my OND in Graphic Design at Stourbridge, then moved to Manchester to complete my HND in Graphic Design.

Through my college years almost everything was created by hand, in Manchester I got into video graphics and early computer graphics, getting the chance to use a Quantel Paintbox! Started working life in a video graphics company...

In 1989 I enrolled on an evening course in Desktop Publishing on an Apple Mac and got a job in Prontaprint off the back of it! (And met my wife there!)

Moved to an "Agency" for 3 years then moved sideways into pre-press in 1993, doing a lot of learning with work colleagues, and working alongside an old-school typesetter was invaluable.?As the only Graphic Designer in the company, all design was mine!

Finally started my own business Steve Pitt - Graphic Design in 2003.

Some people may know me as "The Graphic Designer with the Quiff" which came from a session of speed networking when I was trying to think of something simple and memorable!

The story now:

Firstly, I create unique visual identities, I work together with my customers to create a confident visual brand. Assisting in a wide range of graphic design collateral - Logo design, brochures, business forms, newsletters, promotional items and much more... From a complete rebranding to a one-off design project.

Secondly, I offer support for other creatives and designers. As a very experienced freelance creative/designer/artworker, with around 30 years in the trade and I only have a few select customers that use me on a regular basis but they like the flexibility and service I offer.?

Finally, I work closely with a Sign Making company and have done for many years, so can offer unbiased, constructive advice on cost-effective sign solutions.

Additionally, I also run the networking group "Milk 1 Sugar" I enjoy meeting other business people and it helps keep me sane in the world of self-employment.

A bit about me:

I like motorcycles... I have been riding bikes since I was 16 and currently have 2 bikes, for the bike geeks a Yamaha TZR 250 and a Honda CBR 600F. I really like bike racing too, especially MotoGP but I enjoy all racing and I currently help young BSB racer Liam Delves with all his graphics and try to see as many of his races as I can.

I like music and have eclectic tastes. Friends and family have influenced my tastes over the years from early "New wave" with a friend who was into early synths, to my college years in Manchester, very much into the "Alternative 80's" and then whilst in Manchester, "The Smiths" made a huge impact on me... But I enjoy a bit of Artic Monkeys or James Brown or The Who or whatever I discover along the way...

My wife, Pam and I have 2 boys, Harry and Luca, both in higher education. Pam has her own sign business and I work closely with her.

With my wife Pam, we have had a love of travelling - been to America quite a few times - and Italy many times and love France too... We now have a camper van and are planning trips in that too...

So that’s me - tell me something about you?