Courteney Barlow-Ferguson
Graphic Designer
Hi, I’m Courteney, a graphic designer with 8+ years of professional experience across print and digital, including brand identity, marketing, editorial, digital content and illustration.
Alongside my freelance practice, I spent seven years working in-house at Blue Stream Academy, gaining experience across a wide range of projects and working with different teams. It gave me a strong understanding of balancing creative work with deadlines, practical requirements and the needs of a wider business.
I enjoy the variety that comes with graphic design, from working on a visual identity to getting stuck into the finer details of a printed piece or digital project. I like that no two briefs are quite the same, and I'm always happy to take on something new.
A little bit of everything, with a good eye for the details.
Making Ideas Visual
Taking a starting point, a rough idea or a complicated brief and working out how to bring it to life.
Getting the Details Right
Playing with typography, colour, imagery and layout until the different elements feel right together.
Making Information Work
Turning lots of information into designs that are easy to follow, whether that's a booklet, magazine, or illustration.
Exploring Ideas
Exploring ideas, trying out different directions and not being afraid to go back to the drawing board.
Seeing Things Through
Taking projects from the first conversation to the finished artwork, keeping an eye on the details and making sure everything is ready for its intended use.
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Understanding what's needed, who it's for and what the finished design needs to do. I'll ask questions where I need to and make sure I've got the information before getting started.
Getting to Grips with the Brief
Exploring ways to approach the project, whether that's sketching things out, playing with layouts, looking at references or jumping straight into a few design ideas.
Getting Ideas Down
Experience
Cobalt & Blush Design
Freelance Graphic Designer · 2025 – Present
Brand identity, marketing, print, digital and web projects for small businesses, individuals and community organisations.
Blue Stream Academy
Graphic Designer · 2018 – 2025
Print, editorial, marketing, illustration, eLearning and digital content, including customer publications, training materials and visual assets.
University of Derby
BA (Hons) Media Production · First Class · 2017
Print Production · TV Production · Digital Publishing · Radio
Developing the design, trying things out and making adjustments along the way. I'll take feedback on board and work through any changes needed to get things where they need to be.
Bringing it Together
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Getting everything ready for its final use, from checking layouts and preparing print-ready artwork to supplying digital files and making sure everything is where it needs to be.
Finishing the Details
A selection of work from eight years across in-house design and freelance projects, covering brand identity, marketing, print, digital and illustration.
