Steven Clemens

As a Creative Director and Founder of What Creative Consultants, I specialize in crafting strategic, impactful design solutions that bring brands to life. With a strong background in branding, digital, and print design, I work collaboratively with clients to develop visually compelling and results-driven creative outputs. My freelance work spans branding, website design, digital campaigns, and print collateral, focusing on combining creativity with efficiency to deliver high-quality brand experiences.

ABOUT ME

Strategic and results-driven Freelance Design Director with a strong background in branding, digital and print design. Expert at combining creativity with efficiency to craft impactful brand experiences.

EXPERIENCE

Founder & Creative Director

What Creative Consultants Ltd

Oct 2024 – Present

Helping businesses bring their brands to life through strategic,

impactful design. From branding and websites to digital and print,

I collaborate with clients to craft visually compelling and results-

driven creative solutions.

Key Expertise

Creative Direction

Branding & Identity Design

Web & Digital Design

Print & Packaging Design

Creative Problem Solving

Head of Design

VirginMedia o2

Feb 2019 – Jul 2024 London I Hybrid

Led the creative direction for print, digital design, and music across VMO2 retail spaces. Delivered seamless brand experiences, product launches, and campaigns across 460 retail stores nationwide.

Key Achievements

Shaped digital content strategy, increasing customer engagement by 25-28%.

Oversaw print creative, driving a 52% YoY increase in creative output.

Introduced a digital approval system, streamlining production and cutting costs.

Negotiated supplier contracts, securing 25% cost savings.

Studio Manager

O2

Sep 2014 – Feb 2019 Slough I Hybrid

Delivered all creative for over 500 retail stores, ensuring quality and brand consistency. Secured a new animation partner,

streamlining creative output.

Key Achievements

Developed a digital design process for retail animation,

optimising content for store regions and demographics.

Led creative direction for all BAU trading activities to maximise audience engagement.

Enhanced team efficiency by refining design processes.

Design Lead

O2

Sep 2005 – Sep 2014 Slough I Hybrid

Managed retail experiences across 500 stores, leading branding, vendor installations, and marketing campaigns.

Key Achievements

Reimagined O2’s customer-facing magazine, optimising the print budget while enhancing content quality and design.

Art-directed Christmas trading campaign, crafting visually cohesive brand storytelling.

Freelance Designer

Manchester Area Agencies

May 2005 – Sep 2005

Worked with multiple agencies, delivering branding, packaging,

print and digital design solutions.

Freelance Designer The Evening Standard

May 2003 – Sep 2004

Produced the weekly travel section, delivering page layouts and custom maps to enhance the features visual appeal and reader engagement.

Senior Graphic Designer

Hippo

Feb 1999 – Mar 2005 | London

Designed luxury property brochures for high-end clients,

delivering visually striking and sophisticated layouts.

Managed multi-channel campaigns from concept to execution, ensuring consistent brand messaging.

Directed and developed Residential First, a lifestyle and property magazine, creating a fresh, upscale market presence.

Pitched for new business at client meetings, successfully securing new projects.

Managed client meetings and delivered presentations.

Represented the agency at MIPIM, securing new clients.

Packaging Designer

Kentmere Packaging

Jul 1998 – Aug 1999 | Kendal

Designed consumer packaging, prepared artwork, and managed print production.

Senior Graphic Artist

Oldroyd Publishing

Sep 1994 – Oct 1998 | Lytham St Anne’s

Developed expertise in design, finished artwork, and illustration for client publications and advertising.

E D U C A T I O N

Blackpool College of Art & Design

HND | Graphic Design

H I G H L I G H T S

Increased digital animation output by 73% over four years through streamlined workflows.

Established digital signage best practices for Retail,

standardising design quality.

Introduced automated API workflow for O2'

s loyalty program

"Priority,

"

saving one day of production weekly.

Led creative for all retail locations, achieving a 52%

year-on-year increase in creative output.

Deployed an AI-driven music platform with Play Network and Apple Music for Business,

reducing operational costs by

40% and improving staff experience.

Achieved a 17% cost saving by securing a new retail design support agency partner.

Shifted the culture from relying on external agencies to leveraging internal creative talent, saving over £100k in the first year.

HND in Graphic Design, Blackpool College of Art & Design

This qualification provided you with a solid foundation in graphic design principles, creative thinking, and practical skills in digital and print media, forming the basis of my extensive career in graphic design and design leadership.