Welcome to the home of Alf Designs!

Based near Chesterfield, in the beautiful and historic county of Derbyshire, I offer a range of art and design services for both the individual and business. I provide a professional service at a very reasonable price.

I have over 10 years experience in the design and print industry, in both digital and litho press studio's. This also includes over 2 years in the tourism trade, designing postcards and other souvenir products.

I will always listen to my client and work to what they want, rather than pushing a design onto them and being closed minded.

Interviewed for a feature in the national magazine 'Digital Arts' (July '08).

Trained in fine art and digital design, I like to mix the two mediums to create a unique style where appropriate.

On larger projects I occasionally work as part of a team in collaboration with other designers/technicians where we combine our different skills to give you the best possible service.

If you would like to learn more about Alf Designs and what I can do, feel free to browse this site, call or email. My details are listed on the "Contacts Page".

I hope that you enjoy my work...

Who is Alf Designs?

Alf Designs simply consists of me, Angela Shawcroft. I am a graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer.

"Alf" has been a nick-name of mine for many years, hence the business name. I've had a few different jobs in the past, ranging from receptionist and desktop publishing to the obscurity of face painting and operating roller coasters! After thinking about it for more than ten years, I finally built up enough experience (and courage!) to start my own business (est. 2005), doing what I love.

Based in North Derbyshire, I have many regular clients in that area, but as the web makes everyone neighbours It doesn't matter how far away customers are!

Fortunately for me (and my customers), I was brought up to appreciate art and photography in it's traditional applications as well as being taught about the uses of computers from an early age. So I feel quite comfortable working in both areas and mixing the two styles where appropriate.

Experience:
Currently, the design & repro manager at a litho/digital printers in Clay Cross, Derbyshire.
Prior to that, seven years as a desktop publisher in the studio of a litho commercial printer in Alfreton. Then two years as a designer for a publishing company in Sheffield (mainly postcards and souvenirs for tourist sites and stately homes all over the UK).

Qualifications:
I have only listed those qualifications that I feel are relevant to art and design (I do have others!).
These are as follows:
Higher Education
BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design = Overall Distinction
Dreamweaver Basic Web Design
A Level's
Art & Design (Graphic Design) = A
Art & Design (Unendorsed) = B
GCSE's
Art & Design = A
English Lit. & Lang. = B & B
CLAIT (Computer Studies) = Distinction

Equipment:
I work mostly with a Mac and PC, though I am fortunate enough to feel just as at home working with quite traditional mediums, such as graphite, water colours, pencils and ink. The types of software that I am most familiar with are listed below, although I also have experience working with Adobe Lightroom, Printshop Mail, Farrukh Imposition, Poser 5, Corel Draw, Freehand, the Microsoft Office Suite / Open Office & Quark Express.

InDesign CS4	Illustrator CS4	Photoshop CS4	Dreamweaver CS4

Please note that the above software logos are © owned by Adobe and Macromedia respectively, and used here for demonstration purposes only.