Quay Media

15/09/2025

Something exciting has been happening behind the scenes… and today marks the start of a brand-new chapter for us.

It’s a little scary, definitely a big leap, but we’re ready for it.

All will be revealed very soon, watch this space.

15/07/2025

Humble pie for breakfast over here at Quay Media!

Thanks Matt from the West Country Business Show for taking the time to share your thoughts.

14/07/2025

Once upon a time, in a quiet little design studio in South Devon, a bold new roller banner was born.

Crafted with care and a splash of creativity, it's now packed and ready for its big debut at the West Country Business Show this Friday.

You’ll find us at Stand 239, surrounded by ideas, conversation, and... a few unexpected guests. Let’s just say we’ve got a flock of friendly ducks coming along for the ride. If you know, you know.

If you haven’t grabbed your free ticket yet, there’s still time just head over to the event website.

We’d love for you to drop by, say hello, and hear a bit more about what we’ve been working on lately.

See you there.

10/06/2025

Well, that’s me signing off for the next 7 days — out of office is officially on, and the van is (almost) packed ready for an early start tomorrow. Download Festival, here we come! I’m sooooooo bloody excited. No idea how I managed to get any work done today, to be honest. Everything else will have to wait until I’m back… or Cai and Eryn (my son and daughter) can crack on with it! 🤣

29/04/2025

I’ve visited the zoo since I was a child, later taking my son (now 30) and daughter (12) for many magical days out. I even volunteered there while studying for my HND in Graphic Design, basing one of my final projects on its inspiring environment.

But one memory stands out: years ago, a gorilla keeper I knew took my son and me behind the scenes. We touched the hand of a gorilla—an experience both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying. I remember being told not to look the gorilla in the eye, as it’s seen as a form of aggression. My son still remembers the moment vividly.

That’s the power of places like Paignton Zoo Environmental Park—they create memories that last a lifetime.

Today, as part of the Paignton & District Chamber of Commerce networking event, I had the chance to return in a different role: not as a child, parent or student, but as a business owner, creative and community supporter.

Hearing about the zoo’s incredible behind-the-scenes work, its future plans, and how it serves as a hub of conservation, education and joy, was both inspiring and deeply aligned with what I do now—creating meaningful branding and content for purpose-driven businesses through Quay Media and supporting causes like Children's Hospice South West.

A huge thank you to Simon Steer, Chris Thomas, Steph Dawson, and all involved in putting the event together. Your passion is clear—and your work matters.

Paignton Zoo isn’t just a place. It’s a shared story for many of us. And I’m proud to have been part of this latest chapter.

24/03/2025

A few weeks ago, I was asked to be the ambassador for a very special Your Partnerships networking event in collaboration with the incredible charity Moor Trees.

Of course, I jumped at the chance — and I’m so glad I did.

Despite a few hiccups behind the scenes (as any good event has!), the day itself was nothing short of brilliant. We spent last Friday planting locally grown trees, nurtured from local seeds, right in the heart of Dartmoor. It was the perfect way to end the week — grounding, rewarding, and full of good company.

There’s something deeply fulfilling about knowing you’ve made a small but meaningful impact. Planting a tree isn’t just about the action itself — it’s a long-lasting contribution to the land, the ecosystem, and the community.

If you’re looking for a meaningful team-building experience, or simply a different way to spend an afternoon reconnecting with nature, I can’t recommend this enough.

We’re planning a family-friendly day during the summer holidays, where you can bring partners and children to get involved. And we’ll be back again in November for another networking event when the next planting season begins.

I genuinely can’t wait to do it all again. Supporting Moor Trees is not just an honour — it’s a reminder that doing good can feel great.

12/03/2025

Yesterday morning started with the perfect combination - early morning breakfast at BNI Locomotive Chapter in Paignton, subbing for Mike at MD ELITE Cleaning, which was closely followed by more coffee, fresh pastries, and another room full of brilliant businesses.

A huge thank you to Jo Kingston for putting on another fantastic networking event at Exeter Racecourse. The pastries were really great, but even better were the conversations that followed.

I thrive at these events. Why? Because great design starts with great connections. Whether it’s branding that makes a business stand out, websites that work as hard as you do, or marketing that actually get results - we here at Quay Media believe strong businesses are built on strong networks.

It was fantastic to catch up with Chris Thomas, David Brock, Poppy Jakes Photography, Tina Ketteridge-Allen, Simon Steer Cert CII (and many more!) and hear about all the exciting things everyone is doing.

If I didn’t get a chance to chat this time, let’s make sure we do at the next one which is on Tuesday 29th April.

19/02/2025

Yesterday, I had a brilliant meeting with someone I met at a networking event a few weeks ago. We arranged a follow-up coffee, and what a meeting it was—full of creativity, problem-solving, and genuine support, both in business and personally.

It got me thinking about last week. I attended four completely different networking events, each with its own energy—from an evening in an award-winning pan-Asian restaurant to a room full of creatives in Totnes. Every event brought something new, whether it was fresh ideas, unexpected collaborations, or just the reassurance that we’re all figuring things out together.

Why do I network so much? Because self-employment can be isolating.

Running a creative business, whether it’s designing branding, websites, or merchandise, often means working alone.

Networking is a way to step out of the workspace, connect with like-minded people, and keep my creativity flowing. You never know who you’ll meet or where a conversation might lead—new clients, partnerships, or even just a spark of inspiration that changes everything.

If you’re self-employed and feeling stuck, I highly recommend stepping out and meeting people. You might just find the connection that makes all the difference

11/02/2025

Today, I attended the Torbay Business Forum at South Devon College for National Apprenticeship Week, and it got me thinking about my own journey. Funny how things come full circle because my journey to becoming a graphic designer actually started at South Devon College—though back then, it was based in Torquay.

At the time, my son was too young to start nursery. I was going to a mother toddler group and had joined a course aimed at helping young mums get back into work when their kids started school. I’ll never forget this one moment that changed everything. The lady running the group asked, “What do you want to do?” Not, “What should you do when your child goes to school?” but “What do YOU actually want to do?”

That really stuck with me. Up until then, I’d never really thought about what I wanted. I’d had a few jobs here and there, but none of them sparked any real passion. After a bit of brainstorming, we looked at different industries, and that’s when graphic design popped up. It just clicked. I’d always been creative, but it never occurred to me that I could turn that into a career.

It turned out that South Devon College was offering a National Diploma in Graphic Design, and—perfect timing—they had an on-site nursery, which meant my son could be looked after while I studied. It felt like everything had fallen into place.

Starting the course as a mature student in my mid 20s, I found myself in a class full of 16-year-old lads fresh out of school. But you know what? I absolutely loved it. Those two years were brilliant. I had an amazing tutor who was supposed to retire after our first year, but he decided to stick around just to teach us through the second year. That kind of support really meant a lot, and we’re still in touch today.

After finishing my diploma, I carried on studying at Plymouth College of Art and Design, where I earned a Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design. That journey shaped not just my career but who I am today.

Oh, and here’s a funny twist—I now live on the old South Devon College site, on McKay Avenue, named after the McKay building. I’ve been living here since they built it, nearly 18 years ago. Talk about full circle!

Going back to South Devon College today made me reflect on how far I’ve come. All of it started with one simple question: “What do YOU want to do?”

If you’re at a crossroads in life, maybe ask yourself the same question. You never know where it might lead.

30/01/2025

Helping Cats (and Their Humans) One Website at a Time.

After my recent networking encounter with the most professional floofy delegate at Dartington, I thought it was the perfect time to share a little more about how I’ll be working with a local cat charity—because, let’s be honest, any excuse to talk about cats is a good one.

Their website is getting a fresh start on WordPress, giving them much more flexibility to grow and adapt. A good website isn’t just about looking pretty (though that helps)—it needs to work smoothly for visitors, whether they’re looking to adopt, donate, or simply get involved. That’s where UX and UI design come in, making sure the experience is seamless and engaging.

But it doesn’t stop there. Social media is a powerful tool for charities, and we’ll be scheduling posts, linking up their Instagram, and making sure their online presence is as strong as their mission. The goal? Reaching more cat lovers, supporters, and potential adopters while making it easier for people to engage with them.

Of course, marketing isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about telling a story. So, alongside the tech side of things, I’ll be helping them refine their messaging, attract a bigger audience, and ultimately, find more loving homes for the cats in their care.

Because at the end of the day, every cat deserves a great home—and every charity deserves the tools to reach the people who can make that happen.

29/01/2025

Networking, Legacies, and One Very Important Floof

Today, I found myself in the stunning surroundings of Dartington Trust, attending a Your Partnerships event specifically for charities, trusts, and CICs. As someone who works with several charities, it was brilliant to be in a room full of people passionate about making a difference.

The discussion centred around how wills and legacies can be more than just legal documents—they can be a way for organisations to secure future funding while also giving individuals the opportunity to leave a lasting impact. A serious topic, but one that left plenty of room for ideas and inspiration.

But let’s be honest—while the event was insightful, the real networking MVP had four paws, a fluffy tail, and the undeniable presence of a VIP.

Yes, a very determined floofy cat made its way into our gathering, clearly on a mission to charm us all. Given that my services were recently taken on by another local cat charity (one very close to my heart), this felt like an incredibly well-timed sign from the universe… or at least a strategic move by the feline delegation.

So, in summary:
> I learned a lot about the power of legacies.
> I got to chat with brilliant people doing amazing work.
> I may have been recruited into a secret society of networking cats.

All in all, a great day. 🐾

07/01/2025

10 Graphic Design Trends to Watch for in 2025

The future of graphic design is here – bold, innovative, and driven by creativity and culture. Discover the trends that will dominate 2025, from AI-powered design to playful minimalism, motion graphics, and eco-conscious visuals.

Whether you're a business owner or a design enthusiast, staying ahead of these trends is essential to make a lasting impact. Want to know more about how 3D design, inclusive visuals, and experimental typography are shaping the industry?

Read the full blog now on our website: https://quay.media/10-graphic-design-trends-2025/

Let’s bring your brand into 2025 with cutting-edge design. Contact us at Quay Media to get started today.

Discover the top 10 graphic design trends for 2025, including AI-powered tools, bold typography, and immersive 3D visuals. Stay ahead in branding, web, and print design with these emerging trends.