gem/ks is the studio name of Gemma Parker, an award-winning Brand and Design Lead for a national children’s charity, with over 10 years’ experience working with clients of all sizes from a range of different backgrounds.

 

There are two sides to every brand story…

 

Creative Thinking

It starts with an idea or, in many cases, a problem to solve. It’s more than just designing a logo; it’s about underpinning an idea, communicating a message and solving a problem. I’m a designer who constantly fluctuates between logic and creativity - left and right brain. My work goes deeper than aesthetics - it tells a story and has a purpose.

& Design.

I’m a multi-disciplinary designer and art director, having worked with a range of businesses and organisations to help them tell their story through intelligent branding, graphic design and web design. My passion lies within typography and layout; applicable to print, editorial, digital and packaging, alongside all other areas of design.

Hello! I’m Gemma.

The face behind gem/ks…

  • Before getting married in 2013, gem/ks were my initials. Post-nuptials, gem/kp just didn’t feel right (and I couldn’t help but think of dry roasted peanuts…) and so, here we are.

    I love to travel anywhere I can get a good craft beer, try local cuisine and snap some beautiful landscapes. I’m happiest outdoors and love the fact I live so close to such breathtaking scenery - the Dales, the Moors, the Lakes, we’re really spoiled for choice in the north!

    I’m also mum to an energetic toddler, which is fun and tiring in equal measure!

Experience

 

Brand & Design Lead
(national children’s charity)

For over 7 years, I have led all aspects of brand and creative outputs for a multi-faceted, national children’s charity. Having redesigned and repositioned the brand and produced an award-winning website, I’ve built a strong brand perception across all media. I’ve led a small team of creatives and copywriters to deliver on a range of briefs and meet tight deadlines. From concept to delivery, I’ve provided design for external and internal publications and art directed photography and film with full oversight of the editing process. In collaboration with the marketing team, I’ve project managed and produced creative concepts and design for campaigns and appeals to generate income and support for the charity. This has included digital marketing for social media and email and oversight of the organisation’s website, including developing targeted landing pages, managing the CMS, working with 3rd party agencies to develop the site and employing analytics software to measure and improve SEO.

Senior Graphic Designer
(studio- and agency-based)

Multi-disciplinary designer and artworker working on a range of outputs including packaging, POS, exhibition display, print and publication design for a broad range of sectors, including retail, charity and hospitality. My roles included leading on and winning pitches for the creative studio I worked at, and being the main account manager for one of their biggest clients, Historic Royal Palaces.

Freelancer

Working with a wide range of small business and charities, I’ve created memorable logos and brand identities through considered design. My services include logo design, brand & identity creation, brochure & leaflet design, stationery design, print design and packaging. My approach to each design project is a collaborative one. Working together, I support the clients’ needs and deliver creative results that go beyond expectations.