Ben Coates Portfolio

BEN COATES GRAPHIC DESIGNER

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. The International Staff Band 2. M&R Building Services LTD 3. CD Artwork 4. Posters 5. Croydon Salvation Army 6. Personal Projects

CLIENT: The International Staff Band PROJECT: Concert Design

This project entails the creation of a brochure and three PowerPoint presentations, which we bring along during our visits to various Salvation Army Churches across the country, typically on the last weekend of every month, and occasionally overseas.

About a week prior to our departure, I undertake the task of editing the brochure, making necessary updates. Once finalized, I ensure all print settings are accurate before sending it to the print department. Approximately 250 brochures are printed each month to support our outreach efforts.

In addition to crafting brochures and PowerPoint presentations, I also hold the responsibility of managing and updating the band’s website. This includes editing player profiles to ensure they are current and accurate. Whenever a new member joins the band, I promptly update their profile and prepare it for upload onto the website, ensuring that the online presence remains dynamic and up-to-date.

CLIENT: M&R Building Services Ltd PROJECT: Logo Design

I took on a project at the request of a friend who was overseeing renovations for her house. Stepping in to assist with marketing efforts and website development, I was tasked with designing a logo that would resonate with the company’s identity. The company, named M&R Building Services LTD, provided a clear starting point.

I decided to incorporate the initials into the design, eventually devising a concept that integrated stylized houses above the lettering, injecting vitality and relevance into the logo.

CLIENT: Personal Project PROJECT: Album Artwork

In my last two years at college, I undertook two Final Major Projects, granting me the freedom to pursue my interests. For both endeavors, I opted to embark on the journey of creating and recording my own albums. As I immersed myself in the process of crafting my first album, I found myself drawn to the world of album artwork design. Eager to bring my visions to life, I collaborated with a family friend who is a designer. With their expertise, we refined my designs and prepared them for printing, transforming my artistic aspirations into tangible realities.

For my second album project during my college course, I aimed to delve deeper into the realm of design exploration. Opting for a vintage book-style layout, I aligned the visual aesthetics with the musical themes I had selected. The choice of font, in particular, resonated with me, evoking a sense of timeless elegance that complemented the overall design direction. This project allowed me to indulge in creative experimentation and further refine my design skills within the context of music.

CLIENT: Taylor Ash & Elliot Butler PROJECT: Album Cover Design

Since crafting my initial two album covers, I’ve found immense pleasure in producing graphics for the music industry. Over time, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with musicians whom I’ve admired for years, offering me numerous opportunities to design artworks. Among these experiences, two projects stand out for their fusion of my passion for design and film music. My journey with Taylor Ash began when I interviewed her for my music podcast, leading to a close collaboration on various endeavors. Elliot Butler, a composer I discovered in 2017, sparked inspiration in me years later, prompting me to create artwork for his single “A Journey to Mars,” a project he greatly appreciated.

CLIENT: The ISB & Jacqueine Turner PROJECT: Poster Design

(Poster 1 on the left) In addition to the array of graphics I create for the ISB, I also undertake the task of designing a poster distributed to every church we visit. These posters serve as promotional materials for the churches to share on their social media platforms and to print out, contributing to the visibility and success of our performances.

(Poster 2 on the right) A friend approached me with a request to design a poster for her upcoming Christmas concert, seeking a visually captivating representation of the event. Initially, the design process presented a challenge as I explored various concepts, unsure of the direction to take. However, upon settling on an idea that resonated, I presented it to the client, who was delighted with the aesthetic and atmosphere captured in the design.

CLIENT: Anston Male Voice Choir & The ISB PROJECT: Poster Design

(Poster 1 on the left) Clowne Salvation Army enlisted my help to craft a poster for their upcoming concert, showcasing a male choir and aiming to raise funds for charity. Inspired by the striking blue hue of the choir’s jackets, I incorporated this color into the background of the design, capturing the essence of their performance.

(Poster 2 on the right) This poster was created for an eagerly anticipated concert held in London, which boasted the musical talents of The International Staff Band (London) and The New York Staff Band (United States of America) as part of their UK tour.

It was a sold-out event, and I had the privilege of designing the promotional material to capture the excitement and grandeur of this extraordinary musical collaboration.

CLIENT: Croydon Salvation Army PROJECT: Church Graphics

I’ve had the privilege of designing a variety of graphics for my church, spanning from posters to postcards and online graphics. In the top left corner are two square cards I was commissioned to create: one tailored for the church’s youth and the other intended to inform people about our social media presence. In the bottom right and middle right sections, following the easing of lockdown restrictions, I was tasked with crafting a welcoming poster for display at the church entrance, as well as a postcard to distribute, extending warm invitations to everyone returning to church after an extended period away.

CLIENT: Croydon Salvation Army PROJECT: Celebration Graphics

2019 marked a significant milestone for The Salvation Army in Croydon as we commemorated 150 years of dedicated service to our community. In honor of this remarkable achievement, we organized a series of celebratory events, one for each month throughout the year. I was fortunate to be entrusted with the task of crafting the event logos, as showcased on the previous page, and designing posters for all eight events. It was a thrilling opportunity to explore various artistic styles and employ a diverse range of color palettes in bringing each event to life through captivating visual representations. Creating these posters was not only a professional endeavor but also a joyous journey of creativity and expression.

CLIENT: Personal Project PROJECT: Music Cover

From a tender age, music has woven itself into the fabric of my life, entwining with every moment and memory. Surrounded by the harmonious resonance of instruments and the melodic whispers of scores, I found solace and joy in the act of creating music. As I grew, this passion seamlessly melded with my creative endeavors, infusing every stroke of my design work with the rhythmic cadence of melodies. For my latest project, I delved into the realm of visual storytelling, drawing inspiration from my favorite composers. Each sheet music cover became a canvas, a testament to the profound influence these maestros have had on my journey, their compositions guiding my hand as I crafted visual symphonies that echo the timeless beauty of their music.