A graduate from South Gosforth in Newcastle has illustrated her desire for a career in the graphic arts after securing a role as a graphic designer with local bus operator Stagecoach North East in Sunderland.
25-year-old Fiona Couling has taken up the post for one of the UK’s leading transport companies, which has its head office in the city centre. She will be responsible for the creation and delivery of the company’s designs in both print and digital media to support the north east marketing activity, in addition to improving internal communications materials and upholding the brand image across all platforms.
Fiona has already gained experience in the industry, following her graduation in graphic design at Leeds Metropolitan University and art foundation course at Newcastle College. Prior to her role at Stagecoach, Fiona worked as a graphic designer and photographer at Malhotra Group in Newcastle, where she managed the imagery and produced a variety of design work for the property, care and leisure firm.
Working as part of the north east marketing team, Fiona will create content for customer materials, manage the region’s creative assets and deliver design projects across a wide range of channels including outdoor and online advertising, vehicle livery, print, presentations and visual identities.
Fiona is excited about her new role and the creativity she can bring to it. She said: “I am most looking forward to seeing my designs printed and out on display for the public to see. I enjoy all aspects of design, however I am particularly passionate about the illustration side of things, and I love that I am getting to use my drawing skills in this job!
“Already I have been working on the new branding for the livery on the back of the 22 bus, which I can’t wait to see on the buses; and on a campaign for the awareness of hidden disabilities with Jo Milne, which I found really interesting. I love the fact that we are helping raise awareness for such a good cause.”
Last month saw Stagecoach North East launch an innovative campaign with Jo Milne to raise awareness within its company of hidden disabilities such as sensory loss, chronic pain and mental health. As part of the campaign, posters were created to highlight conditions such as Usher Syndrome and anxiety, and Fiona developed the creative concept for the posters, which are now displayed at its six depots across the north east.
Helen Martin, Marketing Manager at Stagecoach North East, said: “Fiona is an ambitious and imaginative designer and passionate about graphic design. She has already demonstrated her artistic skills in our ‘Club 22’ and ‘Challenging Perceptions’ campaigns and we are excited to see her develop the role as she gains more experience. We are delighted to welcome her on board and confident that she will be an asset to the team.”
For further information about Stagecoach North East please visit www.stagecoachbus.com