testimonials
I believe in building relationships with clients and love working with them to achieve their outcomes.
Many of my clients, past and present, have shared their experience of their journey working with me, which I am proud to showcase below:
“For almost two decades, Alison Fort has used her creative skills to design our publications, including the Aboriginal Way newspaper, annual reports and brochures. We want to thank her for her dedication to SANTS and for creating visually engaging designs that have helped promote our services and showcase aspirational stories about First Nations in South Australia.”
Keith Thomas : Chief Executive Officer : South Australian Native Title Services (SANTS) : Adelaide
“Since our refugee support group formed in 2017, Alison Fort has provided us with designs that are highly creative, innovative and visually appealing. Whenever we have approached Alison for support, she has responded to our requests promptly and sent samples of graphics, language and visual composition that have taken us beyond what we thought possible. She grasps the concepts we wish to express and takes these to a higher artistic level. We have been impressed by her ability to promote our narrative of raising awareness of refugee issues and engage our community’s support. Her work has been key to the success of fundraisers that have delivered services to individuals and families here and overseas. Personally Alison is warm and approachable. Her skill in her profession is only exceeded by her generous spirit and personal involvement with causes to create a better world. We highly recommend her to organisations looking to promote humanitarian services.”
Janet Page : Secretary : Fleurieu Refugee Support Group : Fleurieu Coast
“I’ve worked with Alison over the past 10 years at several different organisations and have found her to be extremely creative, efficient and affordable. For my latest endeavour UrMojo, I can’t express my deepest gratitude to Alison enough. I think of her as my guiding spiritual graphic designer! She listened to the brief perfectly and executed her work with style and precision. She supports me in thinking in a creative way, with the best intentions for the growth of the business. Ali has as much passion for UrMojo as I do, well almost! I can’t recommend her highly enough as an exceptional graphic designer.”
Melissa Wilkinson : Founding Spirit : UrMojo : Sydney
“I have known Alison for almost a decade, since joining the board of The Graham F Smith Peace Foundation. Over that time she has provided design services of the highest quality for the Peace Foundation. Our Board thanks her for her dedication and excellence. I am now setting up a new project, known as the Voice of Youth Awards. Alison has created a striking logo design, which according to our social media specialist will create widespread awareness of the Awards.”
Fuzzy Trojan : Founder : Voice of Youth Awards : Adelaide
“Alison’s commitment to making our logo the identity of our business was greatly appreciated. In addition, the pamphlets that Alison designed to complement our business, fit right in with our brand. She then implemented business card design, with an individual feel for each member of the company, providing Mara Kundilje with its own distinctive touch, like the services we offer.”
Barbara Manolas : Registered Nurse : Mara Kundilje : Adelaide
“I was privileged to work with Alison on creating a new logo for my business and I am thrilled with the result. Alison took the time to truly comprehend my vision, bringing it to fruition with her imaginative flair and meticulous attention to detail. The design she created not only met, but exceeded all of my expectation and perfectly captures the essence of my brand.”
Yavin Grewal : Principal Consultant : ConSense Consulting : Adelaide
“Working with Alison on MidnightSun’s picture books has given me added insight into what actually goes into the design of a book. We are forever grateful for her expertise and help with this crucial part of the creation. Her timely responses and cheerful outlook have been invaluable when we have encountered roadblocks along the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Alison to anyone who needs design help.”
Anna Solding : Director : MidnightSun Publishing
“Working with Alison was such an easy, stress-free experience. She has a happy, bubbly personality, which made the experience so much more personal. She was professional from start to finish. Alison was thorough in her initial consultation, which made the design process seamless, right through to the final products. Thanks Alison!”
Bec Corless : Director : Core Conveyancing VIC : Melbourne
“It was an absolute pleasure working with Alison on the interior design of my book, Dear Citizen Math. Ali has an exceptional attention to detail, and she approached the manuscript with a level of care and artistic integrity that’s all too rare these days. Not only did she design the book masterfully, she did so efficiently, returning new concepts almost as quickly as I had requested them. Ali is a true artisan. I feel fortunate to have worked with her, and the book is better for it. I could not be happier with the outcome. And should I ever write another book, I will absolutely ask Ali to design it.”
Karim Ani : Founder : Citizen Math : Adelaide/USA
“You know, I have always found that a truly great creative professional is the one who cannot only add their own beautiful classy touches to a piece of artwork, but who, it seems, has the talent to be able to get into the head of the client and take their brief to a place better than even they imagined! From our side, that is what it is like creatively working with Alison! Brilliant result on the new MDKD poster!”
John Kempf and Jen Redman : Partners : Magical Days Kindy Dancing (MDKD) : Melbourne
“Having worked on Alison’s jobs in a pre-press environment for several years I can honestly say that her attention to detail and preparation of finished artwork is top-tier. In today’s printing environment of short deadlines and quick turnarounds it’s often apparent that shortcuts have been taken, and proficiency standards aren’t where they should be. Alison’s work always arrives correct, complete, and ready for us to take forward to the finished product. So much more than a graphic designer, Alison would be one of very few specialists in her field who understands all facets of the industry. Always a pleasure to take on her work.”
Rodger Lathwell : Douglas Press : Adelaide
“It is always a pleasure to work with Alison, who brings a high level of professionalism and creativity to every project she undertakes. Our Association has held several special events over the years, including our centenary celebrations, whereby Alison paid great attention to detail, exceeded our expectations, was professional and met our tight deadlines with ease. Alison is dedicated, efficient and reliable; and I am pleased to be able to recommend her professional creative work.”
Peta Harries : Pembroke Old Scholars’ Association (POSA) : Adelaide
“It is important to me to use a business that reflects and/or respects my Aboriginal background. On several occasions I have used Alison on major projects that had tight, unreasonable deadlines, with just as problematic deliverables. Each and every time Alison pulled through with the goods to the highest standard; above and beyond the call of duty. Ethically, morally and professionally I find Alison’s capacity and willingness outstanding, and her skill set unlike any other that I have experienced across Australia. I have no hesitation in recommending Alison to any client who requires the delivery of an exceptional product that will make the company or product stand out from the crowd.”
Leanne Liddle : Senior Public Servant : SA/NT Government : Adelaide/Darwin
“I first worked with Alison in 2013 when I started in the role of Coordinator of Festival Fleurieu (formerly the Leafy Sea Dragon Festival), a biennial event held on the Fleurieu Coast of South Australia. It was at the time that this Festival was being re-branded to appeal to a wider and more diverse audience and to attract tourism to the area. As graphic designer, Alison was an important and integral part of this process. She is highly creative with her design work, extremely organised and a pure delight to work with. She has the unique ability to quickly grasp concepts and ideas and transform them into amazing and colourful designs! Alison is also heavily and generously involved in numerous ‘pro-bono’ projects, collaborating with volunteers including artists, musicians, writers and other creatives. Nothing is ever too much trouble and she is a joy to work with. I would highly recommend her to any organisation or individual seeking a creative and flexible graphic design solution!”
Jillian Langford : Coordinator : Festival Fleurieu 2015/2017 : Board Member : Festival Fleurieu 2017/2019 : Fleurieu Coast
“I found Alison in my online search – many years ago now – when looking for a new designer who had ideas and an approach that would work with the venue I was managing at the time. Something that was more than just a photo and text – and someone who understood ‘who’ we were and what it was all about; flexible enough to change as we changed. It was also really important that my designer didn’t have a certain ‘look’ no matter what the brief – Alison was just that designer! She has never let me down and I have been lucky enough to be able to ‘take her with me’ into my next venture. She is a joy to work with and makes great coffee too!”
Claire Oremland : General Manager : Adelaide Youth Orchestras (AdYO) : Adelaide
“I was referred to Alison when I was setting up my business. Alison took my relatively simplistic instructions and designed templates for the business that are both professional and catchy, two important characteristics that are critical but rare at the same time. They look better than how I had hoped and Alison also has an ongoing role in publishing Rimor’s research. This is often time-critical and Alison not only does a brilliant job but she beats the timelines I have set as well. She is a critical part of the workings of the business.”
Scott Ryall : Principal : Rimor Equity Research : Sydney
“Alison’s talent, professionalism and project management skills have several times helped my dreams to fruition. My two books on local artists became much admired publications due to her superb graphic art. I’ve experienced how, quick to perceive what a client needs, she can take the germ of an idea to realise branding for an emerging or ongoing festival, establish the identity of a new cultural group or publicise an event – always with pizzazz and ingenuity. Whether dealing with grass-root community interests or high culture, Alison delivers to diverse clients while always being responsive to their individual requirements. I recommend her timely meticulous work and generous approach, always backed with lively intelligence and unfailing integrity.”
Lorraine McLoughlin : Author and Inaugural Convenor of the Leafy Sea Dragon Festival (now Festival Fleurieu) and Books & Words Group : Yankalilla
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Alison Fort since 2013 in my role as Deputy (and now) Chair of Festival Fleurieu. Alison’s creativity, insight and passion are obvious in all aspects of her work. Her ability to think outside the square and provide graphics that encapsulate ideas put forward by a group of diverse individuals is amazing. She is hardworking, caring and never misses deadlines. Alison is held in such high regard by the Festival Fleurieu Board, she was appointed Patron in 2015. I would recommend Alison Fort to any organisation seeking design services which truly reflect their ethos and style.”
Jane Mitchell : Chair : Festival Fleurieu 2017/2019 : Fleurieu Coast
“Between 2013 and 2016 I worked with Alison Fort on the re-branding and re-making of the former Leafy Sea Dragon Festival into Festival Fleurieu. Alison was a true delight to work with, and her continuing generosity to our grass-roots community association was an anchor to the grand adventure. Having set the bar high, Alison pulled out all stops to make possible the impossible – and on even more compressed timelines. I found her energetic and creative and have no hesitation in recommending her design services.”
Greg Mackie OAM : Chair : Festival Fleurieu 2015 : Fleurieu Coast
“We have had the pleasure of working with Alison for the past three years. We met Alison as a startup, with only the very basics of an idea of what we wanted. Alison took the time to get to know us and what we stood for and designed our logo, which exceeded our expectations. She got us! and guided us through this process with patience and flair, we couldn’t have been any happier with the results. During this initial phase, and each time we have called on Alison for something since then, she has reacted with speedy efficiency and follow up that ensures we will never seek another designer, as we already have the best.”
David Moran : Partner : Mental Health Partners : Adelaide
“During the course of some 45 years of diverse business with a high emphasis on marketing in both services and material spheres, I have never met a more affable, collaborative and constructive graphic designer than Alison Fort. This introduction came through my first-ever venture into the world of festival and art, a not-for-profit venture that merely embraced a vision for a special event in a very special place, on the ocean waves. The brief given to Alison was inherently limited, as it factored the ‘virtual’ element of an imaginary ‘yacht club’, that is no clubhouse, no marina and indeed no regular members to give the concept scale. The creativity from Alison flowed however, and multiple options with their own special nuances were promptly presented, with advice as to emphasis for each. I could not have been more delighted; never before had I experienced such professional creativity coupled with a convivial ethos of collaboration and assistance with positive choice.”
Stephen Lamb : (Hon. Commodore) : Lady Bay Yacht Club® – A virtual reality : Normanville
“It was 15 years or so ago that I first met Alison Fort, when she stayed as a guest in our cottage. Alison has kept in touch since and I had the opportunity of following her work progress when she totally and very successfully re-designed everything that was required to make our local biennial Festival a roaring success. It is still going under her design leadership today. It was only natural that I then recently turned to Alison when my own marketing needed upgrading and re-designing. I have not been disappointed with anything I have ever seen or myself had done by Alison and her very professional colleagues. Having been in business myself for many years, both in the city, and now in semi-retirement in the country, I cannot recommend Alison highly enough, both for large and small operations. In these days when trust is imperative, Alison’s work ethic is more important than ever.”
Erika Ertl : Business Owner : Dunes Cottage : Normanville
“Alison is a consummate professional with a true artistic/creative flair. As a lawyer with very high expectations of performance, I aim to surround myself with professionals of high calibre and professionalism. Alison was introduced to me by another professional to create a newly-branded law firm. She designed the logo, banner, stationery, and even my car decals, and she then worked closely with my website developer. From the moment I met Alison, I felt that I was in very capable hands. This was my first ‘start up’ and Alison guided me expertly through the design process. I found her to be warm, friendly, patient and having a great sense of humour. She worked seamlessly with three other professionals (labelled by me as ‘my A team’) in creating the final product. It is always a pleasure to do business with people you like and I recommend Alison highly. Those who know me, know that I do not make recommendations lightly, but it is with great pleasure I make this one. I am wrapped with the final product. Thank you Alison!”
Graeme Kirkham : Director : LawCall : Adelaide
“I was introduced to Alison by a colleague whose opinion I respect and whose website I have admired. Working with Alison has been a joy and the work she has done for me has been extraordinary – she has ‘re-branded’ me and all of my expectations of my website and new look have been surpassed. The feedback from clients and colleagues is overwhelmingly positive and – they comment on how ‘clean’ it is, the colour, the impact and the texture of the look. More than this though, actually working with Alison has been fantastic – she took a vague brief and came back with a variety of options – she steered and guided me, but didn’t direct me. It is a very fine balance. The outcome is so effective and simple, but professional. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Harriet Street : Business Owner : MillStreet Consulting : Sydney
“I’ve been privileged to partner with many talented people across the gamut of marketing disciplines over the years, so when it comes to collaborating with professionals on client projects – naturally – I’m pretty picky. It’s rare to find someone who combines intelligence, creativity and a positive ‘can-do’ attitude in one package. Alison Fort brings all that to the table. I trust her experience and judgement and can absolutely rely on her to develop exceptional designs and executions, across any challenge I throw at her, on time and within budget. Whether it’s re-branding, advertising, websites, direct mail, presentations and proposals, brochures or shopfront concepts, my clients have been hugely impressed with the results we’ve achieved together. As well as the great results, I absolutely love working with her. Actually, she’s so good I wish she’d remain a bit of a secret!”
Lesley White : Marketing Consultant : Sydney
“I first met Alison and experienced her superior design and project management skills while working for a wonderful Australian-based global coaching firm. I was the North American Regional Manager for the firm and Alison was my ‘go-to’ person for graphic design. I LOVED and so appreciated her friendly nature, ‘can-do’ attitude and quick responsiveness. She was a gem. Now, several years later, needing all of those gifts once again as I grow our own San Diego, CA, USA-based medical clinic (another business) who did I immediately think of for my graphic design needs? Why, Alison of course! I am delighted to say my experience is just the same and I couldn’t ask for anything more! I whole-heartedly recommend her services!”
Kay Lathrop : Co-owner : San Diego Pain Treatment Center : San Diego
“I would like to thank Alison, all I can say is that design and marketing are very crucial to a business. If you want to be a step ahead then you should not hesitate to call Alison Fort – she is brilliant and ahead of her game. She dedicates so much of her time and energy into making my business a success. I have been using Alison for over a year and I am very happy. She is always there for me, at the drop of a hat. Alison is a big part of why my business is becoming so successful. I am so happy I was recommended to Alison and I highly recommend her to you. Thank you Alison!”
Nia Cirocco : Owner : Signature Glamour : Adelaide
“Many thanks for the wonderful eye-catching posters you design for the Adelaide Male Voice Choir concerts. You capture the essence of each music event with style and imagination. The posters are a visual delight and greatly enhance the promotion of our concerts. The fellows in the Choir are really proud to distribute the posters, and we’ve found that libraries, coffee shops and businesses are enthusiastic about displaying them. I’m so personally delighted with the posters that I’m getting a selection framed, to decorate the house.”
Bill Shaw : Conductor : Adelaide Male Voice Choir : Adelaide
“We started our company three years ago and have used Alison from day one. She was referred to us and we haven’t looked back. Although we have never met, and operate in different states, we are so totally happy – she is part of the Real Mastery team! We would highly recommend her to anyone as a true professional and extremely good value for money.”
Trish Rogers : Director : Real Mastery Consulting : Sydney
“If you are thinking of commissioning Alison, congratulations! While her work speaks for itself, her speed, efficiency, dedication and ability to interpret a brief are the added extras that step her even further in front of the pack. Having worked with many designers over the years we know how truly important these elements are – both for our business and our clients. Alison hits the mark every time.”
Michael Locke : Managing Partner : LOCKE pty ltd : Sydney
“We have found Alison to be professional and very responsive to our requests. Alison’s output has always been top quality and she presents our brands thecandlefactory.com.au and thecandleshoppe.com.au very well.”
Sean Gray : Director : Argyle Soap and Candles Pty Ltd : Sydney
“I have been working with Alison for over 2 years now and her contribution to both my business and that of the clients we share is immeasurable. She makes us all look good. Alison is able to capture the very essence of what her clients need, and to create a consistent brand look and feel; one which also captures the target market’s attention at the same time. She is extremely versatile in her approach – which must come from the very broad range of businesses and organisations whom she has worked with, and her ability to really listen in order to understand. I’m sure having over 25 years in the industry is also a major factor! Alison is very generous with her ideas and her time. I can vouch for the fact that all of her clients love her. She is an excellent communicator and collaborates with all stakeholders to ensure that the focus always remains on the outcome that the client needs. My own business has grown significantly since I met Alison as a result of the fine quality of her graphic work, her patience and the people connection which she shares, and I continue to aspire to the level of organisation she displays (though concede I won’t ever arrive at her level!). Thank you Alison!”
Ursh Richards : Owner : onlineiq : Adelaide
“If you have a good product you need to present it to your audience in the best possible light. Our Festival had been struggling to achieve this until Alison came on board. Then our whole promotional package became connected and really got people talking. When the real challenge started. Wow! Under extreme time pressure we brought together images, text, dates and times to produce our 24-page program. It had over 70 events spread over 10 days. I thought it was going to be a nightmare to create but it actually became fun, thanks to Alison’s professionalism and her eagerness to learn and share. What a great combination of talent Alison offers! I discovered what real collaboration can achieve and the resulting program was superb. Without a doubt I can say if you get Alison involved in your project you know something is going right.”
Ian Main : Festival Coordinator : Leafy Sea Dragon Festival 2011 : Yankalilla
“Brilliant, professional and ahead of the pack. She delivers high-quality work with flair and passion… every time. Nothing is too much trouble!”
Lesley Johns : Director : Precise Media Management : Adelaide
“It’s hard to find superlatives sufficient to characterise Alison’s contribution to the designing of the History Council’s re-launched website, together with new letterheads, logo, display banner and email signature. All I can say is that we have been enormously fortunate to benefit from the work of such an exceptionally inventive, skilled and meticulous artist – as well as someone who is also endowed with seemingly endless patience and tolerance in the face of the foibles and indecisiveness of at least some of her clients.”
Wilfred Prest : President : History Council of South Australia : Adelaide
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work closely with Alison during the last 12 months or so. From our first meeting she intuitively understood the essence of our business and has used her creative magic and broad experience in her field to design our business name, logo, stationery, promotional material and an amazing website that truly captures our business soul. She has become one of our business family and we truly value her work.”
David Sutherland : Director : Inspire Financial Solutions : Adelaide
“Alison is a talented and dedicated designer. Someone who took my fledgling ideas and gave them wings. When I approached Alison I had seen her work at a local seaside kiosk; a place bursting with ideas and perfectly pitched style. I was hoping that she would be available to work some magic on my project. After our first meeting I knew that Alison was my girl. Alison designed the logo for Hot to Trot Gourmet and has been responsible for ongoing design work in the areas of printed material, decor, signage, business cards, merchandising and advertising. I love it all. We are focussing on our website now and Alison will be the creative lead on this new and exciting project, I know the results will be brilliant. I am so glad that I found Alison. I love her attention to detail and ‘can-do’ approach. I am proud to call her a friend; and am looking forward to a long association.”
Donna Kennedy Fry : Director : Hot to Trot Gourmet : Adelaide
“Alison is quick to grasp a brief, quick in creating innovative design solutions that meet the brief, and quick to apply the agreed design to the a wide range of materials, ranging from printed brochures to websites, and from Powerpoint slides to handouts. Her understanding of how to pitch a professional image shines through! What more could one ask?”
Richard Bentley : Director : Results Coaching Systems UK : London
“The partnership between Alison and The MS Society/Multiple Solutions is best described as a ‘perfect collaboration’. Her ability to ‘coach’ you through the process and arrive at a fantastic final product is very much due to her warm and personable manner. Alison exceeds our expectations with her vision, creativity and foresight and gives easily her passion and integrity with every job. From logo creation to website design, her ideas are constant and her implementation is exemplary. Alison’s accessibility and efficiency is second-to-none and we fondly view her as part of our MS Family.”
Suzy Dimaline : Business Development Manager : MS Society/Multiple Solutions : Adelaide
“Alison is unbelievably dependable and FAST at what she does, which is one of the most important things in a designer. She gets a brief and before you know it she’s shot back several ideas. Someone we couldn’t live without!”
David Rock : CEO : Results Coaching Systems : Sydney
“Alison has supported me over the last two months in making my business come to life – literally! Her advice around my website, brochure and business card has always been spot on and her relentless availability was fantastic as we were working to demanding deadlines. I am delighted with the result. She has created a vibrant, fresh and creative proposition for Nourish Coaching.”
Sally-Anne Blanshard : Director : Nourish Coaching : Sydney
“I wish I could choose more than three of the attributes listed here, because Alison has them all. I stumbled across Alison on guru.com way back in 2007 and chose her to partner with on a very large project. This was the beginning of a long and very rewarding partnership. Alison became our sole designer internationally (at Results Coaching Systems/NeuroLeadership Group), was incredibly responsive, innovative, flexible and always delivered, even in situations that were EXTREMELY challenging for the both of us. All nighters, many of them, back and forth completing work to meet deadlines. Exceptional output/work at a very reasonable price. I couldn't recommend Alison more highly.”
Matt Rule : Marketing & Strategy Manager : Results Coaching Systems : Sydney
“Having worked with Alison on a number of projects I can only say what a pleasure it is to work with such a talented professional. On a recent project, after listening to another team of graphic designers claim their less than satisfying proposals over a couple of months were the result of ‘a poor brief’ and ‘what does it really matter, just pick one and you will learn to like it’; Alison was brought in to have a fresh look and given the same brief. Within a week Alison was back and had nailed it with one of her first proposals. With Alison you always know the result is going to be great, and not necessarily just what you were expecting.”
Mark Folland : Director : Folland Panozzo Architects : Adelaide
“Alison has been a great help to us in setting up our business. She came up with some excellent designs for our company logo as well as a logo for our product, and extended the brand theme through to the design of our product itself. Our experience of working with her is that she is very quick to grasp our requirements, and is very easy to work with to achieve our desired goals. So much so that we now recommend her to our own clients wherever possible.”
Rob Lewis : Director : PaxMondeo : Adelaide
“Alison came to the WKD project to volunteer her graphic design skills some years ago, and rapidly became an essential (and paid!) part of the team. She has developed and established a design identity for WKD, from flyers and exhibition posters through to our recently launched website and first publication. Alison’s approach is fresh and funky and she has an unerring eye for the strongest and most direct image. The professional regard with which WKD is held within Central St Martins College of Art and Design and the University of the Arts London is in no small part due to her stunning design work, which presents our exhibitions and events to best advantage. Alison is incredibly quick, efficient, and easy to work with. She has taught me an immense amount about design and IT along the way, through her patient fielding of my queries, and she produces fantastic work to deadline. Since her move from neighbouring Highgate, London to Australia, she has worked even faster, as she puts the time difference to good use, so that my previous evening’s requests are ready for me the following morning. I recommend her work and services without hesitation.”
Deb Froome : Director, WKD : Central St Martins College of Art and Design : London
“The challenge of inviting any new person in to work within your team is to quickly impart both the culture of your organisation and the expectations of your clients. This is especially true of freelancers due to the short-term nature of their assignments and because they are often picking up the running part way through a process. Alison makes the process easy. As well as being highly-skilled and very experienced, she is quick on the uptake and gets on well with anyone. My concern is that by singing her praises, her availability will decrease as others start to book up her time!”
Katrina Lister : Director : Katron Creative : Adelaide
“I have no hesitation in recommending Alison to any of my clients who request graphic design that will make their company stand out. When Alison first started sending print jobs to me I recognised how clean, but with that little bit extra, her design was. The first client Alison did work for was so pleased that she uses Alison for all her work now, and I have retained the print – a win for all of us. I have recommended Alison to other clients on this basis and all are very happy.”
Vern Richter : Director : Centreprint : Adelaide
“Alison is great to work with – very friendly, professional and flexible. She keeps you in the loop while on an assignment so you always know what stage she’s working on at any given time. Alison’s experience with small businesses in their infancy was beneficial and I have very much appreciated her input. Her work is very professional and eye-catching. I have had many positive comments on the logo, website, business cards and pamphlets that she has created and produced for me.”
Kathy Leibig : Director : Style Call : Adelaide
“We approached Alison to help us design a logo and website, giving her only the vaguest outlines of our requirements. Alison approached every task in an enthusiastic and professional manner, providing us with a set of creative alternatives from which to make our selection. Without Alison’s imaginative flair and ability to interpret our wishes, we wouldn’t have the fabulous website we now have. We have no hesitation in recommending her to any prospective clients and will continue to use her services as our company develops.”
Sharon Hanson : Owner : Premier Arrivals : Adelaide
“Alison offers a great design service that provides innovative solutions in a timely manner. And also cost-effective print arrangements, if needed. Added to this is her strategic input along the way, providing, an outcome that is professional, cost-effective, creative and modern.”
David Keig : Director : David Keig Executive Management Services : Adelaide
“Alison is a gem to work with. She listens to your desired outcomes, provides realistic timelines, works efficiently (without drama), doesn’t charge exorbitant prices, loves to laugh and ultimately produces professional quality work! Alison has breathed new life into Tandanya’s logo, brand and collateral including a superb website. I will continue to enjoy working with Alison and have no hesitation in recommending her!”
Cate Gaston : Marketing Coordinator : Tandanya : Adelaide
“The people you have around you can really make or break the day. Alison will bring a smile to your day. Alison’s creative ability speaks for itself in the quality of the work she can show you, what does not come across is the way in which the work is done – Alison is a business savvy, initiative operator, who can help muddle through the most complex of briefs. Alison brings a blend of honesty, reliability, innovation and creativity which is packaged nicely with a wonderful dose of good old-fashioned common sense.”
Sally Day : General Manager : TMP Worldwide : Adelaide
“Alison is talented, experienced and intuitive. She is wise enough and skilled enough to take my semi-coherent babble and interpret it, then promptly create the designs I need. Perhaps best of all, she always goes the extra mile in supplying not just the basics, but all those things I’d overlooked. I know a lot of designers, but Alison is the one that I continue to consult with when I have a challenge on my hands.”
Kym Liebig : Director : Copyriot : Adelaide
“The thing that strikes me most about Alison is her ‘can-do’ attitude to all projects she works on, no matter how big or small. This is truly a great feat, especially in a world of designers and art directors where briefs can often be brushed off as being wrong, boring or just too difficult! Alison is one of those people who will tackle every project with the same amount of enthusiasm and skill. Add to that an ability to turn work around within next to impossible deadlines and it’s not hard to understand why I recommend Alison for any of your jobs.”
Erik de Roos : Account Manager : TMP Worldwide : Adelaide
“Alison combines great technical understanding with excellent creative concepts and executions all backed up by many years of experience. This allows me to plan a job knowing that Alison can give realistic estimates of time and costs to meet my often ridiculous deadlines… oh and also deliver slick work to boot! To improve the service she provides further she will need to consider cloning.”
Andrew Galpin : Creative Director : Charterhouse Advertising : Adelaide
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Alison since mid 2005. Working largely in the area of book layout, she has been excellent in turning jobs around in less than ideal timeliness, always efficient and methodical, willing to go the extra mile, and always focussed on the client and their desired outcomes. And what’s more, she does all this with a smile! Her ability, personality and dedication speak for themselves in ensuring great outcomes for employers and clients alike.”
Bronwyn Drew : Visual Communications Manager : Openbook Design : Adelaide
“I’ve known Alison for over 20 years and she is a pro-artist. She is a solid designer who works through the night to get the results. And she’s an Aussie despite that English accent picked up from working in the London graphic design scene for decades.”
Bruce Druery : Creative Director : United Notions Advertising : Sydney
“Alison worked with us on a freelance basis and very quickly absorbed herself into the culture of the company. She had no trouble in adapting to the style of work we needed to produce and always managed to create imagery that was fresh and interesting.”
Hilary Kingsnorth : Account Manager : Visual Response : London
“Alison worked freelance in the Vitabiotics in-house design studio for almost a year, on a regular basis, fulfilling design and artwork roles on a range of print-based projects including leaflets, packaging, adverts and other promotional items. Her work was of the high order that one would expect from her CV and client list, with excellent attention to detail on complex artwork projects, and a flexibility that allowed her to adapt to the ad-hoc nature of projects resultant from the part-time nature of her position. Her attitude was also very good, especially as certain tasks were quite a step down from what she would have been used to in her previous role, a process she was willing to undergo in order to keep in touch with the practice of ‘ground-level’ design. She left when moving back to Australia, and we have remained in contact since.”
Roger Harrison : Design Manager : Vitabiotics : London
“Alison always proved to be extremely popular, very committed and professional in her work as a creative artworker and designer and would always be welcome at Adlink.”
Sharon Daubeney : Office Manager : Adlink Freelance : London
“Alison worked for me as a freelancer in my studio from September 2004 until March 2005, at which point she returned to Australia. She was enthusiastic about any project I asked her to work on, ranging from design and artwork to the most mundane of tasks, like artwork retrieval and archiving. Everything was tackled with the same level of due diligence, even the most absurd projects that passed for work in the studio! She is a great person and a pleasure to work with, and her design skills are excellent. She is sorely missed by myself and my team and although she worked for me for a relatively short period, I got to know her very well and consider her a friend as well as a colleague. She fitted into the studio very well and was an integral part of the team. I still remember when she first started working for me, within a short time it was her birthday and she invited us all to join her for drinks. Even though she had only just met us she generously invited us to celebrate with her. Alison is an honest and open person and is friendly and amiable, able to work with people at all levels. She would be an asset to any company and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to any prospective employer. I wish her every success with her future career and life in Australia.”
Jayshree Mistry : Studio Manager : Empire Interactive : London
“In her role as Senior Designer, Alison proved an intelligent member of the team, able to work on her own initiative, organising projects from initial brief to final print. As well as being highly-creative, Alison’s project management skills were an asset to the company.”
Gilly Horrex : Managing Director : HDDA : London
“We had the pleasure of working together at an agency in London, and Ali is simply lovely to work with. She’s dedicated, talented, meticulous, and above all, great company. She’s bright, intelligent and articulate, and wickedly funny. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to any prospective employer. Look no further – Alison’s your girl!”
Jeremy Silverstone : Director : Berkoff Associates : London
“…Alison has been working with us on a freelance basis since August 1990. During this period she has been involved in a number of projects, taking them from initial brief and concept through to final art. Alison’s work has always been of an exceptionally high standard. Whatever task she is given she approaches with enthusiasm and great attention to detail, with the end result always being exactly what is required. Alison is very dedicated and is prepared to work the hours it takes to ensure a job is done to the best of her ability, and on time. Alison likes to be involved in all aspects of our business and has attended many client meetings where her input has been appreciated. We are also happy for Alison to deal directly with clients as we view her as a true professional. Overall Alison is very talented and we cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Philippa Thompson : Associate Director : Campbell Capel Advertising and Marketing : London
“…Alison fulfilled the role of Assistant Art Director, though her primary task was finished art. Alison is a lady of exceptional talent and skill. Her finished artwork is always professional, clean and her attention to detail impeccable. Alison has a refreshingly enthusiastic and creative approach to her skill which some other finished artists find tedious. She thrives on a busy environment and her tenacity to finish a job shows in her ability to meet sometimes unrealistic deadlines. Alison’s design ability is also above average, she designed and helped produce our own company Corporate Profile, a task where the standard expected was obviously high. Alison likes the team approach to work and has a good sense of humour. She leaves us to fulfill a dream of travel and adventure and we would welcome her back to United Notions any time without hesitation.”
Angie Baglin : Director : United Notions Advertising : Sydney
“…Alison has been employed in setting photo-lettering in general, and in associated specialised techniques in particular, much of the time producing complicated headlines, signs and logos. She has also been involved in quite demanding finished art and design work. Alison’s work has always been of an exceptionally high standard. In fact her talents have developed rapidly and are such that this company is unable to provide a satisfying challenge for her any longer in the specialised area of finished art and design which is her particular interest and professed career progression option. She is leaving us of her own volition, and with our very best wishes, to pursue such a career. I have always found Alison to be meticulous and professional in her work, pleasant and humourous in demeanour, punctual and yet flexible when work demanded, and easy to accommodate generally in the work environment. I cannot but recommend her highly…”
Vance Bell : Managing Director : LetterCraft : Sydney
“…Alison has been involved in most facets on the sales side of retailing… She has performed the tasks delegated to her in a most disciplined and organised manner, at the same time using her initiative. Alison worked well with the sales team and is a valued employee…”
Clive Lillywhite : Supervisor : Myer SA Stores : Adelaide
“…Alison has a bubbling personality which made her a very popular member of staff… I have found Alison to be a reliable, honest and trustworthy young lady. I feel she will be an asset to any future employer.”
Flora Luppino : Assistant Supervisor : Myer SA Stores : Adelaide
“For almost two decades, Alison Fort has used her creative skills to design our publications, including the Aboriginal Way newspaper, annual reports and brochures. We want to thank her for her dedication to SANTS and for creating visually engaging designs that have helped promote our services and showcase aspirational stories about First Nations in South Australia.”
Keith Thomas : Chief Executive Officer : South Australian Native Title Services (SANTS) : Adelaide
“Since our refugee support group formed in 2017, Alison Fort has provided us with designs that are highly creative, innovative and visually appealing. Whenever we have approached Alison for support, she has responded to our requests promptly and sent samples of graphics, language and visual composition that have taken us beyond what we thought possible. She grasps the concepts we wish to express and takes these to a higher artistic level. We have been impressed by her ability to promote our narrative of raising awareness of refugee issues and engage our community’s support. Her work has been key to the success of fundraisers that have delivered services to individuals and families here and overseas. Personally Alison is warm and approachable. Her skill in her profession is only exceeded by her generous spirit and personal involvement with causes to create a better world. We highly recommend her to organisations looking to promote humanitarian services.”
Janet Page : Secretary : Fleurieu Refugee Support Group : Fleurieu Coast
“I’ve worked with Alison over the past 10 years at several different organisations and have found her to be extremely creative, efficient and affordable. For my latest endeavour UrMojo, I can’t express my deepest gratitude to Alison enough. I think of her as my guiding spiritual graphic designer! She listened to the brief perfectly and executed her work with style and precision. She supports me in thinking in a creative way, with the best intentions for the growth of the business. Ali has as much passion for UrMojo as I do, well almost! I can’t recommend her highly enough as an exceptional graphic designer.”
Melissa Wilkinson : Founding Spirit : UrMojo : Sydney
“I have known Alison for almost a decade, since joining the board of The Graham F Smith Peace Foundation. Over that time she has provided design services of the highest quality for the Peace Foundation. Our Board thanks her for her dedication and excellence. I am now setting up a new project, known as the Voice of Youth Awards. Alison has created a striking logo design, which according to our social media specialist will create widespread awareness of the Awards.”
Fuzzy Trojan : Founder : Voice of Youth Awards : Adelaide
“Alison’s commitment to making our logo the identity of our business was greatly appreciated. In addition, the pamphlets that Alison designed to complement our business, fit right in with our brand. She then implemented business card design, with an individual feel for each member of the company, providing Mara Kundilje with its own distinctive touch, like the services we offer.”
Barbara Manolas : Registered Nurse : Mara Kundilje : Adelaide
“I was privileged to work with Alison on creating a new logo for my business and I am thrilled with the result. Alison took the time to truly comprehend my vision, bringing it to fruition with her imaginative flair and meticulous attention to detail. The design she created not only met, but exceeded all of my expectation and perfectly captures the essence of my brand.”
Yavin Grewal : Principal Consultant : ConSense Consulting : Adelaide
“Working with Alison on MidnightSun’s picture books has given me added insight into what actually goes into the design of a book. We are forever grateful for her expertise and help with this crucial part of the creation. Her timely responses and cheerful outlook have been invaluable when we have encountered roadblocks along the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Alison to anyone who needs design help.”
Anna Solding : Director : MidnightSun Publishing
“Working with Alison was such an easy, stress-free experience. She has a happy, bubbly personality, which made the experience so much more personal. She was professional from start to finish. Alison was thorough in her initial consultation, which made the design process seamless, right through to the final products. Thanks Alison!”
Bec Corless : Director : Core Conveyancing VIC : Melbourne
“It was an absolute pleasure working with Alison on the interior design of my book, Dear Citizen Math. Ali has an exceptional attention to detail, and she approached the manuscript with a level of care and artistic integrity that’s all too rare these days. Not only did she design the book masterfully, she did so efficiently, returning new concepts almost as quickly as I had requested them. Ali is a true artisan. I feel fortunate to have worked with her, and the book is better for it. I could not be happier with the outcome. And should I ever write another book, I will absolutely ask Ali to design it.”
Karim Ani : Founder : Citizen Math : Adelaide/USA
“You know, I have always found that a truly great creative professional is the one who cannot only add their own beautiful classy touches to a piece of artwork, but who, it seems, has the talent to be able to get into the head of the client and take their brief to a place better than even they imagined! From our side, that is what it is like creatively working with Alison! Brilliant result on the new MDKD poster!”
John Kempf and Jen Redman : Partners : Magical Days Kindy Dancing (MDKD) : Melbourne
“Having worked on Alison’s jobs in a pre-press environment for several years I can honestly say that her attention to detail and preparation of finished artwork is top-tier. In today’s printing environment of short deadlines and quick turnarounds it’s often apparent that shortcuts have been taken, and proficiency standards aren’t where they should be. Alison’s work always arrives correct, complete, and ready for us to take forward to the finished product. So much more than a graphic designer, Alison would be one of very few specialists in her field who understands all facets of the industry. Always a pleasure to take on her work.”
Rodger Lathwell : Douglas Press : Adelaide
“It is always a pleasure to work with Alison, who brings a high level of professionalism and creativity to every project she undertakes. Our Association has held several special events over the years, including our centenary celebrations, whereby Alison paid great attention to detail, exceeded our expectations, was professional and met our tight deadlines with ease. Alison is dedicated, efficient and reliable; and I am pleased to be able to recommend her professional creative work.”
Peta Harries : Pembroke Old Scholars’ Association (POSA) : Adelaide
“It is important to me to use a business that reflects and/or respects my Aboriginal background. On several occasions I have used Alison on major projects that had tight, unreasonable deadlines, with just as problematic deliverables. Each and every time Alison pulled through with the goods to the highest standard; above and beyond the call of duty. Ethically, morally and professionally I find Alison’s capacity and willingness outstanding, and her skill set unlike any other that I have experienced across Australia. I have no hesitation in recommending Alison to any client who requires the delivery of an exceptional product that will make the company or product stand out from the crowd.”
Leanne Liddle : Senior Public Servant : SA/NT Government : Adelaide/Darwin
“I first worked with Alison in 2013 when I started in the role of Coordinator of Festival Fleurieu (formerly the Leafy Sea Dragon Festival), a biennial event held on the Fleurieu Coast of South Australia. It was at the time that this Festival was being re-branded to appeal to a wider and more diverse audience and to attract tourism to the area. As graphic designer, Alison was an important and integral part of this process. She is highly creative with her design work, extremely organised and a pure delight to work with. She has the unique ability to quickly grasp concepts and ideas and transform them into amazing and colourful designs! Alison is also heavily and generously involved in numerous ‘pro-bono’ projects, collaborating with volunteers including artists, musicians, writers and other creatives. Nothing is ever too much trouble and she is a joy to work with. I would highly recommend her to any organisation or individual seeking a creative and flexible graphic design solution!”
Jillian Langford : Coordinator : Festival Fleurieu 2015/2017 : Board Member : Festival Fleurieu 2017/2019 : Fleurieu Coast
“I found Alison in my online search – many years ago now – when looking for a new designer who had ideas and an approach that would work with the venue I was managing at the time. Something that was more than just a photo and text – and someone who understood ‘who’ we were and what it was all about; flexible enough to change as we changed. It was also really important that my designer didn’t have a certain ‘look’ no matter what the brief – Alison was just that designer! She has never let me down and I have been lucky enough to be able to ‘take her with me’ into my next venture. She is a joy to work with and makes great coffee too!”
Claire Oremland : General Manager : Adelaide Youth Orchestras (AdYO) : Adelaide
“I was referred to Alison when I was setting up my business. Alison took my relatively simplistic instructions and designed templates for the business that are both professional and catchy, two important characteristics that are critical but rare at the same time. They look better than how I had hoped and Alison also has an ongoing role in publishing Rimor’s research. This is often time-critical and Alison not only does a brilliant job but she beats the timelines I have set as well. She is a critical part of the workings of the business.”
Scott Ryall : Principal : Rimor Equity Research : Sydney
“Alison’s talent, professionalism and project management skills have several times helped my dreams to fruition. My two books on local artists became much admired publications due to her superb graphic art. I’ve experienced how, quick to perceive what a client needs, she can take the germ of an idea to realise branding for an emerging or ongoing festival, establish the identity of a new cultural group or publicise an event – always with pizzazz and ingenuity. Whether dealing with grass-root community interests or high culture, Alison delivers to diverse clients while always being responsive to their individual requirements. I recommend her timely meticulous work and generous approach, always backed with lively intelligence and unfailing integrity.”
Lorraine McLoughlin : Author and Inaugural Convenor of the Leafy Sea Dragon Festival (now Festival Fleurieu) and Books & Words Group : Yankalilla
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Alison Fort since 2013 in my role as Deputy (and now) Chair of Festival Fleurieu. Alison’s creativity, insight and passion are obvious in all aspects of her work. Her ability to think outside the square and provide graphics that encapsulate ideas put forward by a group of diverse individuals is amazing. She is hardworking, caring and never misses deadlines. Alison is held in such high regard by the Festival Fleurieu Board, she was appointed Patron in 2015. I would recommend Alison Fort to any organisation seeking design services which truly reflect their ethos and style.”
Jane Mitchell : Chair : Festival Fleurieu 2017/2019 : Fleurieu Coast
“Between 2013 and 2016 I worked with Alison Fort on the re-branding and re-making of the former Leafy Sea Dragon Festival into Festival Fleurieu. Alison was a true delight to work with, and her continuing generosity to our grass-roots community association was an anchor to the grand adventure. Having set the bar high, Alison pulled out all stops to make possible the impossible – and on even more compressed timelines. I found her energetic and creative and have no hesitation in recommending her design services.”
Greg Mackie OAM : Chair : Festival Fleurieu 2015 : Fleurieu Coast
“We have had the pleasure of working with Alison for the past three years. We met Alison as a startup, with only the very basics of an idea of what we wanted. Alison took the time to get to know us and what we stood for and designed our logo, which exceeded our expectations. She got us! and guided us through this process with patience and flair, we couldn’t have been any happier with the results. During this initial phase, and each time we have called on Alison for something since then, she has reacted with speedy efficiency and follow up that ensures we will never seek another designer, as we already have the best.”
David Moran : Partner : Mental Health Partners : Adelaide
“During the course of some 45 years of diverse business with a high emphasis on marketing in both services and material spheres, I have never met a more affable, collaborative and constructive graphic designer than Alison Fort. This introduction came through my first-ever venture into the world of festival and art, a not-for-profit venture that merely embraced a vision for a special event in a very special place, on the ocean waves. The brief given to Alison was inherently limited, as it factored the ‘virtual’ element of an imaginary ‘yacht club’, that is no clubhouse, no marina and indeed no regular members to give the concept scale. The creativity from Alison flowed however, and multiple options with their own special nuances were promptly presented, with advice as to emphasis for each. I could not have been more delighted; never before had I experienced such professional creativity coupled with a convivial ethos of collaboration and assistance with positive choice.”
Stephen Lamb : (Hon. Commodore) : Lady Bay Yacht Club® – A virtual reality : Normanville
“It was 15 years or so ago that I first met Alison Fort, when she stayed as a guest in our cottage. Alison has kept in touch since and I had the opportunity of following her work progress when she totally and very successfully re-designed everything that was required to make our local biennial Festival a roaring success. It is still going under her design leadership today. It was only natural that I then recently turned to Alison when my own marketing needed upgrading and re-designing. I have not been disappointed with anything I have ever seen or myself had done by Alison and her very professional colleagues. Having been in business myself for many years, both in the city, and now in semi-retirement in the country, I cannot recommend Alison highly enough, both for large and small operations. In these days when trust is imperative, Alison’s work ethic is more important than ever.”
Erika Ertl : Business Owner : Dunes Cottage : Normanville
“Alison is a consummate professional with a true artistic/creative flair. As a lawyer with very high expectations of performance, I aim to surround myself with professionals of high calibre and professionalism. Alison was introduced to me by another professional to create a newly-branded law firm. She designed the logo, banner, stationery, and even my car decals, and she then worked closely with my website developer. From the moment I met Alison, I felt that I was in very capable hands. This was my first ‘start up’ and Alison guided me expertly through the design process. I found her to be warm, friendly, patient and having a great sense of humour. She worked seamlessly with three other professionals (labelled by me as ‘my A team’) in creating the final product. It is always a pleasure to do business with people you like and I recommend Alison highly. Those who know me, know that I do not make recommendations lightly, but it is with great pleasure I make this one. I am wrapped with the final product. Thank you Alison!”
Graeme Kirkham : Director : LawCall : Adelaide
“I was introduced to Alison by a colleague whose opinion I respect and whose website I have admired. Working with Alison has been a joy and the work she has done for me has been extraordinary – she has ‘re-branded’ me and all of my expectations of my website and new look have been surpassed. The feedback from clients and colleagues is overwhelmingly positive and – they comment on how ‘clean’ it is, the colour, the impact and the texture of the look. More than this though, actually working with Alison has been fantastic – she took a vague brief and came back with a variety of options – she steered and guided me, but didn’t direct me. It is a very fine balance. The outcome is so effective and simple, but professional. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Harriet Street : Business Owner : MillStreet Consulting : Sydney
“I’ve been privileged to partner with many talented people across the gamut of marketing disciplines over the years, so when it comes to collaborating with professionals on client projects – naturally – I’m pretty picky. It’s rare to find someone who combines intelligence, creativity and a positive ‘can-do’ attitude in one package. Alison Fort brings all that to the table. I trust her experience and judgement and can absolutely rely on her to develop exceptional designs and executions, across any challenge I throw at her, on time and within budget. Whether it’s re-branding, advertising, websites, direct mail, presentations and proposals, brochures or shopfront concepts, my clients have been hugely impressed with the results we’ve achieved together. As well as the great results, I absolutely love working with her. Actually, she’s so good I wish she’d remain a bit of a secret!”
Lesley White : Marketing Consultant : Sydney
“I first met Alison and experienced her superior design and project management skills while working for a wonderful Australian-based global coaching firm. I was the North American Regional Manager for the firm and Alison was my ‘go-to’ person for graphic design. I LOVED and so appreciated her friendly nature, ‘can-do’ attitude and quick responsiveness. She was a gem. Now, several years later, needing all of those gifts once again as I grow our own San Diego, CA, USA-based medical clinic (another business) who did I immediately think of for my graphic design needs? Why, Alison of course! I am delighted to say my experience is just the same and I couldn’t ask for anything more! I whole-heartedly recommend her services!”
Kay Lathrop : Co-owner : San Diego Pain Treatment Center : San Diego
“I would like to thank Alison, all I can say is that design and marketing are very crucial to a business. If you want to be a step ahead then you should not hesitate to call Alison Fort – she is brilliant and ahead of her game. She dedicates so much of her time and energy into making my business a success. I have been using Alison for over a year and I am very happy. She is always there for me, at the drop of a hat. Alison is a big part of why my business is becoming so successful. I am so happy I was recommended to Alison and I highly recommend her to you. Thank you Alison!”
Nia Cirocco : Owner : Signature Glamour : Adelaide
“Many thanks for the wonderful eye-catching posters you design for the Adelaide Male Voice Choir concerts. You capture the essence of each music event with style and imagination. The posters are a visual delight and greatly enhance the promotion of our concerts. The fellows in the Choir are really proud to distribute the posters, and we’ve found that libraries, coffee shops and businesses are enthusiastic about displaying them. I’m so personally delighted with the posters that I’m getting a selection framed, to decorate the house.”
Bill Shaw : Conductor : Adelaide Male Voice Choir : Adelaide
“We started our company three years ago and have used Alison from day one. She was referred to us and we haven’t looked back. Although we have never met, and operate in different states, we are so totally happy – she is part of the Real Mastery team! We would highly recommend her to anyone as a true professional and extremely good value for money.”
Trish Rogers : Director : Real Mastery Consulting : Sydney
“If you are thinking of commissioning Alison, congratulations! While her work speaks for itself, her speed, efficiency, dedication and ability to interpret a brief are the added extras that step her even further in front of the pack. Having worked with many designers over the years we know how truly important these elements are – both for our business and our clients. Alison hits the mark every time.”
Michael Locke : Managing Partner : LOCKE pty ltd : Sydney
“We have found Alison to be professional and very responsive to our requests. Alison’s output has always been top quality and she presents our brands thecandlefactory.com.au and thecandleshoppe.com.au very well.”
Sean Gray : Director : Argyle Soap and Candles Pty Ltd : Sydney
“I have been working with Alison for over 2 years now and her contribution to both my business and that of the clients we share is immeasurable. She makes us all look good. Alison is able to capture the very essence of what her clients need, and to create a consistent brand look and feel; one which also captures the target market’s attention at the same time. She is extremely versatile in her approach – which must come from the very broad range of businesses and organisations whom she has worked with, and her ability to really listen in order to understand. I’m sure having over 25 years in the industry is also a major factor! Alison is very generous with her ideas and her time. I can vouch for the fact that all of her clients love her. She is an excellent communicator and collaborates with all stakeholders to ensure that the focus always remains on the outcome that the client needs. My own business has grown significantly since I met Alison as a result of the fine quality of her graphic work, her patience and the people connection which she shares, and I continue to aspire to the level of organisation she displays (though concede I won’t ever arrive at her level!). Thank you Alison!”
Ursh Richards : Owner : onlineiq : Adelaide
“If you have a good product you need to present it to your audience in the best possible light. Our Festival had been struggling to achieve this until Alison came on board. Then our whole promotional package became connected and really got people talking. When the real challenge started. Wow! Under extreme time pressure we brought together images, text, dates and times to produce our 24-page program. It had over 70 events spread over 10 days. I thought it was going to be a nightmare to create but it actually became fun, thanks to Alison’s professionalism and her eagerness to learn and share. What a great combination of talent Alison offers! I discovered what real collaboration can achieve and the resulting program was superb. Without a doubt I can say if you get Alison involved in your project you know something is going right.”
Ian Main : Festival Coordinator : Leafy Sea Dragon Festival 2011 : Yankalilla
“Brilliant, professional and ahead of the pack. She delivers high-quality work with flair and passion… every time. Nothing is too much trouble!”
Lesley Johns : Director : Precise Media Management : Adelaide
“It’s hard to find superlatives sufficient to characterise Alison’s contribution to the designing of the History Council’s re-launched website, together with new letterheads, logo, display banner and email signature. All I can say is that we have been enormously fortunate to benefit from the work of such an exceptionally inventive, skilled and meticulous artist – as well as someone who is also endowed with seemingly endless patience and tolerance in the face of the foibles and indecisiveness of at least some of her clients.”
Wilfred Prest : President : History Council of South Australia : Adelaide
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work closely with Alison during the last 12 months or so. From our first meeting she intuitively understood the essence of our business and has used her creative magic and broad experience in her field to design our business name, logo, stationery, promotional material and an amazing website that truly captures our business soul. She has become one of our business family and we truly value her work.”
David Sutherland : Director : Inspire Financial Solutions : Adelaide
“Alison is a talented and dedicated designer. Someone who took my fledgling ideas and gave them wings. When I approached Alison I had seen her work at a local seaside kiosk; a place bursting with ideas and perfectly pitched style. I was hoping that she would be available to work some magic on my project. After our first meeting I knew that Alison was my girl. Alison designed the logo for Hot to Trot Gourmet and has been responsible for ongoing design work in the areas of printed material, decor, signage, business cards, merchandising and advertising. I love it all. We are focussing on our website now and Alison will be the creative lead on this new and exciting project, I know the results will be brilliant. I am so glad that I found Alison. I love her attention to detail and ‘can-do’ approach. I am proud to call her a friend; and am looking forward to a long association.”
Donna Kennedy Fry : Director : Hot to Trot Gourmet : Adelaide
“Alison is quick to grasp a brief, quick in creating innovative design solutions that meet the brief, and quick to apply the agreed design to the a wide range of materials, ranging from printed brochures to websites, and from Powerpoint slides to handouts. Her understanding of how to pitch a professional image shines through! What more could one ask?”
Richard Bentley : Director : Results Coaching Systems UK : London
“The partnership between Alison and The MS Society/Multiple Solutions is best described as a ‘perfect collaboration’. Her ability to ‘coach’ you through the process and arrive at a fantastic final product is very much due to her warm and personable manner. Alison exceeds our expectations with her vision, creativity and foresight and gives easily her passion and integrity with every job. From logo creation to website design, her ideas are constant and her implementation is exemplary. Alison’s accessibility and efficiency is second-to-none and we fondly view her as part of our MS Family.”
Suzy Dimaline : Business Development Manager : MS Society/Multiple Solutions : Adelaide
“Alison is unbelievably dependable and FAST at what she does, which is one of the most important things in a designer. She gets a brief and before you know it she’s shot back several ideas. Someone we couldn’t live without!”
David Rock : CEO : Results Coaching Systems : Sydney
“Alison has supported me over the last two months in making my business come to life – literally! Her advice around my website, brochure and business card has always been spot on and her relentless availability was fantastic as we were working to demanding deadlines. I am delighted with the result. She has created a vibrant, fresh and creative proposition for Nourish Coaching.”
Sally-Anne Blanshard : Director : Nourish Coaching : Sydney
“I wish I could choose more than three of the attributes listed here, because Alison has them all. I stumbled across Alison on guru.com way back in 2007 and chose her to partner with on a very large project. This was the beginning of a long and very rewarding partnership. Alison became our sole designer internationally (at Results Coaching Systems/NeuroLeadership Group), was incredibly responsive, innovative, flexible and always delivered, even in situations that were EXTREMELY challenging for the both of us. All nighters, many of them, back and forth completing work to meet deadlines. Exceptional output/work at a very reasonable price. I couldn't recommend Alison more highly.”
Matt Rule : Marketing & Strategy Manager : Results Coaching Systems : Sydney
“Having worked with Alison on a number of projects I can only say what a pleasure it is to work with such a talented professional. On a recent project, after listening to another team of graphic designers claim their less than satisfying proposals over a couple of months were the result of ‘a poor brief’ and ‘what does it really matter, just pick one and you will learn to like it’; Alison was brought in to have a fresh look and given the same brief. Within a week Alison was back and had nailed it with one of her first proposals. With Alison you always know the result is going to be great, and not necessarily just what you were expecting.”
Mark Folland : Director : Folland Panozzo Architects : Adelaide
“Alison has been a great help to us in setting up our business. She came up with some excellent designs for our company logo as well as a logo for our product, and extended the brand theme through to the design of our product itself. Our experience of working with her is that she is very quick to grasp our requirements, and is very easy to work with to achieve our desired goals. So much so that we now recommend her to our own clients wherever possible.”
Rob Lewis : Director : PaxMondeo : Adelaide
“Alison came to the WKD project to volunteer her graphic design skills some years ago, and rapidly became an essential (and paid!) part of the team. She has developed and established a design identity for WKD, from flyers and exhibition posters through to our recently launched website and first publication. Alison’s approach is fresh and funky and she has an unerring eye for the strongest and most direct image. The professional regard with which WKD is held within Central St Martins College of Art and Design and the University of the Arts London is in no small part due to her stunning design work, which presents our exhibitions and events to best advantage. Alison is incredibly quick, efficient, and easy to work with. She has taught me an immense amount about design and IT along the way, through her patient fielding of my queries, and she produces fantastic work to deadline. Since her move from neighbouring Highgate, London to Australia, she has worked even faster, as she puts the time difference to good use, so that my previous evening’s requests are ready for me the following morning. I recommend her work and services without hesitation.”
Deb Froome : Director, WKD : Central St Martins College of Art and Design : London
“The challenge of inviting any new person in to work within your team is to quickly impart both the culture of your organisation and the expectations of your clients. This is especially true of freelancers due to the short-term nature of their assignments and because they are often picking up the running part way through a process. Alison makes the process easy. As well as being highly-skilled and very experienced, she is quick on the uptake and gets on well with anyone. My concern is that by singing her praises, her availability will decrease as others start to book up her time!”
Katrina Lister : Director : Katron Creative : Adelaide
“I have no hesitation in recommending Alison to any of my clients who request graphic design that will make their company stand out. When Alison first started sending print jobs to me I recognised how clean, but with that little bit extra, her design was. The first client Alison did work for was so pleased that she uses Alison for all her work now, and I have retained the print – a win for all of us. I have recommended Alison to other clients on this basis and all are very happy.”
Vern Richter : Director : Centreprint : Adelaide
“Alison is great to work with – very friendly, professional and flexible. She keeps you in the loop while on an assignment so you always know what stage she’s working on at any given time. Alison’s experience with small businesses in their infancy was beneficial and I have very much appreciated her input. Her work is very professional and eye-catching. I have had many positive comments on the logo, website, business cards and pamphlets that she has created and produced for me.”
Kathy Leibig : Director : Style Call : Adelaide
“We approached Alison to help us design a logo and website, giving her only the vaguest outlines of our requirements. Alison approached every task in an enthusiastic and professional manner, providing us with a set of creative alternatives from which to make our selection. Without Alison’s imaginative flair and ability to interpret our wishes, we wouldn’t have the fabulous website we now have. We have no hesitation in recommending her to any prospective clients and will continue to use her services as our company develops.”
Sharon Hanson : Owner : Premier Arrivals : Adelaide
“Alison offers a great design service that provides innovative solutions in a timely manner. And also cost-effective print arrangements, if needed. Added to this is her strategic input along the way, providing, an outcome that is professional, cost-effective, creative and modern.”
David Keig : Director : David Keig Executive Management Services : Adelaide
“Alison is a gem to work with. She listens to your desired outcomes, provides realistic timelines, works efficiently (without drama), doesn’t charge exorbitant prices, loves to laugh and ultimately produces professional quality work! Alison has breathed new life into Tandanya’s logo, brand and collateral including a superb website. I will continue to enjoy working with Alison and have no hesitation in recommending her!”
Cate Gaston : Marketing Coordinator : Tandanya : Adelaide
“The people you have around you can really make or break the day. Alison will bring a smile to your day. Alison’s creative ability speaks for itself in the quality of the work she can show you, what does not come across is the way in which the work is done – Alison is a business savvy, initiative operator, who can help muddle through the most complex of briefs. Alison brings a blend of honesty, reliability, innovation and creativity which is packaged nicely with a wonderful dose of good old-fashioned common sense.”
Sally Day : General Manager : TMP Worldwide : Adelaide
“Alison is talented, experienced and intuitive. She is wise enough and skilled enough to take my semi-coherent babble and interpret it, then promptly create the designs I need. Perhaps best of all, she always goes the extra mile in supplying not just the basics, but all those things I’d overlooked. I know a lot of designers, but Alison is the one that I continue to consult with when I have a challenge on my hands.”
Kym Liebig : Director : Copyriot : Adelaide
“The thing that strikes me most about Alison is her ‘can-do’ attitude to all projects she works on, no matter how big or small. This is truly a great feat, especially in a world of designers and art directors where briefs can often be brushed off as being wrong, boring or just too difficult! Alison is one of those people who will tackle every project with the same amount of enthusiasm and skill. Add to that an ability to turn work around within next to impossible deadlines and it’s not hard to understand why I recommend Alison for any of your jobs.”
Erik de Roos : Account Manager : TMP Worldwide : Adelaide
“Alison combines great technical understanding with excellent creative concepts and executions all backed up by many years of experience. This allows me to plan a job knowing that Alison can give realistic estimates of time and costs to meet my often ridiculous deadlines… oh and also deliver slick work to boot! To improve the service she provides further she will need to consider cloning.”
Andrew Galpin : Creative Director : Charterhouse Advertising : Adelaide
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Alison since mid 2005. Working largely in the area of book layout, she has been excellent in turning jobs around in less than ideal timeliness, always efficient and methodical, willing to go the extra mile, and always focussed on the client and their desired outcomes. And what’s more, she does all this with a smile! Her ability, personality and dedication speak for themselves in ensuring great outcomes for employers and clients alike.”
Bronwyn Drew : Visual Communications Manager : Openbook Design : Adelaide
“I’ve known Alison for over 20 years and she is a pro-artist. She is a solid designer who works through the night to get the results. And she’s an Aussie despite that English accent picked up from working in the London graphic design scene for decades.”
Bruce Druery : Creative Director : United Notions Advertising : Sydney
“Alison worked with us on a freelance basis and very quickly absorbed herself into the culture of the company. She had no trouble in adapting to the style of work we needed to produce and always managed to create imagery that was fresh and interesting.”
Hilary Kingsnorth : Account Manager : Visual Response : London
“Alison worked freelance in the Vitabiotics in-house design studio for almost a year, on a regular basis, fulfilling design and artwork roles on a range of print-based projects including leaflets, packaging, adverts and other promotional items. Her work was of the high order that one would expect from her CV and client list, with excellent attention to detail on complex artwork projects, and a flexibility that allowed her to adapt to the ad-hoc nature of projects resultant from the part-time nature of her position. Her attitude was also very good, especially as certain tasks were quite a step down from what she would have been used to in her previous role, a process she was willing to undergo in order to keep in touch with the practice of ‘ground-level’ design. She left when moving back to Australia, and we have remained in contact since.”
Roger Harrison : Design Manager : Vitabiotics : London
“Alison always proved to be extremely popular, very committed and professional in her work as a creative artworker and designer and would always be welcome at Adlink.”
Sharon Daubeney : Office Manager : Adlink Freelance : London
“Alison worked for me as a freelancer in my studio from September 2004 until March 2005, at which point she returned to Australia. She was enthusiastic about any project I asked her to work on, ranging from design and artwork to the most mundane of tasks, like artwork retrieval and archiving. Everything was tackled with the same level of due diligence, even the most absurd projects that passed for work in the studio! She is a great person and a pleasure to work with, and her design skills are excellent. She is sorely missed by myself and my team and although she worked for me for a relatively short period, I got to know her very well and consider her a friend as well as a colleague. She fitted into the studio very well and was an integral part of the team. I still remember when she first started working for me, within a short time it was her birthday and she invited us all to join her for drinks. Even though she had only just met us she generously invited us to celebrate with her. Alison is an honest and open person and is friendly and amiable, able to work with people at all levels. She would be an asset to any company and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to any prospective employer. I wish her every success with her future career and life in Australia.”
Jayshree Mistry : Studio Manager : Empire Interactive : London
“In her role as Senior Designer, Alison proved an intelligent member of the team, able to work on her own initiative, organising projects from initial brief to final print. As well as being highly-creative, Alison’s project management skills were an asset to the company.”
Gilly Horrex : Managing Director : HDDA : London
“We had the pleasure of working together at an agency in London, and Ali is simply lovely to work with. She’s dedicated, talented, meticulous, and above all, great company. She’s bright, intelligent and articulate, and wickedly funny. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to any prospective employer. Look no further – Alison’s your girl!”
Jeremy Silverstone : Director : Berkoff Associates : London
“…Alison has been working with us on a freelance basis since August 1990. During this period she has been involved in a number of projects, taking them from initial brief and concept through to final art. Alison’s work has always been of an exceptionally high standard. Whatever task she is given she approaches with enthusiasm and great attention to detail, with the end result always being exactly what is required. Alison is very dedicated and is prepared to work the hours it takes to ensure a job is done to the best of her ability, and on time. Alison likes to be involved in all aspects of our business and has attended many client meetings where her input has been appreciated. We are also happy for Alison to deal directly with clients as we view her as a true professional. Overall Alison is very talented and we cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Philippa Thompson : Associate Director : Campbell Capel Advertising and Marketing : London
“…Alison fulfilled the role of Assistant Art Director, though her primary task was finished art. Alison is a lady of exceptional talent and skill. Her finished artwork is always professional, clean and her attention to detail impeccable. Alison has a refreshingly enthusiastic and creative approach to her skill which some other finished artists find tedious. She thrives on a busy environment and her tenacity to finish a job shows in her ability to meet sometimes unrealistic deadlines. Alison’s design ability is also above average, she designed and helped produce our own company Corporate Profile, a task where the standard expected was obviously high. Alison likes the team approach to work and has a good sense of humour. She leaves us to fulfill a dream of travel and adventure and we would welcome her back to United Notions any time without hesitation.”
Angie Baglin : Director : United Notions Advertising : Sydney
“…Alison has been employed in setting photo-lettering in general, and in associated specialised techniques in particular, much of the time producing complicated headlines, signs and logos. She has also been involved in quite demanding finished art and design work. Alison’s work has always been of an exceptionally high standard. In fact her talents have developed rapidly and are such that this company is unable to provide a satisfying challenge for her any longer in the specialised area of finished art and design which is her particular interest and professed career progression option. She is leaving us of her own volition, and with our very best wishes, to pursue such a career. I have always found Alison to be meticulous and professional in her work, pleasant and humourous in demeanour, punctual and yet flexible when work demanded, and easy to accommodate generally in the work environment. I cannot but recommend her highly…”
Vance Bell : Managing Director : LetterCraft : Sydney
“…Alison has been involved in most facets on the sales side of retailing… She has performed the tasks delegated to her in a most disciplined and organised manner, at the same time using her initiative. Alison worked well with the sales team and is a valued employee…”
Clive Lillywhite : Supervisor : Myer SA Stores : Adelaide
“…Alison has a bubbling personality which made her a very popular member of staff… I have found Alison to be a reliable, honest and trustworthy young lady. I feel she will be an asset to any future employer.”
Flora Luppino : Assistant Supervisor : Myer SA Stores : Adelaide