About
Who am I?
I’m a ‘full stack’ graphic designer based in Bournemouth, on the South Coast of England. I have over 21 years experience working within both small and large creative agencies as well as in house marketing departments.
During my career I’ve had the privelege of facilitating the creative requirements for global institutions, household brands, SME’s and independent clients. Now – I provide these services independently as a freelancer.
What is a Ronin?
In feudal Japan, a Ronin was a masterless samurai, a wandering warrior without allegiance to a specific lord or master. The life of a Ronin was often characterized by a sense of solitude and unpredictability, as they navigated a world without the security of a feudal lord or a dedicated position within a samurai clan.
There were various reasons why a samurai might become a Ronin. One common scenario was the death or downfall of their master, leaving them without a lord to serve. Alternatively, a samurai might choose the path of a Ronin due to personal dissatisfaction, a desire for independence, or a refusal to comply with changing political circumstances.
Life as a Ronin could be challenging. Many Ronin turned to mercenary work, taking on odd jobs or serving as bodyguards for those who could afford their services. Some Ronin embraced a code of conduct similar to that of the samurai, maintaining principles of honor and loyalty despite their masterless status.
Ronin are often romanticized in Japanese literature and folklore as stoic, skilled warriors who found honor in their unique, unpredictable paths. Their stories highlight themes of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal values even in the face of adversity. The image of the Ronin has become iconic in Japanese and Western pop culture – and has left a lasting impact on representations of honor and loyalty.
Why Mad Ronin?
‘MAD’ is an acronym for Multimedia, Art and Design – an umbrella term that represents a spectrum of different creative disciplines. This is reflective of the many different skills I have had to hone and develop throughout my career.
Transitioning from a full time employment role to freelance echoes the Ronin’s journey in ancient Japan. No longer being tied to a single employer – I have the freedom to explore and deliver diverse projects with a variety of different customers.
Mad Ronin is more than just my business – it’s a personal quest for creative independence, bringing together everything I have learned over 21 years to create something meaningful and lasting for myself and my family.