David Charles Cliff is a graphic designer based in York.

I’m a general-purpose graphic designer, which means I cover a broad mix of services rather than focusing on just one niche. I design brand identities, websites (specifically Squarespace), packaging, brochures, signage and interior graphics. My background in journalism influences my approach. I see design as a way of telling a story clearly, and persuading someone to do something. That might mean creating a brand identity that captures the essence of a business, or a website that not only looks good but also guides visitors towards certain commercial goals.

Design projects vary widely in scope, so I provide estimates based on the specific requirements rather than fixed packages. My day rate is £400 and my hourly rate is £60. I provide an estimate for every job before any work begins, and nothing proceeds without your approval. The scope of work will always be clearly laid out so you know exactly what’s included.

I don’t work to a rigid rule. In my experience, the best results come from an open process where edits are handled as part of the journey rather than counted. I include what I call a “reasonable number of revisions”, which means I’ll keep refining until the design works as it should, without dragging things out unnecessarily. The aim is always clarity and effectiveness, not endless tinkering.

Timelines vary depending on scope, and most projects get held up one way or another. But, I always aim to be realistic. A logo or brochure might take a few weeks, while a full Squarespace website or a complete brand identity can take a couple of months from start to finish. What matters most is setting expectations early. When we first discuss your project, I’ll explain what’s involved, how long it’s likely to take, and what I’ll need from you along the way.

Because I don’t say yes to everything, I often have room to start new projects fairly quickly. One of the lessons I’ve learnt over the years is that the right fit matters more than chasing every job. If I believe I can add value and enjoy working with you, I’ll make space. At the point of commissioning, I’ll let you know my current workload and confirm a realistic start date.

By default, I supply the final formats you need such as press-ready PDFs for print, PNGs and SVGs for web, and so on. Editable files like InDesign packages or layered Photoshop files aren’t automatically included, but I’m not precious about it. If you’d like the working files, just let me know. My focus is on being practical. You should walk away with what you actually need to use, not be locked out.

I prefer working face-to-face because good design comes from good conversations. Being based at The Catalyst in York means it’s easy for me to meet local clients, and most of my work is with businesses in Yorkshire. That said, remote work isn’t out of the question. I don’t use Zoom or endless video calls (I prefer face to face, or a good old telephone call) but I’m happy to collaborate with clients further afield if the fit feels right.

Yes, and in fact, I think the real value comes when the two are joined up. A brand should feel consistent whether someone sees it on a website, a business card, or a wall graphic in an office. Because I work across digital, print and interior graphics, I can make sure everything connects. This comes back to my design philosophy that design should work in the real world, not just look good on a screen. Whether it’s a Squarespace site built with clarity and persuasion in mind, or signage that makes a space easier to navigate, the goal is always the same; effective communication.