About — Onlyanorthernsoul

Design with a little soul…

My name is James Blakeborough, and I am Only A Northern Soul. I am an experienced graphic designer based in Bury with over 27 years in the industry. My background is very diverse, spanning full-time positions across advertising, PR, and event agencies, in-house marketing departments, and national building preservation trusts. During my time freelancing, I have worked with a wide range of individuals and organisations, from advertising agencies to local authorities, arts and film festivals, independent film and television production and distribution companies, homeless charities, and sports organisations and governing bodies. I produce creative work across print and digital media, events, large-format print, pitch documents, as well as animation and video work for social platforms.

Always friendly and approachable, I pride myself on building effective working relationships with client stakeholders at all levels. These relationships are crucial to the success of any project. I have a genuine passion for my work, offering design with a little soul, and I believe in going the extra mile by taking the time to understand my clients' visions and requirements. I see collaborations and long-term trusting relationships between client and designer as essential, working closely to achieve the best results.

Clarity Backed by Expertise

I offer creative solutions to problems, whether that’s a logo, brand development, just a promotional brochure or a series of social media assets for your company. It may be an identity for your event, a display for a museum exhibition or just input on creative ideas for your business. Basically, from the initial idea right through to production and finished item
There are three ways I charge, either by the hour, by the day or by project, its always best to speak to me I will always try and work with you on the budget that you may have. By the hour will tend to be for smaller projects, by the day will be for longer projects or when working in-house with an agency. I will always try to be clear on the deliverables being offered for the price for transparency and will always try and accommodate most budgets.
This can be subjective, to create some quick creative social assets based around an existing brand, it may just take a few hours, a 20 page A5 brochure 4 days or if your require a new brand identity even longer. Some projects are ongoing and may require lots of deadlines for particular assets such as when creating an event identity, which is initially used on adverts and invites, moving on to assets such as
This can be subjective, to create some quick creative social assets based around an existing brand, it may just take a few hours, a 20 page A5 brochure 4 days or if your require a new brand identity even longer. Some projects are ongoing and may require lots of deadlines for particular assets such as when creating an event identity, which is initially used on adverts and invites, moving on to assets such as
I work with all sizes of clients, from single-owner businesses right through to large sporting organisations and international companies. Across many industries, from arts and theatre to professional services, sporting clubs and governing bodies, and independent film and television, and rail transport and property.

Structured Precision, Every Step

01

During discovery, we collect relevant data, clarify objectives, and align expectations with measurable benchmarks.
02

Our analysts apply statistical methods, process mapping, and risk assessment tools to interpret collected information objectively.
03

We outline initiatives, resource requirements, and timelines in a structured roadmap.