Sophie Birkin
Education
The University of Nottingham
September 2019 - July 2023
Howells School Llandaff
September 2017 - July 2019
Llantwit Major School
September 2016 - August 2017
Product Design and Manufacture 4 yrs MEng
Predicted 1st - 70%
A-Level: Maths (A), Physics (B), Art (B), EPQ (A)
GCSE: 4A*, 8A
Experience
November 2020- February 2022
2017- Present
August 2018
ZimsPins - Product Designer.
- Developed detailed enamel pin designs for commercial use.
- Conducted user research to develop plans and design requirements.
- Supported a team of 4 designers and worked collaboratively to
achieve 3 successful Kickstarter campaigns.
- Sourced manufacturers appropriate for the design requirements.
- Monitored sales statistics to identify areas for improvement and
implemented plans to increase the firm’s customer base by 150%.
Freelance work - Graphic, Illustration and Branding Design.
- Developed digital designs for clients in the UK, US and China.
- Conducted market and user research.
- Communicated professionally with clients to identify design
requirements and propose design solutions.
Gaunt Francis Architects - Work Experience.
- Produced technical 3D architectural models.
- Visited sites to monitor and document building progress.
Skills
Design for Manufacture
3D CAD modelling
Engineering drawing
Design and refinement drawing
3D model rendering
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Software
Autodesk Sketchbook
Solidworks
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
3D Printing
Keyshot
Affinity Photo/Publisher/Designer
Microsoft Office
Adobe Photoshop
Figma
FEA
Awards
Gold Crest Award
2019
Awarded for the research
conducted during the EESW
project. Designed and built a system to measure the diameter of encoder rings for Renishaw, Miskin.
EESW Best Prototype
2019
Awarded at the Big Bang fair at Parc y Scarlets. Invited to Birmingham NEC to
present the prototype at the national Big Bang fair 2019.