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
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.