CHANTAL JACKSON

Chantal Jackson

Visual Communication Specialist

I’m Chantal — a visual communication specialist with two decades of experience at the intersection of research, education and design.

My work is built around a single idea: that complex things can always be made clearer, and that how something is communicated is as important as what it says. I’ve applied that belief across academic journal production, learning resource development, data visualisation, public exhibition design and science communication — in higher education, for schools, and for public audiences.

I’m currently open to both employment opportunities and freelance commissions, including hybrid and remote roles. I’m particularly drawn to roles in learning design, research communication, public engagement and information design, within education, public sector and cultural institution contexts.

Core Skills

  • Visual storytelling for research communication and public engagement.
  • Complex information design for academic, policy and public audiences.
  • Learning design and educational content development — resource creation grounded in evidence-based instructional principles, from interactive digital learning to classroom materials.
  • Accessibility and inclusive design — ensuring materials work for all audiences from the outset.
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration — translating complex concepts across fields and working effectively with subject matter experts.
  • Technical: Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Suite, data visualisation, Genially, Canvas VLE.

Professional Background

My career began in design studios and graphic design education before moving into visual communication in higher education, where I discovered a passion for solving the particular communication challenges that researchers, educators and public-facing organisations face.

Over nine years at the University of Birmingham I worked across research communications, policy engagement, learning resource development, data visualisation and exhibition design — always with the same focus: translating complex content into something that genuinely connects with its intended audience.

I’ve worked in-house within university departments, in freelance and collaborative project contexts, and in learning design — and I bring the same rigour and attention to detail to all of them.

What I believe

Good communication doesn’t simplify ideas — it respects them enough to present them clearly. I approach every project with genuine curiosity about the subject matter, which is why I’ve been able to work credibly across atmospheric chemistry, carceral geography, freshwater ecology, public health, education and beyond.

I believe the best design happens through collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to getting the details right.


When I’m not at my desk, you’ll find me strength training, tending my plants, hunting for mid-century furniture, or practising Dutch on Duolingo — ten years in and still going.

Qualifications

  • BA (Hons) Visual Communication – Illustration (First Class), Birmingham Institute of Art & Design (now BCU)
  • Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design (Distinction), Digital Learning Institute
  • RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development, Winterbourne Centre for Horticulture
  • City & Guilds 7407 Certificate in Further Education Teaching, North East Worcestershire College
  • Skills Bootcamp in Data Skills for Creative Industries, University of Birmingham
  • Natural History Illustration Certificate, edX/University of Newcastle

Experience

  • Visual Communication Specialist – University of Birmingham. Managing visual communications for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences: research communications, policy engagement visuals, learning resources, data visualisation and exhibition design.
  • Freelance Visual Communications Designer. Design and communication work for Coventry University, the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, and University of Birmingham STEM projects.
  • Print and Design Officer – University of Birmingham. Academic publication design, complex print project management, and promotional materials for national education initiatives.
  • Lecturer – Graphic Design – North East Worcestershire College. Teaching visual communication principles, curriculum development and creative mentorship.
  • Artworker – Kilvington Leith Marketing.
  • Graphic Artist – Pindar Set.

Let’s work together

Whether you’re looking to commission work or explore whether we might work together in another capacity, I’d be glad to hear from you.

Get in touch…