CHANTAL JACKSON

Core Skills

• Strategic visual storytelling for research communication and public engagement.
• Complex information design for academic, policy, and public audiences.
• Technical expertise: Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Suite, data integration, accessibility compliance.
• Learning design and educational content development – resource creation grounded in evidence-based instructional principles, from interactive digital learning to classroom materials.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration – translating complex concepts across fields.

Professional Background

I’m a Visual Communication Specialist with two decades of experience at the intersection of research, education and strategic design – a space that has taught me the art of making complex ideas beautifully accessible.

My career began in design studios before moving into graphic design education. From there I went into visual communication in higher education, where I discovered a passion for solving the unique communication challenges that researchers, educators and public-facing organisations face. From academic journal production to learning resource development, from data visualisation to public exhibition design, I understand how to balance precision with clarity and visual impact.

I have worked in-house within university departments, in freelance and collaborative project contexts, and in learning design — always with the same focus: translating complex content into something that genuinely connects with its audience. My work has appeared in top-tier academic journals, national conference programmes and classroom learning resources used in schools.

What drives me is the belief that brilliant ideas deserve brilliant communication. Whether I’m developing data visualisations, animations, interactive learning materials or exhibition installations, I approach every project with the same meticulous attention to detail. Every element matters.

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

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. Creating research communications, policy engagement visuals and exhibition designs.
• Freelance Visual Communications Designer. Delivering design solutions for Coventry University, The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, and University of Birmingham STEM project.
• Print and Design Officer – University of Birmingham. Designed and produced academic publications, managed complex print projects, created promotional materials for national education initiatives.
• Lecturer – Graphic Design – North East Worcestershire College. Taught visual communication principles, developed curriculum and provided mentorship in creative problem-solving.
• Artworker – Kilvington Leith Marketing.
• Graphic Artist – Pindar Set.

Let’s work together

Drop me a message to discuss your project.