New Starter Series: Franki Dale

Hi!

My name is Franki, and I’ve recently joined First Internet, a leading digital agency in Manchester, as a digital and website designer and UX specialist. Before joining FI in April, I spent three and a half years as a website designer for Shopblocks, an ecommerce website design and build company based in Stockport. At Shopblocks, I was responsible for designing and building websites for a range of clients, ensuring all their requirements were met, from UX and UI design to search engine optimisation.

Background and Experience

Although I started my design career in 2020, I had previously completed numerous freelance jobs within the graphic design sector, from logos to brand packs to brochures and more. Joining an ecommerce company during Covid-19 was challenging. Virtual meetings and online collaboration were the norms, but I quickly adapted and started working on several projects. This experience helped me understand the client services side of things better. Eventually, I began managing my own projects at Shopblocks, overseeing customer success, design, and technical aspects independently. This progress also supported my freelance projects and personal brand management.

After feeling I had outgrown this role, I sought a new challenge to expand my website design career and integrate my freelance skills into my day-to-day job. Moving beyond website design, I wanted to specialise in digital design within an agency setting, rather than just an ecommerce company. First Internet, a reputable digital agency in Manchester, offered me a digital design position, which I immediately knew was the perfect move for me. FI has certainly met my expectations!

My role at FI

My role as a digital designer at FI involves various responsibilities. I collaborate with every team to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. This includes assisting the website development team with imagery changes, collaborating with the marketing team for social media posts, and working with client services on website design projects. Day-to-day, I handle a wide range of digital designs, including website design enhancements for existing clients, brand packs, brochure designs, and email signatures.

The biggest project since joining FI has been designing our new branding. With the branding now approved, I’ve moved on to designing the new website to align with it. The directors have given me the creative freedom to lead this project, which has been incredibly enjoyable. Additionally, I have begun collaborating with the SEO team, allowing me to enhance my SEO skills. I am excited about the future at this Manchester digital agency.

What do I enjoy most about design?

Everything!! There is truly little I dislike about design. I’ve always adored art and creativity since childhood. I am a very energetic person, so anything that allows me to have freedom and be creative is ideal for me. Designing as a career is a blessing. I get to work with clients, understand their business needs, and help create the desired outcomes, resulting in satisfied clients. Working with different clients, discussing their company values, and understanding their target audience aligns perfectly with my social nature. Impacting another business’s success always feels like a win to me.

What do I enjoy most about working at FI?

The culture. Everyone is welcoming, and from the day I started, it felt like family. We work closely together, focusing on our clients’ success and First Internet’s growth as a digital agency. FI allows me to be creative, providing me with the right tools and knowledge from each department. I foresee no major hurdles here, and no conversation is off-limits, whether it’s about new ideas to help the business or innovative solutions for clients.

I’m excited to see what’s to come at First Internet and am grateful to contribute to the business’s future, especially with our new branding and website initiatives.

This article is part of a series introducing the new members of the First Internet team. Visit our blog to read more.