About Shaleen McKay
Freelance Graphic Designer based in Strangford, Northern Ireland, with 10+ years' experience in creative and client-facing roles.
Bio
Hello there, I'm Shaleen McKay, a freelance graphic designer based in Strangford, Northern Ireland, with 10+ years' experience. I graduated with First Class Honours in Graphic Design & Illustration from Ulster University, then spent nine years at Kaizen, a leading branding studio in Belfast, growing into a Senior Designer and helping shape brands for clients including Ulster GAA, McKeever Hotels, Patton's, GB Poultry and Bob & Berts.
I work directly with clients, guiding branding projects from first brief to final delivery across digital, print and interactive media. I specialise in branding and identity, packaging, typography and art direction, and pride myself on managing projects efficiently and executing creative concepts that align seamlessly with the wider strategy. Today I bring that studio experience to freelance work for businesses across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Core Work
Experience
2016 - 2025
Senior Graphic Designer
Kaizen
I spent nine years at Kaizen, growing from a junior designer into a senior role, learning the craft properly, from big-picture brand thinking to the tiny details that make design work in the real world. It was fast paced, hands on, and full of variety, which meant no two projects (or days) were ever the same. That time shaped how I design today, thoughtful, flexible, and grounded in strategy, but never overcomplicated. I learned how to collaborate, adapt, and deliver work that looks good and works hard, skills I carry into every project I take on now.
2013 - 2016
BDes (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration
Ulster University
Graduated with First Class Honours in Graphic Design & Illustration. Built a strong foundation in visual communication, creative thinking, and design principles.
FAQs
What services does Shaleen McKay offer?
Branding and identity, packaging design, campaign and print collateral, typography and layout, art direction, and creative strategy.
Where is Shaleen McKay based?
Strangford, Northern Ireland. Shaleen works with clients across Northern Ireland and beyond.
What experience does Shaleen McKay have?
10+ years in graphic design, including nine years as a Senior Designer at Kaizen, a leading branding studio in Belfast, and First Class Honours in Graphic Design & Illustration from Ulster University.
Which clients has Shaleen McKay worked with?
Brands including Ulster GAA, McKeever Hotels, Patton's, GB Poultry, Bob & Berts, Applegreen Electric, and Yoga Yard.
Get In Touch
Interested in working together? Get in touch below.