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A throwback to Ian's time working in Saudi Arabia for Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions when he became known by the nickname of Mr ACE, when he returned to the UK but continued to work commissions for the KSA company, what would be more convenient than to keep the nickname going.

Ian's ACE was ACE Corporate Editions, dreamed up as an umbrella for all his design for print activities. Not just the actual layout for print projects from simple newsletters to full magazines and hardback novels but also, under the pseudonym of Vic Marelle and of course GulfMediaMan, the words and images for a full package.
There's a wealth of experience here, for right back before the turn of the century, when Ian was still freelancing for the kit car industry, he created full promo packages for several manufacturers including Lemazone (Pulsar) and Beauford.

Five years after his extravagant event in Jeddah for Al Harithy's silver anniversary Ian drew up a pearl themed concept for their 30th with documentation in sepia on cream parchment stock. Created by Ian in the UK in dual languages - English and Arabic - he oversaw this project from concept through to the final presentation.
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Automotive has been a constant theme and while photographing, writing about and making films of one of your favourite pastimes may seem like working in heaven, the reality can be a world away from that ideal.

Take the Keating Supercar media launch for example. Conceptualised by Ian, this included a launch & reveal at a stately home complete with an action video and full media pack with print ready images and informative booklet. But the one prototype vehicle was not available until three days before the launch event and even then was not finished.
Where production vehicles would have bespoke seats, wind-up windows and a smooth rear deck the prototype had aftermarket seats, an ugly sliding window panel and a big rear wing.

With no time to take the car into the studio, Ian shot stills and video outside in one afternoon session, creating a series of images including a three-up multi exposure that looked as though there were three cars. Ian then turned this into a studio image with computer manipulation, changing everything to production specification in the process. Use the top button to compare images
  • Studio re-work
  • Original multi exposure
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Ian no longer accepts commercial assignments - but remains busy all the same! Design for print and advanced image manipulation still take up lots of his time but since retirement this has all been on a not-for-profit basis to support named charities. As Ian says, 'you can always be kept busy when you do everything for free'