Meet our new creative designers Henryk and Rachel

Our Content Writer Andrew caught up with the latest additions to Onyx Health’s creative designers, Art Worker Henryk Kitt and Designer Rachel Alexander, to chat about their new roles and the experience and skills they bring to our expanding team.  

Tell us about yourself and how you got involved in design 

Rachel said “I grew up in the Orkney Islands in the far northeast of Scotland. I was a creative student from a young age, my favourite subjects at school were Art and English. I combined my favourite elements of these subjects, namely creativity and critical thinking whilst at university.  

I went on to study Graphic Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) in Dundee, before making the journey south to work for Newcastle–based design and digital agency JUMP.” 

Henryk added “I was born on the Isle of Wight but grew up in Robin Hood country in Nottingham. I decided to make the move up north for university, studying Industrial Design at Northumbria University. I had an interest in design and art from a young age. My Mum studied Graphic Design at Nottingham University as a mature student when I was little, so I was immersed in that world since I was a child.”  

What skills and experience do you bring to the team at Onyx Health? 

Rachel commented “In my previous role at JUMP, I was part of a major project that involved the reworking of Newcastle University’s logo, so it was more versatile and suitable for digital platforms. I also become heavily involved in animation work, producing and developing explainer videos for a therapist’s directory. I have specific expertise in branding, editorial design, and animations, which is a rare combination for a designer”. 

Henryk said “Before joining Onyx Health, I was involved in several freelance design projects for friends and contacts. I have also worked at London Men’s Fashion Week, behind the scenes on the product side of things which involved helping out with the shows. One of the things I’m proudest of is winning a design and business project competition at university. I designed a fire safety equipment piece for a company called Drager, which was shortlisted and taken on to be developed further.  

What is your role at Onyx Health and what attracted you to the agency? 

Rachel explained “I work as a core part of the design and creative team, developing eye catching visual concepts for clients. In healthcare, visual communication is very important, especially with the increasing focus on digital content in the wake of the pandemic. I think my creative imagery could help our healthcare clients develop content that stands out on social media.  

Henryk stated “I’m part of the design team and assist with various client projects, as well as designing social media posts for b2b and b2c clients. Healthcare marketing is evolving digitally and creatively. I feel that there are opportunities to take our clients into new digital and design spaces. Helping innovate the way our client’s market themselves is very rewarding.” 

What do you do for fun outside of work?  

Rachel said “One of my great passions in life is vintage vehicles, especially cars, motorbikes and tractors. In 2019, I led a road run of 18 Minis, both old and new, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Mini and the Orkney Classic Motor Show. I was also an underwater hockey champion in my younger days. My team were Under 16s UK National Champions. I also represented Scotland for the Under 18s tournament in France.” 

Henryk explained “Outside of work I like watching football, listening to music, and going skateboarding. I am also a keen snowboarder; I enjoy winter holidays and have completed all ice-skating grades. I still have an avid interest in fashion and like spending time designing jewellery using CAD software, whenever I have a spare moment.”