Work Experience
Mata is Matthew Allen, founder of Mata Limited with over 30 years of brand strategy experience.
Clients deal direct with me in a solo studio setup and enjoy the benefits many years of experience, and the networks I have.
Full-time roles
Mata
Founder + Full-stack Designer
July 2001 - Present day
Team: Core 1; Expanded 3; Integrated 50+
I’ve worked collaboratively with over 100 clients, leading 1000+ unique projects and sustained relationships for decades.
Working with everyone from big budget international corporate and locals who trade worldwide, through to government, tech, local SME, product startups and businesses. A huge range of owner-operators means the value of trust is at the core of our relationship.
My role is full-stack designer doing everything for clients, from concept to brand launch with the customers vision and their users needs first and foremost. Websites, products, apps, packaging, graphics, photography, marketing, games, prototypes, print, illustration and more.
Digital creative at heart, with the ability to detail how and why design makes a difference. See how I’ve built enduring impacts on numerous brands, expanding my skill-set to deliver comprehensive design and development solutions.
Each project’s distinct brand voice is cherished > no cookie-cutter style. Full-stack design from concept to delivery of products, digital and physical (SAAS to FMCG).
Key cliens are listed in the Client List
Webmedia
Creative Lead
October 2000 - September 2001
Team: 50+ Auckland, Melbourne, Hong Kong
As Creative Lead at Webmedia, my role encompassed creative leadership and design, product design, art direction, production, staff training, and client interaction.
As I joined the company it was also going international so I ended up being the head creative left in Auckland while we set up shop for the company in Melbourne and Hong Kong.
I led the design team at Webmedia HQ for projects, learning, inspiration and exploration. Pushing boundaries for the team and gaining enhanced website construction proficiency, Flash mastery, and collaborative team growth, teaching, learning and doing candidate interviews as the company expanded.
Key clients included: Upstream Asia, Chat Drum, Pulp Magazine, Tradenz, McConnel International Property and WebMedia’s recruitment promotion.
Terabyte Interactive
Senior Art Director
January 1993 - October 2000
Team: 90+ Auckland Based
As Senior Art Director I directed design projects controlling teams of designers and developers for large New Zealand companies. I headed the design team for projects and worked with animators, music engineers and 3D artists.
Terabyte began as a print-centric design and production firm still with technology first; modem file deliveries. Terabyte evolved into a dynamic force, owning interactive product design, CD-ROM publishing, and web development.
I honed a versatile skill set across print being the sole point for all customer integrations with Telecom doing Phone Cards, loved designing interactive products, and web design, contributing to diverse projects spanning multiple media in the boom of digital. Working with national and international companies building really special digital experiences in a special time of technology evolution.
Key clients included: Telecom, ECC, Lintas, Pearson Davis, Stocklink, Boehringer Inglehiem, Air New Zealand, Ansett, Clear, Enza, Fletcher Challenge, GlidePath, INL, TUANZ, Otago University, Auckland Museum, Mainfreight, ARL, UBD, Standards New Zealand and Virtual Spectator.
Freelance years
(A) Design Limited
Freelance Illustrator
April 1992 - December 1992
Contracted to work on technical illustrations for (A) Design's major client, Humes. Illustration of 3D pipes, connectors, flanges and extrusions for the product manual.
Megabyte Graphics Limited
Freelance Designer
February 1992 - December 1992
Contracted to work on various technical illustrations, then moved on to some paper-based presentations and print design work. This freelance contract was the avenue through which I became an employee of Terabyte Interactive.
Debeer Adams Limited
Freelance Designer
November 1991 - July 1992
An on-call contract of production work with some of the most talented designers in the country. This was a great chance to observe creative process while working on some high-profile design projects. One of the highlights was working on the development of Massey University’s corporate identity.
Idea Design Limited
Designer (full-time)
April 1991 - December 1992
The majority of Idea Design’s work was print design and branding for long-standing clients. My major achievements were gaining a good set of fundamental design skills (including high levels of accuracy, attention to detail, and tidy work habits) that have been invaluable throughout my career.
Design Education
Perfect Presentations (1 day intensive)
1999
Creative Circle (Advertising Industry run 8 month course)
1995
Production Graphics (ATI 6 month full-time course)
1991