Graphic designer Andy Pink from Merseyside is up for a national award after offering a fledgling business his expertise free of charge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tony McDonough reports

A Merseyside graphic designer who reached out to support a fledgling business during the pandemic has been shortlisted for a national award.

Liverpool-born Andy Pink, who now lives in Rainhill, is a finalist in the national 2020 Yuno Juno Freelancer Awards. The awards usually focus on excellence, however this year it’s not only about the great work achieved, but more importantly, about kindness.

Andy only became a freelancer full-time freelancer in August of this year when he launched his website Andy The Creative. He is on the shortlist along with 33 other creatives from across the UK.

The special Covid-Edition is honouring freelancers for acts of kindness from championing mental health and the Black Lives Matter movement to supporting frontline workers and fundraising for the NHS.

Andy himself has been nominated for; providing work free of charge for struggling businesses and start-ups. The Liverpool John Moores University graduate, who has been a graphic designer for six years, provided an entire branding package for a Liverpool-based tech company that was just starting out.

Understanding how difficult it can be to create a business at the best of times, Andy knew that during COVID-19, it would be much harder. Supplying a full brand package, pitch video and supporting materials – totally free of charge as a good will gesture – the tech company was raring to go without the usual start up costs.

He’s also helped other businesses providing his services at a very low cost to keep them afloat during this uncertain time. Andy, who works with companies such as James Troop & Co Ltd, MyLegal, Creative Peak and Advanced Aesthetics.

He was nominated for the awards by his clients In Focus Consulting, HeselTech, VerifiiD and Owen Peters Photography. They detailed their experience working with Andy on branding and web design projects, pointing out his incredible attention to detail and knowledge of his craft.

Andy said: “It’s unbelievable to be nominated for such a prestigious, nationwide award and the largest of its kind in my industry. Helping my clients achieve and exceed their goals is, and always has been, at the forefront of my priorities.

“Winning Freelancer of the Year would be the icing on the cake of what’s been an amazing first year for both me and my clients, even during the pandemic.”