Karl Sinfield was born in Romford*, Essex in 1971*, and at the age of four, persuaded his parents to move to the North Norfolk coast*. There he learned how to read, write, and eventually ride a bicycle*; skills he has maintained to this day.
After gathering some qualifications, he packed his bags and went to learn about Astrophysics* at Sheffield* University. There he was told that everything happens for a reason, and that reason can usually be boiled down to a mathematical equation*, normally involving a good portion of the Greek alphabet. Summer jobs included harvesting lavender*, and tyre-fitting*. Oh, and one summer he cycled a thousand miles to Northern Spain*, to visit his friend Simon.
He graduated from Sheffield in 1993*, but was reluctant to leave, and spent a year studying English Literature*, and working at a range of temporary posts including a spring factory*, a hospital administration department, and a Jesuit private school*, where he taught Astronomy and Physics to 14 year olds, and in some way helped rock their faith in Jesus.
On Independence Day 1994, Karl joined financial software company Centre-file as a technical author, creating manuals and online help for a workflow* product.
After being traded as part of a corporate buy-out, Karl learnt the principles of user-centred,* information-focused graphic design at the news agency Reuters*, within a team responsible for maximising the usability of the organisation's websites and applications.
Karl left Reuters in 1997 to work with IT solutions company Logica*, where his clients included British Telecom and BP AME. Here he developed his design and client-management skills, producing a wide range of collateral. Projects included intranet and and internet sites, Flash animation, and print & multimedia corporate presentations.
Karl formed publicity and design collective emfoundation* with Keeley Naylor and Angela Smith in 1998, and was a key member of the team, providing design solutions for clients including Channel Four, Columbia TriStar, Metro Tartan, Downtown, 20th Century Fox and Redbus Film Distribution. At that time, Karl aso edited and designed three issues of em writing and music*, the critically acclaimed anthology of short fiction and unsigned "outsider" music.
In 2001 Karl went fully freelance, continuing to work with a wide range of clients, but mostly within the entertainment industry. After four years of non-stop graft, he moved with his partner and baby daughter to the edge of the Peak District, thinking that he could downshift and enjoy a relaxing family life in the countryside.
He was wrong.
But he is having a great time.

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