I have a BA in International Marketing, French & German from Dublin City University, which means that my background is equal parts business and languages. Over the past twenty years as a freelance translator, my areas of specialisation have ranged from market research and finance to art, film and creative translation.
Market research
Having worked for a number of years as a project manager in the NOP Group, I have hands-on experience in both quantitative and qualitative market research.
This means that I can offer my customers that all-important ‘insider view’ in my translations.
Back in 2006, I completed an additional Certificate in Accounting from the Open University, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Although this usually serves as a first step towards further accounting studies, it also proved to be an ideal launchpad for a career in financial translation.
Research has shown that consumers tend to buy on emotion and justify with fact. This means that conveying the emotions, wit and persuasive wording of the original German or French advertising copy is every bit as important as the information it contains. Which, of course, is where my copywriting skills really come into play.
I have been the English translator of choice for various film and TV companies ever since I first set up my stall as a freelance twenty years ago. Even today, one of my favourite things about translating for film and television is that cultural nuances play a vital supporting role. It’s a challenge, but a very rewarding one!
Like all good translators, I am as aware of my limitations as I am of my skills. For example, while I regularly produce online and social media content for a number of chemical companies, I would never accept an assignment that requires an in-depth knowledge of their manufacturing processes.
By the same token, I steer clear of the following areas:
Like all good translators, I am as aware of my limitations as I am of my skills. For example, while I regularly produce online and social media content for a number of chemical companies, I would never accept an assignment that requires an in-depth knowledge of their manufacturing processes.
By the same token, I steer clear of the following areas:
Please note that I translate only from German and French to my native English. If you need another language combination, I will be happy to recommend a suitable colleague.
A few words from my customers
Ian has been one of my most trusted partners for English translations since 2008. With his strong business and financial background, he is always an ideal choice when it comes to translating reports, contracts, presentations and minutes for my main interpreting customers.
Angela Sanchez
semantica
As we serve customers all over the world, we decided to hire a copywriter to write all of our press releases and new website content in English directly. Ian came highly recommended – and sees to all our translation needs as well!
Jan Lepold
Orchestral Tools
Whenever I add new products to my range, I get Ian to write the descriptions. His writing has a lightness of touch that fits perfectly with my range of personalised gifts.
Ruth Wallington
Owner
We are well aware of the importance of clear, compelling communication in our international social media and public relations activities. This is why we send all our content to Ian for translation and revision.
Dr Ina Werxhausen
Director Sustainability & Corporate Communication
Ever since I first worked with Ian in 2019, he has been my translator of choice for everything I publish in English. As well as taking great care and precision in his work, he is well attuned to the nuances and subtleties that are the hallmarks of a superior art translation.
Dr Anne Schloen
Author and art historian
Translation from German and French to English, Copywriting in English
