About Me
Branding as a Force for Good
OK. Here’s the thing. As I see it, our way of life increasingly relies on our ability to persuade each other to buy products, services and lifestyles we don’t need, don’t want and can’t afford. I don’t think that’s sustainable, and I don’t want to be part of that process.
What to do? Well, my solution is to work with social impact organisations – charities, community groups, social enterprises, voluntary associations, campaigners, B Corps and so on. I help them connect with the people they need to reach in order to maximise their social impact and achieve their strategic objectives. Using the power of branding as a force for good.
If you think I might be able to help you, please get in touch.
Career Timeline: 2019-Present
I launched my current studio in 2019, and work with social impact organisations across the UK. There are four strands to my work: brand definition and development; training and mentoring in brand communication; brand strategy research and consultancy; and the design of visual identities and brand assets.
I’m a Supporter Member of Social Enterprise Scotland and an Associate Member of Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, where I’ve also served on the board.
2006-19: Red Empire
Between 2006 and 2019, I worked under the studio name, Red Empire. Operating as a one-person creative agency, regular clients included The Confucius Institute for Scotland, Glasgow City Heritage Trust and The University of Glasgow. I also created identities for The Scottish Fiscal Commission and Mitchells Roberton Solicitors, among many others.
2015: Borrowed Light
In 2015, The Lighthouse (Scotland’s Centre for Design & Architecture) hosted my solo exhibition, ‘Borrowed Light’. It featured nine large-scale, abstract, photographic prints. Contrary to initial appearances, all the images were generated from everyday domestic objects, and were created entirely in-camera, without specialist lighting. You can see the full Borrowed Light portfolio, along with some of my other personal projects, here.
2015: The Only Way is Ethics
In 2015, I took on the role of Festival Manager for The Only Way is Ethics – an 8-day, 20-venue, 50-event festival that took place across Glasgow. The aim of the festival was to encourage and promote ethical thinking in all walks of life, with a particular focus on social inclusion, social responsibility, environmental protection and animal rights.
2009-2012: Touch Sensitive
Between 2009 and 2012 I curated Touch Sensitive, a self-generated dual-language music project. Aimed at promoting new music from Scotland and Spain, it culminated in the release of a limited edition CD album entitled ‘2×6’.
1997-2002: Chemikal Underground & Other Labels
Between 1997 and 2002 I created artwork for over 60 records. During that time I worked with many different bands and labels, but I was most closely associated with the highly influential Chemikal Underground Records.
My credits include ‘Philophobia’ by Arab Strap and ‘Come On Die Young’ by Mogwai – both UK Top 40 albums – and ‘Pull the Wires from the Wall’ by the Delgados, a John Peel Festive 50 Number 1 single.
1994-2005: Glasgow Caledonian University
My CV also includes 11 years as Senior Designer at Glasgow Caledonian University, where I was instrumental in establishing the in-house Design Studio. I was a key member of the team responsible for implementing the rebranding as the institution evolved from Glasgow College, through Glasgow Polytechnic to become Glasgow Caledonian University.
© Adam Piggot 2025