About Me
There...I’ve Said It
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. However, my career’s steeped in brand strategy, visual identity and communication design, so I know it works, and I know how to do it well.
What to do? Well, my solution is to work with clients that contribute to the common good – social enterprises, charities, voluntary associations and community groups. I help them in two ways. First up, I offer a flexible programme of drop-in sessions, workshops and short courses that equip them with the skills and techniques they need to connect with the people they want to reach. I also devise and design brand strategies, visual identities and engagement campaigns for socially-focussed clients across Scotland. If you think I might be able to help you, then please get in touch (+).
Career Timeline: 2019-Present
I launched my current studio in 2019, and focus specifically on providing accessible and affordable routes to high quality brand strategy and communication design for common good organisations. However you’d like to work, I can help:
- If you’re looking for advice, you can book my online drop-in sessions by the hour to get input on any aspect of brand strategy or communication design you’d like to raise.
- I also offer a range of brand definition workshops (+) that will help you identify your unique brand voice, and embed it throughout your organisation.
- My ‘Brand Kit Essentials’ programme allows you to create your own logo and identity toolkit, with different levels of support from me.
- I can provide bespoke training in any area of brand communication that you might want to address.
- And, of course, you can also commission me to devise and design brand strategies, visual identities and engagement campaigns that will connect with your audiences across all channels.
I’m a Supporter Member of Social Enterprise Scotland (+) and an Associate Member of Glasgow Social Enterprise Network (+), where I’ve also been a board member since March 2022. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch (+).
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 2023