DESIGN BUILT TO LAST, NOT JUST BLEND IN... Hi, my name is William, and welcome to 1980 Design Studio — my independent design practice focused on building bold, enduring brands. I craft visual identities that balance creativity with strategy, creating design that challenges the ordinary while remaining rooted in clarity, purpose, and longevity. From brand systems and print to wall art, signage, and advertising, I help businesses express who they are through considered, physical design that commands attention across multiple touchpoints. Every project is led by strong creative direction and a belief that design should be felt in the real world — not lost in trends or diluted by sameness. With over fourteen years of experience across print, signage, and the wider creative industry, I focus on quality, practicality, and execution. A strong brand demands more than good ideas — it requires the right materials, the right applications, and solutions built to perform. My approach ensures every asset is crafted with precision, durability, and intent, supporting your brand not just today, but for years to come.

1980 Design Studios

5.0 (2 reviews)

DESIGN BUILT TO LAST, NOT JUST BLEND IN... Hi, my name is William, and welcome to 1980 Design Studio — my independent design practice focused on building bold, enduring brands. I craft visual identities that balance creativity with strategy, creating design that challenges the ordinary while remaining rooted in clarity, purpose, and longevity. From brand systems and print to wall art, signage, and advertising, I help businesses express who they are through considered, physical design that commands attention across multiple touchpoints. Every project is led by strong creative direction and a belief that design should be felt in the real world — not lost in trends or diluted by sameness. With over fourteen years of experience across print, signage, and the wider creative industry, I focus on quality, practicality, and execution. A strong brand demands more than good ideas — it requires the right materials, the right applications, and solutions built to perform. My approach ensures every asset is crafted with precision, durability, and intent, supporting your brand not just today, but for years to come.

Available to hire

DESIGN BUILT TO LAST, NOT JUST BLEND IN…

Hi, my name is William, and welcome to 1980 Design Studio — my independent design practice focused on building bold, enduring brands. I craft visual identities that balance creativity with strategy, creating design that challenges the ordinary while remaining rooted in clarity, purpose, and longevity.

From brand systems and print to wall art, signage, and advertising, I help businesses express who they are through considered, physical design that commands attention across multiple touchpoints. Every project is led by strong creative direction and a belief that design should be felt in the real world — not lost in trends or diluted by sameness.

With over fourteen years of experience across print, signage, and the wider creative industry, I focus on quality, practicality, and execution. A strong brand demands more than good ideas — it requires the right materials, the right applications, and solutions built to perform. My approach ensures every asset is crafted with precision, durability, and intent, supporting your brand not just today, but for years to come.

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Language

Work Experience

Graphic Designer & Operations Manager at Appeal Media
July 6, 2020 - August 31, 2025
Large Format Printer & Graphic Designer at Specialized Signs
June 30, 2015 - June 30, 2020

Education

BA (Hons) Visual Design & Communication at Perth UHI
August 23, 2010 - May 30, 2014

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Visual Design & Communication
August 16, 2010 - April 11, 2014

Industry Experience

Other, Government, Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Wholesale & Distribution
    uniE621 Ridge & Vale - Brand Design
    Target Audience • Outdoor and landscape photographers • Hiking and adventure-led creatives • Individuals seeking an alternative to traditional creative career paths • Photographers who value community, mentorship, and shared experience • Creatives who respect nature and work responsibly within it This audience is practical, self-motivated, and values authenticity over hype. Project Focus: Brand identity and visual system for an outdoor lifestyle photography collective, designed to balance professionalism, community, and a quietly rebellious approach to creative work beyond conventional structures. Design Intent The intent behind Ridge & Vale was to create a brand system that reflects the discipline, patience, and commitment required in outdoor photography. Rather than leaning into trends or exaggerated adventure aesthetics, the focus was on building a restrained, durable identity that feels at home in both remote environments and professional contexts. The visual language balances clean geometry with raw landscape imagery, reinforcing the relationship between exploration and craft. Every element was designed to translate confidently across physical applications, from print and signage to apparel and vehicles, ensuring the brand feels considered, grounded, and built to last rather than momentary or disposable. webdesigner
    uniE621 Ridge & Vale - Brand Design
    Target Audience • Outdoor and landscape photographers • Hiking and adventure-led creatives • Individuals seeking an alternative to traditional creative career paths • Photographers who value community, mentorship, and shared experience • Creatives who respect nature and work responsibly within it This audience is practical, self-motivated, and values authenticity over hype. Project Focus: Brand identity and visual system for an outdoor lifestyle photography collective, designed to balance professionalism, community, and a quietly rebellious approach to creative work beyond conventional structures. Design Intent The intent behind Ridge & Vale was to create a brand system that reflects the discipline, patience, and commitment required in outdoor photography. Rather than leaning into trends or exaggerated adventure aesthetics, the focus was on building a restrained, durable identity that feels at home in both remote environments and professional contexts. The visual language balances clean geometry with raw landscape imagery, reinforcing the relationship between exploration and craft. Every element was designed to translate confidently across physical applications, from print and signage to apparel and vehicles, ensuring the brand feels considered, grounded, and built to last rather than momentary or disposable.
    uniE621 Ridge & Vale - Brand Design
    Target Audience • Outdoor and landscape photographers • Hiking and adventure-led creatives • Individuals seeking an alternative to traditional creative career paths • Photographers who value community, mentorship, and shared experience • Creatives who respect nature and work responsibly within it This audience is practical, self-motivated, and values authenticity over hype. Project Focus: Brand identity and visual system for an outdoor lifestyle photography collective, designed to balance professionalism, community, and a quietly rebellious approach to creative work beyond conventional structures. Design Intent The intent behind Ridge & Vale was to create a brand system that reflects the discipline, patience, and commitment required in outdoor photography. Rather than leaning into trends or exaggerated adventure aesthetics, the focus was on building a restrained, durable identity that feels at home in both remote environments and professional contexts. The visual language balances clean geometry with raw landscape imagery, reinforcing the relationship between exploration and craft. Every element was designed to translate confidently across physical applications, from print and signage to apparel and vehicles, ensuring the brand feels considered, grounded, and built to last rather than momentary or disposable.
    uniE621 Ridge & Vale - Brand Design
    Target Audience • Outdoor and landscape photographers • Hiking and adventure-led creatives • Individuals seeking an alternative to traditional creative career paths • Photographers who value community, mentorship, and shared experience • Creatives who respect nature and work responsibly within it This audience is practical, self-motivated, and values authenticity over hype. Project Focus: Brand identity and visual system for an outdoor lifestyle photography collective, designed to balance professionalism, community, and a quietly rebellious approach to creative work beyond conventional structures. Design Intent The intent behind Ridge & Vale was to create a brand system that reflects the discipline, patience, and commitment required in outdoor photography. Rather than leaning into trends or exaggerated adventure aesthetics, the focus was on building a restrained, durable identity that feels at home in both remote environments and professional contexts. The visual language balances clean geometry with raw landscape imagery, reinforcing the relationship between exploration and craft. Every element was designed to translate confidently across physical applications, from print and signage to apparel and vehicles, ensuring the brand feels considered, grounded, and built to last rather than momentary or disposable.
    uniE621 Ridge & Vale - Brand Design
    Target Audience • Outdoor and landscape photographers • Hiking and adventure-led creatives • Individuals seeking an alternative to traditional creative career paths • Photographers who value community, mentorship, and shared experience • Creatives who respect nature and work responsibly within it This audience is practical, self-motivated, and values authenticity over hype. Project Focus: Brand identity and visual system for an outdoor lifestyle photography collective, designed to balance professionalism, community, and a quietly rebellious approach to creative work beyond conventional structures. Design Intent The intent behind Ridge & Vale was to create a brand system that reflects the discipline, patience, and commitment required in outdoor photography. Rather than leaning into trends or exaggerated adventure aesthetics, the focus was on building a restrained, durable identity that feels at home in both remote environments and professional contexts. The visual language balances clean geometry with raw landscape imagery, reinforcing the relationship between exploration and craft. Every element was designed to translate confidently across physical applications, from print and signage to apparel and vehicles, ensuring the brand feels considered, grounded, and built to last rather than momentary or disposable.
    uniE621 Ridge & Vale - Brand Design
    Target Audience • Outdoor and landscape photographers • Hiking and adventure-led creatives • Individuals seeking an alternative to traditional creative career paths • Photographers who value community, mentorship, and shared experience • Creatives who respect nature and work responsibly within it This audience is practical, self-motivated, and values authenticity over hype. Project Focus: Brand identity and visual system for an outdoor lifestyle photography collective, designed to balance professionalism, community, and a quietly rebellious approach to creative work beyond conventional structures. Design Intent The intent behind Ridge & Vale was to create a brand system that reflects the discipline, patience, and commitment required in outdoor photography. Rather than leaning into trends or exaggerated adventure aesthetics, the focus was on building a restrained, durable identity that feels at home in both remote environments and professional contexts. The visual language balances clean geometry with raw landscape imagery, reinforcing the relationship between exploration and craft. Every element was designed to translate confidently across physical applications, from print and signage to apparel and vehicles, ensuring the brand feels considered, grounded, and built to last rather than momentary or disposable.
    uniE621 Always Evolving - Branding and Clothing Designs
    clothing branding logo merchandise A startup Clothing brand designed to promote a new and edgy brand available online only. A brand that strives to be different, a brand that strives to be unique and ultimately a reminder to everyone to Always be themselves.
    paper Ember & Ash Whisky Brand & Packaging

    At Ember & Ash, our mission is to craft exceptional whiskey that honors the untamed beauty of the wild and the timeless bond between fire and stillness. We distill not just spirits, but stories—shaped by mountain stone, forest timber, and ember heat.

    Born in fire. Forged in silence. Shared with purpose.

    This project showcases, Branding, Logo Creation, Livery Solution and packaging solutions across multiple touchpoints from Stationery to a finished Mock-up Design.

    Delving into the history and roots of the brand helped to create this rugged and iconic design pack

    uniE621 Ember & Ash Branding and Stationery Products
    logo branding design packaging stationery merchandise