Naturally curious and creatively driven, I’m a senior designer with 20+ years’ experience building brands through design, illustration and storytelling. My work combines strategic thinking with visual playfulness, always aiming to make people feel something. I’ve created brand and packaging design for food, drink and lifestyle brands, and editorial and campaign work for leading publications. Having been a freelancer for two decades, I can handle tasks alone, no problem, but I thrive in collaborative, hands-on environments where creative ideas come to life through conversation, teamwork and craft.

Ben O’Brien

PRO

Naturally curious and creatively driven, I’m a senior designer with 20+ years’ experience building brands through design, illustration and storytelling. My work combines strategic thinking with visual playfulness, always aiming to make people feel something. I’ve created brand and packaging design for food, drink and lifestyle brands, and editorial and campaign work for leading publications. Having been a freelancer for two decades, I can handle tasks alone, no problem, but I thrive in collaborative, hands-on environments where creative ideas come to life through conversation, teamwork and craft.

Available to hire

Naturally curious and creatively driven, I’m a senior designer with 20+ years’ experience building brands through design, illustration and storytelling.

My work combines strategic thinking with visual playfulness, always aiming to make people feel something. I’ve created brand and packaging design for food, drink and lifestyle brands, and editorial and campaign work for leading publications. Having been a freelancer for two decades, I can handle tasks alone, no problem, but I thrive in collaborative, hands-on environments where creative ideas come to life through conversation, teamwork and craft.

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Work Experience

Senior Creative / Illustrator / Designer at Ben the Illustrator
January 1, 2005 - November 14, 2025
Freelance senior creative, illustrator and designer working with clients worldwide. Lead projects from concept to delivery across illustration, branding, packaging, and editorial. Responsible for client communication, creative direction, and portfolio promotion. Known for a bold, colourful approach that blends storytelling with strategic design thinking.
Brand Designer at Extra Dollop
January 1, 2024 - November 14, 2025
Illustrator and brand designer for independent food and drink brands, creating visual identities and packaging with personality and storytelling at their heart.
Creative Director at Pocket Laboratories Ltd
December 1, 2004 - December 1, 2004
Directed and designed animation and character-led visuals for broadcast and advertising clients. Managed creative teams and oversaw production for major projects with agencies and broadcasters. Clients include: Sky TV, CBeebies, Broadcast Magazine, DDB, BT Yahoo!
Animation Director at Ben O’Brien
May 1, 2002 - May 1, 2002
Directed and produced animated music videos and visuals for international record labels, venues, and cultural organisations. Clients include: Skint Records, Channel 4, Domino Recordings, Fabric, HOME, Sony Japan.

Education

BA (Hons) Animation at University for the Creative Arts
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1999
Diploma in Foundation Studies at Central St. Martins College, London
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1996

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services
    uniE621 Plant Life
    A line-drawn lifestyle illustration showing figurative and plant subjects, in a contemporary but timeless hand-drawn style. illustrator linedrawing contemporary figurative lifestyle
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from ‘The Journal’ a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration
    uniE621 The Journal : Illustrations to mark a 20 year career
    A selection of illustrations taken from 'The Journal' a one month project of posting daily articles and artworks inspired by things I have learnt in my 20 year career. illustrator illustration digitalart adobeillustrator lifestyleillustration storytelling