Ollie Cunningham is an award-winning Design Director and founder with 20+ years of experience building brands, digital experiences and creative teams. He combines strategic thinking, creative leadership and design excellence to deliver commercially effective work with lasting impact. He has led brand and product work across identity, websites, UX/UI and design systems, with a strong focus on sustainable design practices and embedding B Corp principles into processes and culture. He also brings hands-on leadership across client relationships, mentoring, and business change.

Ollie Cunningham

Ollie Cunningham is an award-winning Design Director and founder with 20+ years of experience building brands, digital experiences and creative teams. He combines strategic thinking, creative leadership and design excellence to deliver commercially effective work with lasting impact. He has led brand and product work across identity, websites, UX/UI and design systems, with a strong focus on sustainable design practices and embedding B Corp principles into processes and culture. He also brings hands-on leadership across client relationships, mentoring, and business change.

Available to hire

Ollie Cunningham is an award-winning Design Director and founder with 20+ years of experience building brands, digital experiences and creative teams. He combines strategic thinking, creative leadership and design excellence to deliver commercially effective work with lasting impact.

He has led brand and product work across identity, websites, UX/UI and design systems, with a strong focus on sustainable design practices and embedding B Corp principles into processes and culture. He also brings hands-on leadership across client relationships, mentoring, and business change.

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Work Experience

Creative Director and Founder at Colectivo (Colectivo / Colectivo.uk)
July 1, 2026 - Present
Design studio and freelance creative resource for creative agencies and various clients, supporting brand and digital work as an external creative function.
Design Director at Lane, Edinburgh
December 1, 2017 - July 1, 2026
Delivered 30+ brand identities and 20+ websites, led numerous UX/UI projects, and built two (software) design systems. Directed work across sustainable design practices and led successful B Corp certification, embedding sustainability into process and culture. Key clients included Changeworks, Scottish SPCA, MetaMetrics, Walter Scott, RHASS, Carnegie UK, Lazyday Foods, Edinburgh Airport, Taylors Snacks, Semestry, Tribal Group, and others.
Creative Director at Wyoming Interactive, Edinburgh
April 1, 2017 - November 1, 2017
Led a team of designers and UX specialists, delivering projects for digital and UX needs. Key work included campaigns and product/digital design for clients such as RentalCars.com, Scotch Malt Whisky Association and Thermo Fisher.
Senior Designer at The Lane Agency
March 1, 2016 - March 31, 2017
Provided senior design support across client work including brand/digital outputs and art-direction-led content. Contributed to design and delivery for multiple campaigns and websites.
Senior Designer (Freelance) at Freelance
October 1, 2015 - February 29, 2016
Freelance design role for a range of clients across retail, charity and FMCG. Produced digital and design deliverables including web and creative assets.
Head of Design at Blu UK, Edinburgh
August 1, 2012 - October 31, 2015
Led a multi-channel FMCG brand launch across TV, OOH digital, and in-store activation. Designed FMCG packaging and supported broader creative direction for launch and commercial outcomes.
Lead Digital Designer at Arcadia Group, London
September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2012
Worked across e-commerce redesigns and art direction for content photoshoots, including work for Jack Wills/Aubin & Wills during the period.
Digital Designer at Jack Wills / Aubin & Wills, London
February 1, 2008 - August 1, 2009
Supported seasonal redesigns of the e-commerce website and designed catalogues and in-store materials for retail brand teams.

Education

BA (Hons) Graphic Design, 2:1 at Teesside University
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2003
BA (Hons) Graphic Design, 2:1 at Teesside University
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003

Qualifications

B Corp certification (led implementation)
January 1, 2019 - August 27, 2026
BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design (Distinction)
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
4 A Levels
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1998

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Retail, Software & Internet, Travel & Hospitality, Financial Services
    Goldcrest Brand Identity
    Consolidating a suite of retail brands into one timeless masterbrand.
    Campbells Meat E-com Website
    Translating a new brand positioning in a premium website design that reflected the quality of the produce.
    Walter Scott Brand Identity and Assett Rollout
    Capturing a single investment approach with a timeless identity for a renowned growth equity partner.
    RHASS Brand Identity and Website
    Modernising a 240-year-old charity to change perceptions and engage a broader audience with a new brand and a more user friendly website.
    MOWI Progressive Web App Design
    A single source of truth to align global sales teams for the biggest provider of salmon in the world. The PWA enabled teams across the world to access up to date information without internet connection.
    Murray Beith Murray Brand and Website
    A luxury brand for high-net-worth individuals seeking legal advice.
    Lazy Day Branding and Packaging Design
    Brand identity, packaging design and website. Putting a smile on the face of a gluten-free food brand to increase sales. Star Awards Winner for Brand Development, 2023.