05.05.26
To mark Dundee Month of Design, our fourth edition of Creative Base is putting the spotlight on just a few of the city’s many designers – highlighting the incredible variety and breadth of work that has helped earn Dundee’s UNESCO City of Design designation!
We’ve asked them to share some insights into their work, what it means for them to be designers in Dundee, and what could be improved to ensure a better and brighter future for other designers and creative practitioners in the city.
In the spirit of collective working and ‘passing the mic’, we’ve also asked them to share other Dundee creatives whose work they admire, are inspired by, or just think you’d like to know about!
I’m the founder of GADGIE, a fashion and creative practice rooted in Scottish working-class identity. My work sits across fashion, textiles, and visual storytelling. I’m interested in how everyday culture, subcultures, and upbringing shape style and identity. Alongside garments, I’m also developing publications and projects that document and celebrate the communities I come from, using design as a way to represent and empower them.
Working in Dundee keeps my practice grounded. It’s where I grew up, and most of my work comes directly from the people, places, and culture around me. There’s a strong sense of community here, especially within smaller creative circles. At the same time, being based here can feel slightly outside the main industry hubs, which makes it more important to create your own opportunities and spaces. That independence has really shaped how I approach my work.
More accessible, long-term support would make a big difference – especially for emerging and working-class creatives. There are opportunities, but they can feel short-term or difficult to sustain. More affordable studio spaces with long-term security, consistent funding, and clearer pathways into creative industries would help people stay and grow their practice in Dundee. It’s also important to recognise and support grassroots projects, as they’re often where the most authentic and community-driven work is happening.
High Anxiety – A photojournalist with a strong identity rooted in raw, real experiences. His work balances darker themes with moments of unexpected beauty and resilience, making it both honest and impactful.
Tayside Region – A visual artist whose work blends humour with everyday lived experiences – especially if you’ve grown up in a ‘working-class Scotland’. It’s relatable, observational, and the kind of work that people connect with instantly – something you’d want in your space because it feels familiar and real.
Website / Linkedin / Instagram
For me, design is about learning, communication, sensemaking and empathy. I’m a design educator mostly, so my jam is supporting others to design and develop their own skills. I co-direct Service Design Academy where we help people think about how their services work (or could work) so that they solve problems for people, can be accessed by everybody that needs to use them, and aren’t frustrating or difficult to use. As a freelancer at V&A Dundee, I help folks of all ages to connect with and get inspired by design and creativity. In my own work I create and share stories, information, and stuff I think is cool.
Growing up I was quiet in public and full of questions and curiosity at home. I went through school without a frame of reference for my queer identity and managing life with autism nobody (including myself) knew was there. I learned about making stuff, being critical, observing, taking photos, coding, and always learning from mistakes, but art and design felt like something for someone else. When I left school I (eventually) found DJCAD, Creative Dundee (and the Amps Network), DCA, designers, artists, freelancers, festivals, exhibitions, and… myself. Dundee’s my home, the soil from which I can grow. I wouldn’t be a designer – or even me – without it!
Funding and high-quality public spaces! The financial means and safe and accessible places to create, to be, to explore, to try things, to make, to sell, to share, to love, and to experience things that aren’t so easy to do at home or by yourself. There’s a whole host of cool people and places out there in Dundee – there’s a reason we’re a UNESCO City of Design – but so many of them involve knowing they’re there, finding people to go with, being able to afford access, and feeling comfortable and safe around new people and uncertainty. I’d love to see culture and community in Dundee visible, safe, secure, funded, inclusive, and thriving.
Jamie Stein – Jamie is an exceptionally talented graphic designer, educator, storyteller, and typography specialist. Jamie’s practice isn’t just about gorgeous typography and colours, he depicts a feeling, a story, a personality, or an identity through type, layout, pattern, and carefully crafted language. I’m collaborating with Jamie for an exhibition running throughout Dundee Month of Design at Volk Gallery. He’s also working on a beautiful rebrand of Service Design Academy that I just can’t wait to share!
Kim Anderson – Kim is a Service Design Network Accredited Master, published author, and all-round good human. She is an oracle of design, empathy, and accessibility wisdom. If the undercover crime fighting duo Buck and Wanda from Bones had a design education counterpart, it’d be Kim and Connor. Design is a tricky activity to do alone, but with Kim by your side, you’re unstoppable! We’re so lucky to have her as Director of Curriculum, Accreditation, and Partnerships at SDA.
I trained as a printed textile designer and my work is centred around pattern, using a wide range of materials such as vitreous enamel, paper and brass. My practice uses ornamentation to interrogate British and South Asian textile design histories.
Dundee is a supportive place for creatives. The DCA print studio is a great resource, with a community of printers and incredibly knowledgeable staff. Recently I spent a month in Whanganui making connections with the design community, as part of The UNESCO City of Design Textile Legacies residency exchange between Dundee and Whanganui.
Cheaper studio space.
Aymeric Renoud – use of waste material from the whisky distilling and a very talented maker.
Halley Stevensons – a long history of creating waxed cotton and weatherproofed fabrics, started in 1864.
Very Evil Demons is a worker co-operative game development studio here in Dundee. We like making strange and quirky videogames, and helping other teams of creative people realise their visions!
Dundee is the birthplace and beating heart of the Scottish games industry, as well as a creative hotspot. There are so many wonderful people here for us to work with in so many different creative fields, and it inspires us every day. We’re also members of Biome Collective, alongside lots of other local artists and designers. There, we all get a lot of value out of sharing our work and motivating each other!
It can often be difficult for creatives to explore ideas to the fullest with everyday financial pressures or with a lack of tools, work-space, and ways to show their work to the public. Increased funding and support for local creative spaces would be a great way to allow more creatives to get together and create interesting new works to share with the city of Dundee!
We’d like to highlight two other designers from Dundee; Niall Moody and Claire Morwood.
Niall Moody’s newsletter, here and then gone, is a constant inspiration to us. In each monthly issue, Niall creates a new tiny experimental and ephemeral artwork, and pairs it with a lovely list of recommended readings. It always gets us excited and motivated to explore new things. The artworks are only available for a short time each, and their temporary nature makes them that much more compelling.
Claire Morwood creates fascinating digital-physical mixed media hybrid art. Her recent long-term project Asterism is a combination of a music album and video game; each track of the album is presented as a playable music video, each with its own style and selection of graphics produced from real-world materials like clay, fabric, torn paper, and even geological sediment patterns. Her work reminds us that digital and physical art are not in opposition to each other, and are in fact very powerful complementary practices – and that it can be so much fun to explore each and every different artistic medium.
I am a freelance graphic designer. More specifically, I’m a brand-focused graphic designer. Most of my work involves either building visual identities or developing projects that need a clear, consistent visual communication. I often work on content development/restructuring as well as the visual design work.
I have a background in illustration, so I love using bespoke illustrations as a way of adding more personality or a human touch to projects. I’m particularly interested in creating visual identities with custom ownable assets, rather than generic visuals.
There’s a corporate side to the work I do, so I wouldn’t say I feel very involved with the creative scene in Dundee. But I do get a strong impression that the creatives in Dundee really care about the city. Because Dundee is a small city, it’s a lot easier for people to make an impact. I love living and working in Dundee. I’m not from Dundee, but I moved here on purpose. Things feel a bit more grounded here, it’s easier to keep a good work/life balance without getting caught up in the grind of a big city. There’s a lot of green space, and the 12-hour workday is not the norm.
I’d like to see more consideration given to local creatives when tenders are issued within the city. There’s a lot of talent here from people who have been part of Dundee’s transformation and understand both the local market and how the city is shaping its identity. At the moment, projects are often awarded to studios based elsewhere (such as Brighton or Suffolk or even overseas), which means a lot of local insight and capability goes underused. Maybe there could be some scoring towards locality, or at least a requirement to demonstrate an understanding of the local area.
I collaborate a lot with Cat Loots. She’s a great illustrator, but also a very skilled brand designer. We’ve been working together for years, our portfolios are very much intertwined. She’s a multi-disciplinary designer, probably better known for running woodworking company No Comply.
Jamie at Stein Design has a really positive influence on the local design scene. He clearly cares about what he does, and that comes through in the work. He also seems genuinely interested in supporting other creatives in Dundee, I find a lot of value in collaborating with people who care about the city.
We are architects who design buildings which are a joy to live, play, learn and work within – one client described this as ‘dream-catching’ which sums it up beautifully.
Eco design is at the centre of all our projects, including dramatically reducing energy and carbon use during construction and building life, careful specification of new and salvaged materials, lifecycle analysis and local sources of materials and labour. We work on projects across Scotland and as far away as sub-Antarctica. This includes homes, schools, offices, exhibition and arts buildings, and more.
It’s a very collaborative process, rooting our work in applied research and practical innovation, exploring ideas on a project by project basis with each client and learning from one another. Since we set up in practice 15 years ago, the landscape of eco construction has changed a lot and we have worked hard to be part of changing that. We are really passionate about how we as designers can evolve to create in a way that continuously improves the end result for clients, and reduces the environmental impact.
Dundee is a wonderful place to work as there is a really strong design community woven into the DNA of the city, with a whole range of people doing exciting work in different design capacities. We also have a fantastic view of the Tay estuary from our offices, and the changing light throughout the day makes everything feel special. Combined with online working, we can run a global practice from a beautiful spot.
Creative Dundee has always done a really good job of linking up the micro design practices in and around the city. Maintaining a hub and focus for this is really important. Back in the day when we first set up the practice in 2011, we worked from ‘Fleet Collective’. This was a co-working space for creatives and the community was wonderful. I still think back to sharing lunch around a big table, learning about all the different ways people create, making friendships and professional connections that still endure, 15 years later.
It’s really hard to pick out only two people from the myriad out there!
We are working with Aymeric Renoud of Draff. He designs and makes beautiful furniture. We have some of his work in our office, and he is working for one of our clients just now. It is great to be able to hand over a sketch concept to him, collaborate and know that he will bring that ‘something extra’ so it will be beautifully designed, detailed and built.
And someone else who is rooted in the design and art community of Dundee, whose work is really blossoming over the last few years is Anton Beaver. He is a maker and artist. His work is abstract, influenced by the coastal light and changing atmospheric conditions and created with a plasterer’s trowel. He is also a great person to have a chat to about creative ideas, looking at things from different perspectives and teasing out ideas.
I’m a product designer who has explored the world of materials through my varied projects. My portfolio is a bit of a whirlwind, ranging from ceramic candlestands and solid wood furniture to locomotive dashboards using FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer) and sheet metal and even blown-glass chandeliers!
Since moving to Dundee, I’ve pivoted into Service Design and Design Research, but at my core, I’m all about people. I truly believe every great solution starts with a solid conversation. For me, design is about empathy and collaboration; it’s the incredible creative community here that keeps my practice grounded.
My journey began in India and eventually led me to the City of Design for my Master’s at DJCAD. After practising here for over a year, I’ve realised that Dundee’s magic lies in its community. It’s a place where I can bring my unique perspective while collaborating with talent from across the globe. Grounding my work here in Dundee means more than just finding opportunities; it’s about paving the way for more Indian creatives to be recognised and celebrated in Scotland’s vibrant scene. It’s about making connections that genuinely matter.
Although Dundee has flourished in the world of design over the last few years, I believe there’s room to lean even further into its global potential. We have incredible local talent, but the city would truly benefit from amplifying more diverse, international voices. For international graduates, feeling “seen” in an increasingly competitive market is vital. By fostering better representation and creating stronger pipelines for international talent to stay and grow here, we can turn Dundee into a truly global design hub where every creative practitioner feels they have the support to make their mark.
First, I must give a special shout-out to Connor Finlayson, a brilliant service designer and fellow Amps member. They focus on social change and accessibility, solving complex problems with a deeply human mindset. Connor actually introduced me to this community!
Then there’s Lee Johnstone, a Design Researcher at the V&A Dundee. Her journey was a huge inspiration when I first arrived. Her journey as a designer inspired me during my introduction to the city and all it has to offer: the university, the design community and the dream of working at the V&A Dundee. Her journey reassured me of my decision to study and practice design in Dundee.
I am a costume designer working in film and TV. I am based between Dundee and London but Dundee is where I store and maintain my kit and my extensive collection of period clothing. When friends in the Scottish costume community heard I had moved my stock to Dundee, they began visiting and renting items from me for films shooting in Scotland, consequently my personal costume collection has gradually become a boutique rental house for small productions and principal characters.
I’m originally from Dundee, so setting up back here has been a pleasure because I’m no longer a visitor in my own home town. I have purpose and I’ve reconnected with the creative community, both here and in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Since setting up, I’ve found people here who work in the film industry – unheard of when I moved to London in the 1980’s – this supports my hope that housing my costume collection in Dundee can help spread the word to young people, perhaps like I was, who don’t even know such jobs exist, so they might not have to move to London to discover it.
I can’t really comment properly on what would improve things here because I don’t live in Dundee all year round but I have been told many times that Dundee lacks creative spaces for artists to show their work, with that in mind I have kept one beautiful floor of our old mill building empty for private showcases and short creative projects whilst we work on plans to create a gallery which, all going well, will be able to open to the public and can be rented by artists and curators for projects of their choosing.
I’m an interior and environmental designer and artist based in Dundee, working through DD Editions and DIX Design. I reimagine existing spaces and build inspiring interiors around carefully sourced furniture, art, objects, and materials that bring depth and character. My projects span residential and commercial work, often involving spaces with quirks, history, and complexity. I collaborate with local makers and fabricators, and my practice sits somewhere between design, making, and collecting. I create environments that feel lived-in, expressive, and rooted in a strong sense of place.
Since graduating from DJCAD in 1998, I’ve seen Dundee shift and grow into a truly creative city. The DCA, the waterfront development, and the V&A were all turning points – the kind of changes that made it feel exciting to stay and build something here. Choosing Dundee over larger Scottish cities felt natural; it’s more affordable, better connected than people expect, and gives
you the freedom to work across the UK while still being part of a close, generous creative community.
As someone running a business in Dundee, it can feel like opportunities are lost through a lack of exposure or championing of what we already have. Much of my work happens outside the area, yet there is huge development potential within the city. Dundee has two challenges that could support each other: empty or under-used areas that risk becoming derelict, and a creative community full of energy. Creating hubs or designated zones where designers and makers can work, collaborate, and be visible would revitalise these spaces while showcasing the talent that already exists here.
Ieva Jankovska – A contemporary jewellery designer and maker based at Double Door Studios. I love her innovative use of materials, sculptural forms, and the way she brings computer-aided design into her process. Her work feels architectural, experimental, and beautifully refined.
Luis Alcada – A comedian, poet, promoter and – according to Instagram – occasional underwear model! I met Luis at a Creative Dundee Amps event and he was naturally funny. I like that comedy culture is gaining momentum in Dundee, and Luis is central to that growth through his work and promotion.
Website / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok
I’m a jeweller/goldsmith based in Dundee. I create bespoke jewellery on a commission basis, working closely with clients to design meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces, alongside producing collections that I sell through stockists. Alongside my making practice, I teach both group and one-to-one classes. These range from supporting jewellers who want to refine or expand their skills, to people who are completely new to jewellery making and looking to begin or develop their creative journey.
I specialise in jewellery that carries meaning. My work goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about sentiment, story, and craftsmanship coming together. I’m particularly interested in creating pieces that mark moments, relationships, and personal narratives, and that are made to last for generations.
Dundee has an incredibly vibrant and supportive creative community. There is so much talent here, and it genuinely feels like a city that champions creativity. Although I originally come from just outside Glasgow, I’ve never experienced the same sense of creative community that I have in Dundee. It feels collaborative, encouraging, and inspiring, and that makes a huge difference to my practice.
Greater promotion and visibility of creative work would make a real difference, and not all of the same artists on rotation. There are so many talented creatives in Dundee, and more could be done to champion their work and make people aware of what’s being made here.
It would also be great to see more affordable creative spaces. Many people begin a creative career with real potential but are forced to step away due to a lack of financial support or access to suitable spaces. It’s difficult to see talent being lost when the issue isn’t ability, but resources.
Yolla Studio – Run by Lily, who is an absolute powerhouse of energy. She handmakes fun, bold bags in a wide range of shapes and sizes. I own several myself — they’re incredibly versatile and full of personality. She’s also a studio neighbour, so I get to see her products evolving all the time. Lily is genuinely one of the hardest working creatives I know.
Lydia Smith – I love Lydia’s work — her photographs are beautifully atmospheric and feel deeply narrative. Each image tells a story and has a real emotional depth. I admire her eye and would love to collaborate with her one day, particularly for a photoshoot of my own work.
Huge thanks to everyone for taking the time to share with us! Don’t miss our other Creative Base features, spotlighting more of the talented folks who have made Dundee their creative home.
Find out more about Dundee’s creative scene in our Collectives in the City series exploring the city’s grassroots creative projects and organisations, shop local with our Makers Gift Guides, or browse our blogs for more in depth insights from the city’s creative practitioners.
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