We Are
nmcDesign.
We’re not here to wallpaper the world with pretty logos.
nmcDesign builds identities that stand for something. From arts organisations to national sports campaigns, we work with purpose-driven people who want their message to connect—and land with impact.
If you’re looking for creative that’s bold, human, and grounded in real strategy, you’re in the right place.
From Recession to Reinvention
nmcDesign was born somewhere between necessity and belief.
It started in Garter Lane Arts Centre, where Neill, mid-career shift, mid-recovery, mid-recession, was crafting graphics on the side while working on outreach. One identity project led to another, until Waterford Walls came calling in 2018. That was the inflection point. More clients followed. The agency became official.
But the seed was planted even earlier, in 2016, when one person—Ritchie—saw something in Neill and offered him his first solo identity job. It wasn’t just a gig. It was permission to go all in.
What followed was a rejection of post-Celtic Tiger bravado, “exposure” gigs, and small-town design cliques. nmcDesign was built on straight talk, solid work, and a quiet belief that creativity shouldn’t come with bullshit.
The Human Behind the Brand
Design wasn’t always on the cards. Engineering was first—then hospital portering, then product design in early-2000s Cardiff, where Neill fell into a world buzzing with art, music, and rough-edged creativity.
He’s travelled. He’s lived in New Zealand, Canada, Alaska. And he’s learned from each stop that people are wired for story, connection, and creativity.
His work is defined by clear thinking, sharp visuals, and a no-nonsense ethos. You won’t get fluff. You’ll get someone who listens hard, challenges with care, and helps you figure out what really needs to be said—and how to say it loud.
Partners, Not Passengers
We work with marketing teams, developers, strategists, and filmmakers. We build squads based on trust and talent, not job titles.
No pencil gets lifted without a proper conversation. We ask questions. We go deep. And we keep it real all the way through. If we’re not vibing creatively or personally, we’ll both feel it. So we keep it honest.
What We Do. What We Don’t.
We do:
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World-class design
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Visual identities
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Strategic campaigns
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Obsess over detail
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Collaborate hard
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Make things, break things, make them better
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High-five
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Grunge design (yes, still.)
We don’t:
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Sacrifice quality for profit
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Work late for poor planning
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Pretend we’ve got a sales team
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Resist cake
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Fax anything
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Work for free
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Tolerate egos
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Chase impossible deadlines
What to Expect When You Work With Us
First step? Reach out. Email, form, WhatsApp, voice note—it all works. Just say:
“I’ve a project in mind, you may be able to help.”
Then we chat—no obligation, no fee. We see if there’s a fit.
From there, it’s a structured process. Workshops, research, creative sprints. We’ll present at agreed stages, gather your feedback, refine what matters, and build something that works in the real world.
You’ll be involved. Not overwhelmed.
We use the typical nmcDesign design process—but flex where needed. If something’s complex, we dig deeper. If it’s simple, we keep it lean. It’s co-creation with brains turned on.
Music, Mugs + The Agency Dog
Meet Nell—Head of Urban Visual Stimulation and unofficial wellbeing officer. She’s a bichon/poodle mix with strong opinions on walk times and no time for mediocre design. She’s the reason Neill gets out for fresh air and fresh perspective.
Fun fact: it took three months before someone pointed out there’s only one letter between Neill and Nell. Make of that what you will.
Studio life is casual but focused. There’s usually coffee brewing, a dog under the desk, and a decent playlist.
Work kicks off around 8:30, but emails wait till 9:30—because diving in cold never helps the thinking flow.
It’s a “say anything, ask anything” kind of place. The only bad question is the one you didn’t ask.
Why It Matters
We believe design should feel like something. If it doesn’t stir something in the gut, it’s just decoration.
Too much of what’s out there is noise. We help you find the signal.
Whether we’re building brands for arts festivals or rolling out campaigns for national sports bodies, the work is always human. Always strategic. Always you.
Let’s Have a Chat
If something you’ve read here feels like it clicks—get in touch.
No suits. No pressure.
Just a proper conversation.