A purpose-led creative agency.

Purpose-driven creativity in graphic and editorial design, STENCIL offers exceptional jobs, internships and apprenticeships for the best young creative talent through wide-reaching academic and institutional relationships.

ABOUT US

Established

Founded in 2016 by Andy Afford and Sam Bowles, the agency has grown from its humble beginnings in a decommissioned fruit and veg unit in Nottingham's Sneinton Market to become a high-growth design studio.

The agency’s burgeoning reputation is grounded in its ability to attract and retain top-tier young design talent by offering unparalleled and accelerated opportunities for personal and professional growth. This is made possible through formal academic partnerships and strategic alliances, overseen by committed leadership.

Ethos

Diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences create an outstanding working environment, exceptional work, and strong client relationships.

STENCIL employs the very best young creative talent, providing outstanding workplace coaching and professional development.

Client Focus: The studio delivers distinctive results for progressive brands, forward-thinking charities, and aligned institutions.

Excellence

STENCIL has received numerous accolades, most recently:

2023: Goldman Sachs SME Business of the Year and BSME Award-Winner for Art Direction

2024: Multiple BSME nominations, including Diversity & Inclusion, Art Direction Independent, and Best Designer

Social Responsibility

We support various charities, community groups, and enterprises, including Teenage Cancer Trust, Future Dreams, The Cricketers' Trust, Nottingham Young Creative Awards, and Spread a Smile.

Studios

Antenna Building, 91 Beck Street, Nottingham NG1 1EQ

Confetti London, 41 Commercial Road, London E1 1LA

At STENCIL, we're committed to nurturing the development of the very best design talent within a positive and supportive working environment, delivering compelling storytelling through our work.

Established

Ethos

Diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences create an outstanding working environment, exceptional work, and strong client relationships.

STENCIL employs the very best young creative talent, providing outstanding workplace coaching and professional development.

Client Focus: The studio delivers distinctive results for progressive brands, forward-thinking charities, and aligned institutions.

Excellence

STENCIL has received numerous accolades, most recently:

2023: Goldman Sachs SME Business of the Year and BSME Award-Winner for Art Direction

2024: Multiple BSME nominations, including Diversity & Inclusion, Art Direction Independent, and Best Designer

Social Responsibility

We support various charities, community groups, and enterprises, including Teenage Cancer Trust, Future Dreams, The Cricketers' Trust, Nottingham Young Creative Awards, and Spread a Smile.

Studios

Antenna Building, 91 Beck Street, Nottingham NG1 1EQ

Confetti London, 41 Commercial Road, London E1 1LA

At STENCIL, we're committed to nurturing the development of the very best design talent within a positive and supportive working environment, delivering compelling storytelling through our work.

Established

Ethos

Diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences create an outstanding working environment, exceptional work, and strong client relationships.

STENCIL employs the very best young creative talent, providing outstanding workplace coaching and professional development.

Client Focus: The studio delivers distinctive results for progressive brands, forward-thinking charities, and aligned institutions.

Excellence

STENCIL has received numerous accolades, most recently:

2023: Goldman Sachs SME Business of the Year and BSME Award-Winner for Art Direction

2024: Multiple BSME nominations, including Diversity & Inclusion, Art Direction Independent, and Best Designer

Social Responsibility

We support various charities, community groups, and enterprises, including Teenage Cancer Trust, Future Dreams, The Cricketers' Trust, Nottingham Young Creative Awards, and Spread a Smile.

Studios

Antenna Building, 91 Beck Street, Nottingham NG1 1EQ

Confetti London, 41 Commercial Road, London E1 1LA

At STENCIL, we're committed to nurturing the development of the very best design talent within a positive and supportive working environment, delivering compelling storytelling through our work.

COMPETENCIES

Visual Identity

Creating memorable brand experiences.

Visual Identity

Creating memorable brand experiences.

Visual Identity

Creating memorable brand experiences.

Strategic Positioning

Helping clients stand out.

Strategic Positioning

Helping clients stand out.

Strategic Positioning

Helping clients stand out.

Design Spaces

Immersive event and exhibition environments.

Design Spaces

Immersive event and exhibition environments.

Design Spaces

Immersive event and exhibition environments.

Digital & Social

Responsive platforms and new media content.

Digital & Social

Responsive platforms and new media content.

Digital & Social

Responsive platforms and new media content.

Film & Animation

Simplifying complex stories with motion.

Film & Animation

Simplifying complex stories with motion.

Film & Animation

Simplifying complex stories with motion.

Print & Editorial

Award-winning magazines, reports & materials.

Print & Editorial

Award-winning magazines, reports & materials.

Print & Editorial

Award-winning magazines, reports & materials.

Business Principals

Andy Afford

Managing Director

Andy Afford

Managing Director

Andy Afford

Managing Director

Sam Bowles

Creative Director

Sam Bowles

Creative Director

Sam Bowles

Creative Director

Vicky Silk

Art Director

Vicky Silk

Art Director

Vicky Silk

Art Director

Josh Slack

Art Director

Josh Slack

Art Director

Josh Slack

Art Director

Kieran Longworth

Editorial Director

Kieran Longworth

Editorial Director

Kieran Longworth

Editorial Director

Why STENCIL?

ACCESS TO ELITE EMERGING TALENT

STENCIL connects brands with the most promising young creatives from Nottingham Trent University's renowned Digital Arts and Design School. This means fresh perspectives, cutting-edge ideas, and innovative approaches that help brands stay ahead of the curve.

PURPOSE-DRIVEN CREATIVITY

Unlike many traditional agencies, STENCIL is built around the ethos of meaningful impact. Clients benefit from a team that is not just commercially sharp but also deeply invested in producing work that resonates culturally and socially, leading to more authentic and engaging brand experiences.

AGILE & ACCELERATED EXECUTION

With a dynamic structure that nurtures fast, high-quality output, STENCIL offers a streamlined, agile process. Clients get the best of both worlds - bold, occasionally disruptive creative solutions without the slow turnaround times of traditional agencies.

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perspectives

True to purpose

Commitment to developing talent and promoting a vibrant, creative environment is at the heart of the agency. See the impact this approach has made, through real people.