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.
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News spotlight
STENCIL has completed the acquisition of The Dairy, a well-established brand, digital and marketing agency.
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
2026: BSME nomination for Best Art Team
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
01
Visual Identity
Creating memorable brand experiences.
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Strategic Positioning
Helping clients stand out.
03
Design Spaces
Immersive event and exhibition environments.
04
Digital & Social
Responsive platforms and new media content.
05
Film & Animation
Simplifying complex stories with motion.
06
Print & Editorial
Award-winning magazines, reports & materials.
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
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.