A purpose-led creative agency defining itself by not only the work it delivers collectively and collaboratively, but in the opportunities it creates for individual executive development, self-expression and personal growth.
“You’ll never win anything with kids…”
A growing reputation powered by purpose; to offer accelerated meaningful opportunities to young creative types. Our studio is a place where opinions are respected, every person valued, and a good idea is a good idea, regardless where it comes from.
STENCIL is a partner of Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, Nottingham Trent University Business School and Young Creatives Nottingham.
Lucy Greaves – Work Placement Manager, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies / Part of Nottingham Trent University.
“Students gain a first-class, meaningful experience of working within a creative agency at STENCIL”
Established in 2016 by founders Sam Bowles and Andy Afford, and based on Nottingham’s east side, STENCIL is fast-becoming one of the region’s most talked about high-growth businesses.
Business Principals
Managing Director.
Andy Afford
Professional sportsman, journalist, editor, editorial director, publishing director and in most-recent times business owner. A British Society of Magazine Editors’ sports editor of the year. Sony Radio Academy Silver Award winner. UNESCO City of Literature collaborative board member. Chair of the Nottingham Young Creative Awards and Nottingham Trent University Alumni Fellow.
Creative Director.
Sam Bowles
STENCIL’s key strategic creative having overseen extensive brand positioning projects, rebrands and implementation plans in the last 25 years. He continues to take the lead on the delivery of all branding, signage, print and film content. Established a photography agency in 2006, working with some of the biggest names in sport. A Fine Arts graduate.
Art Director.
Vicky Elwick
A 2010 graduate of Leicester’s De Montfort University in Graphic Design and Photography with over a decade of industry experience across a range of disciplines. Vicky directs the day-to-day projects for the STENCIL studio team. She takes the lead in all digital outputs, from design to development. Creative mentor of our placement students and newest recruits.
There isn’t really a specific sector we work in. Or a standard job. Or even a particular type of client. But we do have customers far and wide…