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Founded in 2016 by Andy Afford and Sam Bowles, the creative agency’s drive to be an outstanding design studio and champion of creative talent has led its vision over the past decade. The expansion of the film and animation team, plus UI/UX and social media expertise, has strengthened the studio’s already-fantastic full-service creative and editorial offering.
STENCIL works with progressive brands, forward-thinking charities and international institutions across a range of sectors. “The ‘business plan’ back then,” Managing Director Andy Afford reflects, “was to see where we were after 18 months. And where we were, was working out of a sometimes-freezing, sometimes-boiling decommissioned fruit & veg unit.”
That industrial space became a third-floor office at Antenna on Nottingham’s east side, before opening a space in Whitechapel and, in 2025, STENCIL moved its headquarters to the Grade I-listed Birkin Building in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market.
“We offer a much broader set of skills to clients now,” states Sam Bowles, co-founder and Creative Director, “10 years on, the industry has changed beyond recognition. From the prevalence of moving-image work and 3D modelling, right up to the tools and techniques available, and client expectations. But we’ve kept pace. And the ability to have an idea, understand a problem, see something differently and make something people connect with doesn’t change.”
The studio welcomed a lot of brilliant people through the door and watched the industry change. The same energy we started STENCIL with is still the reason we’re here. We keep working hard for our people and for our clients. Ten years feels like a milestone to be proud of. It’s more than some and less than others. But still, with lots to do.
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Email Andy Afford