Graphic designer
by Elizabeth Lavis
|20 Nov 2025
Kirsty Hickman, official graphic designer and unofficial “cause-driven creator,” designs based on a personal philosophy deeply rooted in her key values. “I believe in designing with purpose and prioritizing projects that create a positive impact, no matter what the scale,” she says. “I design with passion, focusing on tailored solutions that ensure quality and value. I design with consideration, meaning that I advocate for environmentally friendly practices to minimize impact. Finally, I design with collaboration, fostering trusted partnerships with clients throughout the process. These principles reflect my commitment to creating meaningful and responsible designs.”
Hickman comes from Scotland, a land well-known for its inspiring natural landscapes. “This connection to the outdoors influences not just my work, but the kinds of projects and clients I prioritize,” she says. “I’m drawn to collaborations that aim to make a positive impact, no matter what the scale.”
In her youth, Hickman considered pursuing a career in conservation. “I was driven by a desire to protect wildlife and natural habitats,” she says. “Even today, that passion influences my design work, guiding me towards projects that align with sustainability and a commitment to making a positive impact.”
Hickman discovered her love for design in secondary school through art, design, and graphic communication classes. “My passion for design really became clear when I was the only student in my year who chose to take the design exam over the art exam,” she says. “While most of my peers focused on traditional landscape paintings, I designed an abstract light fixture inspired by the wings of a butterfly. I realized how much I enjoyed turning creative ideas into unique designs.”
"Wild Scottish Bitters", Kirsty Hickman
Collaboration and creativity are the cornerstones of Hickman’s design process, and building trust and rapport with the client is crucial to a project’s success. “I build trust with clients through open collaboration, making them active partners in the design process,” she says. “Valuing their insights and feedback, I focus on understanding their needs and aligning with their long-term goals.” Hickman finds that by fostering these sorts of strong relationships, she’s able to deliver meaningful results that have an actionable and successful impact on her clients’ growth.
The official design process starts with deep communication as well. “I kick things off by diving into the project brief with the client to understand their goals,” Hickman says. “I research for insights and inspiration, then brainstorm initial concepts, encouraging client feedback every step of the way.” Hickman then refines the design, closely focused on quality and detail, before delivering the final product. “I remain available for ongoing support,” she says. “This flexible approach ensures that I create meaningful designs that resonate with the audience.”
Hickman’s advice to up-and-coming designers is simple and straightforward. “Build a strong portfolio,” she says. “Showcase your best work, including personal projects to highlight your style and skills. Above all, be patient and persistent. Success in design takes time and dedication.”
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