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Credentials and Quotes
Testimonials, past clients and a few nice words from collaborators.
Who is Stew and why work with [a] design agency?
Stewart Ainslie
— Founder and Brand Consultant
Who we’re working with.
[The short client list.]
Recently, we’ve worked with: a startup brand, a Scottish distillery, a UK-based manufacturing company, an independent Architect, a national charity, and an arts supplier.
Fieldworks,
Forest + Wye Studio,
Isle of Barra Distillers,
Cepac, and their product range Flutepac,
Ramblers Scotland,
Camsail Fine Arts.
[Updated for 2025-26]
What clients have to say
Nice things people have said about Stew, [a] design projects and our [a] teams.
Patient, efficient and approachable throughout the design and feedback process - the end result is attractive and works well for our target audience.
— Danny C, Ramblers Scotland
Stew led a hand-picked team of creatives to bring the Stirling Framing Studio brand to life.
Working directly alongside me, he created a brand identity, helped with design and writing then launched a folio website. All in under his estimated 100 days! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Stewart, and his associates, for design-led projects.
— Jim C, Stirling Framing Studio
Our brand materials have improved massively.
Stew has been easy to work with, keen to understand our organisation, our community and the challenges we face with branding.
I am very impressed with their commitment, flexibility, willingness to over-deliver and straight forward communication.
— Andy R, Scottish Mountain Rescue
Stewart has always played a very active role in the team that looks after us, and I have no hesitation in recommending him.
He has a sharp eye for great design, is very technically competent and isn't afraid to ask challenging questions whilst listening carefully to feedback.
— Marie-Louise, Jam Studio
We were extremely impressed by the quality and fast turnaround of the work which was delivered by Stewart, Ben and Mark.
— Steve M, Cepac
I trust Stew completely to engage directly with our production partners. He can drop in and out of a project seamlessly and respectfully challenge constraints and concerns. If you have a project that needs a steady hand? Just call Stew!
—Emily H, Isle of Barra Distillers Co
Stewart has worked with Dunblane Museum in both commercial and voluntary capacities for over fifteen years. I first encountered him through our Atlantic Walls UK exhibition c2014. He built the website, coordinated video and graphic design elements and will still help share and promote the project up to the present.
— Irene G, Dunblane Museum
Stewart has both an eye for detail and was quick to understand the bigger picture requirements for the job.
I found that he listened well and projects felt collaborative. I'm really happy to recommend Stewart to potential clients and hope I'll get the opportunity to work with him again.
— Matthew W, University of Glasgow
Voluntarily work—
RYA Scotland,
ACVC Wargames Fellowship,
Battlegrounds Replayed,
RNLI,
Round Table,
Dunblane Museum,
Hilda Cowie,
Ochils Mountain Rescue Team.
Side projects—
You’ll find these are detailed on Stew’s personal website.
Visit at your peril, it’s about Stewart Ainslie, for Stewart Ainslie and by Stewart Ainslie. You have been warned!
The organisations and individuals we’ve worked with since 2015.
[The long client list!]
As [a] design agency
Organisations that we have collaborated with. Led by Stew and delivered with associates.
[a] client list—
Fieldworks,
Forest + Wye,
Isle of Barra Distillers,
Flutepac,
Ramblers Scotland,
Stirling Framing Studio,
Cepac,
Hunterian,
National Railway Museum,
Herald & Times Group,
University of Glasgow,
Scottish Mountain Rescue,
Stirling Highland Games,
Historic Environment Scotland,
Qpal,
Atlantic Walls UK,
Preservation Trades Network,
Dubh Mor,
Engine Shed,
Helleau,
Team Noble,
Camsail Fine Arts,
Prof. Tony Pollard,
Dunblane Museum,
The University of Edinburgh,
Reeves Private Hire,
Bellhaven Bars.
Other experiences
Work undertaken by Stew, outside of [a] design agency or freelancing.
In a previous life—
Don’t Walk LLP,
Codify (now a part of Sword),
Small Stories,
Bold St Media,
Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team,
EQ Design Ltd,
Simpson Forsyth (now a part of Baker Tilly),
Strategic Decom,
Carbon Financial Partners,
Thorntons Law,
JAMstudio,
EnQuest,
AJC Homes,
Scotframe,
Epidote (Now a part of EV Epidote),
Marathon,
John Lawrie,
Duncan & Todd,
Caledonian Optical,
Activity Mix,
Barratt Homes,
Mailboxes Etc (Stirling),
Clive Ramsay,
Caber Energy,
James Bain,
Josh Littlejohn (For the Scottish Ski and Snow Show and the Scottish Business Awards),
SUSA (Stirling University Students’ Association).
Kind words from colleagues, clients and associates
Stew served as a Non-Executive Board Member at RYAS, bringing a wealth of expertise, independent and creative thinking, and the confidence to challenge ideas constructively. He is never afraid to provide honest feedback, but always does so with the organisation's best interests at heart.
Equally important, Stew knows when to contribute and when to listen. He consistently demonstrates humility and emotional intelligence that make him an effective strategic adviser. His ability to balance critical thinking with collaboration consistently added value to board discussions.
Following the completion of his board role, we were delighted to continue working with Stew as a volunteer consultant. He currently supports our branding and publications, including digital marketing products. In addition, he continues to facilitate and strengthen key partnerships for RYAS.
His insight, professionalism, commitment (and humour) have made him a trusted and valued contributor, and I would highly recommend him.
—Finlo C, CEO RYA Scotland
Why don’t you just say what you do?
You’re an expert consultant and a facilitator!
—Kirsten M, Associate
Stewart was the driving force behind the first RNLI fundraising Fish Supper in Dunblane last year [2019] and I am delighted that this year he is applying his imagination and organising skills to deliver a larger and potentially even more productive event.
—Roger L, Chair, RNLI Scotland
Stewart is a rare mix of creative and business-minded. A true chameleon who can read the situation at hand and respond with enthusiasm and drive.
— Kirsten Y, Accounts Manager, EQ Design Ltd
Never short of enthusiasm or ideas, he brings fresh thinking and strong opinions to projects. He’ll put in the effort to deliver work at a standard which shows he really cares about what he’s doing. He does this with a charm that delights colleagues, suppliers and clients alike.
—Mark M, Partner, Don’t Walk LLP
Stewart was my mentor while I was at EQ Design - and I couldn't have asked for anyone better.
He was fantastic to work with, and always had time for me even as his deadlines approached. From seeing the potential in my ideas, to helping me fully realise them, Stewart was able to assist me every step of the way.
On top of his skills as a designer Stewart has a naturally easy way with people, and he helped me realise that making connections within the industry wasn't as intimidating nor as difficult as I had previously imagined.
Even to this day Stewart continues to be someone I can turn to for advice that I can trust, and has been a massive help in furthering my professional career.
—Stuart F, Senior Creative Technologist
I love to work with troublemakers and visionaries.
I’m not sure which Stew is yet…
—Connor L, Associate
Working with Stewart was a pleasure, he approached everything with great enthusiasm and vigour.
I would recommend Stewart to anyone who wanted quality graphic design.
— Graham A, Owner, Mail Boxes Etc Stirling