As an award winning design studio with over fifteen years industry experience we understand the design process fully. Our attention to detail, efficiency and project management skills shine through in every job we undertake.
The partnership
Rachel Findlay BA (Hons) Oxon, PhD
Previously a campaign programming and analysis manager, Rachel has over fifteen years of web development experience, and has been developing websites on the Drupal content management system for more than a decade.
Ian Findlay BA (Hons) DPAGB
Ian is a qualified graphic designer, with over twenty years' industry experience. He qualified with a first class honours degree from the University of Wales and holds the grade of Distinction in the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.
Kind words and awards
“Trailbrakes is all about providing a flexible, bespoke experience for our customers, so we wanted our site to reflect this and to showcase photos of real people out enjoying wonderful cycling experiences.
“From the very beginning of the design process, Rachel and Ian listened carefully to our ideas and understood the message that we were trying to convey through our website. They were quick to respond to any queries we had during the process and after the website launch. We’re really, really pleased with the result so we’d have no hesitation in recommending their services.
“We are delighted with how easy the website is to use and maintain and we’ve already seen increased bookings and enquiries through it.”
Christine Finlay, Trailbrakes Biking Holidays
“Work began on our corporate identity and brand development. This has included a host of marketing materials – new logos, trade leaflets, visitor leaflets, on site signage, freezer branding, and the biggest task of all, a new website which includes an online shop. We enjoy working with Ian and Rachel who understand that small businesses rarely scope out a full specification of a project and part of their skill was to work with us to explore all the options. We have given them some incredibly tight timescales for some of our requests and found them able to juggle workloads to ensure that we meet the absolutely essential deadlines.”
Wilma Finlay, Cream o' Galloway
“We have always found Ian and Rachel’s approach to be meticulous in execution and attention to detail. Ian has a wealth of knowledge of design, materials and the print industry, and has liaised with the printers to get the best result. We have had some pretty tight deadlines which Findlay Design have always met.”
Guy Willoughby, former Director, The HALO Trust
“In 2009 Savour the Flavours launched a revived regional food network organisation with a complete fresh start. One of the key successes has been the branding and website development of the organisation.
“From the outset, Ian and Rachel have been instrumental to the success of our project, taking the time to understand our needs and aspirations and offering solutions to suit. We worked closely in developing a strong brand, which can be easily used across all media, and it is now recognised at a national level.
“Due to the geography of Dumfries and Galloway, the development of our website was always going to be critical to the success of the project due to the geographic remoteness of our members. The website is the focal point of the organisation and much attention to detail has gone into this sophisticated website. Their ideas, harnessed by their enthusiasm, and very quick turnaround allowed us to develop the website beyond what we had originally imagined by introducing additional functionality that has truly benefited the project.
“I would have no hesitation in recommending their services for graphic design and website development.”
Liz Ramsay, Project Manager, Savour the Flavours
“Findlay Design is a wonderful company to work with. They are innovative and creative in terms of the work they produce whilst at the same time being reliable, speedy and incredibly responsive. I change my mind – they respond with courtesy, immediacy, and sage advice, when appropriate. Ian and Rachel are impressively professional, talented and dedicated to meeting the client’s needs.”
Kim Bevan, Bevan Associates
“We commissioned Findlay Design due to the local aspect we required for the Galloway Ranger. What we got was professionalism, realistic planning, efficient and innovative approach to the work. Findlay Design have the Wow factor and we will use them again.”
Keith Muir, Forestry Commission Scotland
Rachel designed a community website for the village of Kirkpatrick Fleming and Ian a logo and set of posters for an exhibition about the village. It was a pleasure to work with both of them. They listened carefully to what we wanted. They helped us to refine our ideas, were quick to make helpful suggestions for improvement and went well beyond the call of duty – in time and effort – to get things right. They have a remarkable empathy with their clients. Their combined skills and their warm friendliness makes them a formidable and charming team. I couldn't recommend them more highly.
Alastair Duncan, for the Kirkpatrick Fleming Community Council and the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society
“Ian brought a complete freshness and level of professionalism to the rebrand so that we were in fact spoilt for choice with his designs. Unlike many designers, Ian doesn’t just produce “pretty pictures” – he gives careful consideration to how the brand identity will translate across all media and to all audiences.”
Frank Holmes, Partner, Gambit Corporate Finance
“Following a recommendation from a colleague, we hired Ian to design logos for our Community Garden in Taffs Well. Right from the offset, Ian was great to work with, came up with good ideas, and was honest with costings. As our group is a not for profit organisation, and rely on funding, we had an exact budget to work to. Ian fully understood the nature of our group, how much we could afford, and came up with great ideas. As I am not a graphic designer, Ian ensured that we had a full package of logos that we can use over and over again and in all sorts of circumstances in the future.”
Steve Arnold, Chairman, Taffs Well Community Garden
“Future Inns UK Limited was barely 5 months in the business when I joined the hotel as Marketing Manager. The challenge was to create a level of brand identity that would quickly put the new hotel close to or on a par with the better known hotel brands in the market. I am extremely grateful to my printer who introduced me to Findlay Design.
“They have since been able to transform a relatively unknown brand to one that is emerging and growing from strength to strength.
“Ian’s strong understanding and ability to translate simple concepts into visual artistry has generated positive acclaim from some of our strategic partners. The speed of delivery matches our urgency of getting the campaigns to the market. The relationship is not one of hotel and agency; it is more the fact that Findlay Design is an integral member of the team.”
Bina Messenger, Marketing Manager, Future Inns UK Limited
“In instructing Ian and Rachel to photograph Porthmawr, design our logo and brochure, and create a website we probably made our best business decision to date.
“Through their professional and committed input our business has been given a fresh and contemporary image and we have seen a remarkable improvement in business.”
Simone Davies, Porthmawr Country House
“I take this opportunity of writing to thank you for your contribution to the production of A View of Wales Magazine.
“The initial copies were received from the printer just before Christmas and circulated to colleagues. It gives me great pleasure to inform you that everyone is delighted with the production as delivered.
“May I add my personal thanks to you for your considerable input. The design of the brochure has met our requirements fully and in particular the way you worked with the Managing Editor in delivering the final artwork for press with just two proofs. Your attention to detail was most appreciated by us all and ensured delivery to the agreed budget.”
D. Rhys Jones, former Head of Production Services, Visit Wales
“I don’t know if my memory is playing tricks, but my previous impression of this magazine / brochure was as a glossy, but somehow still dowdy, also-ran trying to ape more sophisticated publications. Whatever the truth I was taken aback by the quality this time around. I’m not sure when it was redesigned but it’s very good now.
“The features are obviously well planned to express the diversity of Wales’ attractions. The writing conveys (and with luck inspires) real enthusiasm, while the layout of the factual information at the end of each feature is clear and functional while still being in line with the magazine’s high quality feel.
“The content is very good, and so is the overall design.”
Communication in Business Award judge