In an industry often focused on aesthetics over outcomes, Launch Digital has carved out a different path. Founded in 2012 in Ayr, Scotland, the creative agency was born from a desire to bridge the gap between design and real business impact. What started as a small local graphic design studio quickly evolved into a digital-first agency with a bold mission: to help brands cut through the noise with creativity rooted in strategy, purpose, and measurable results.
Today, Launch Digital works with clients across the UK and internationally, delivering campaigns that combine bold storytelling with commercial and social impact. From award-winning whisky campaigns to purpose-led collaborations in Africa, their approach has remained consistent. Design should not only look good, it should do good. With offices in Ayr, Glasgow, and London, the agency continues to balance local community values with global ambition, shaping a reputation as one of Scotland’s most forward-thinking creative studios.
How was your company born and where are you based?
Launch Digital was founded out of a desire to bridge the gap between creativity and real business impact. In 2012 David Wilkinson, our Managing Director, saw that many brands were producing beautiful designs, but they struggled to translate that into measurable growth. When he met myself we were just a small graphic design agency with some local clients but we wanted to create something more, a digital-first creative agency that blends bold storytelling with strategic precision. We assembled a small, multi-disciplinary team of designers, strategists, and marketers who shared a common mission to help organisations cut through the noise with meaningful, purpose-driven work. Our first projects quickly stemmed from local businesses and community initiatives around Ayrshire, which shaped our ethos of “doing well by doing good.”
Today, Launch Digital is proudly based in Ayr, Scotland, while working with clients across the UK and internationally. Despite our success and with offices in Glasgow and London, we remain deeply rooted in our local community, supporting charities, mentoring students, and working with organisations to deliver creative solutions that drive both social and commercial results.
What was the biggest challenge to the growth of your company?
One of the biggest challenges we faced in growing Launch Digital was balancing rapid growth with staying true to our purpose and values. As we began attracting larger clients and more complex projects, it was tempting to chase volume over vision. But we’ve always believed in quality over quantity ensuring every project has meaning, impact, and creativity at its core.
Another major challenge was navigating the pandemic. Like many agencies, we had to quickly pivot our ways of working, support clients in crisis, and rethink campaign strategies overnight. It tested our resilience, but it also brought out the best in our team we adapted, got closer to our clients, and developed new services rooted in empathy, digital transformation, and value-led design.
Those challenges helped shape us. They reinforced the importance of agility, purpose, and strong relationships all of which continue to fuel our growth today.
Which was the first huge success that you can remember?
One of our standout successes was our campaign for Glencairn Crystal, a globally recognised name in the whisky industry. The “Don’t Destroy Your Brand” campaign positioned the iconic Glencairn Glass not just as a product, but as a symbol of heritage and authenticity. We produced two brand films and developed a full e-commerce platform, whiskyglass.com, that showcased the story, value, and craft behind the glass.
The results were exceptional. We helped increase user engagement by over 16,000 and boosted sales revenue by 31% year-on-year. The campaign gained international attention, was nominated for multiple awards, and earned a commendation from the World Brand Design Society. It was a defining moment for us, a proof of concept that our blend of strategy, storytelling, and design could drive real business impact on a global scale.
That project solidified our approach and opened the door to working with major clients across the UK and internationally.
What’s the biggest opportunity for you and your company in the next year?
The biggest opportunity for us in the year ahead lies in the continued growth of purpose-driven branding and digital transformation. More organisations are recognising the need to align their brand with meaningful impact, and that’s exactly where Launch thrives, helping businesses tell stories that matter and create change that lasts.
We’re expanding our work internationally and investing in emerging technologies, including AI-enhanced creative tools and immersive experiences, to stay ahead of how audiences engage with brands. We also see big potential in the ESG and sustainability space, partnering with organisations, like Wooth Welsh, who want to build brands around trust, transparency and values.
At the same time, we're continuing to grow our community partnerships from education and mentorship to social impact initiatives. The opportunity to scale our creative impact both commercially and socially is what excites us most for the year ahead.
Can you explain your team’s creative process? What makes it unique?
Our creative process blends strategic thinking with purpose-led storytelling. Every project begins with listening to our clients, their audiences, and the problems they’re trying to solve. We don’t jump straight into design. Instead, we take time to understand the "why" behind a brand or campaign, ensuring every creative decision ties back to a clear goal.
Our process isn’t too different to most agencies and typically follows the stages of design thinking: 1 Discover – We dive deep into research, insight gathering, and stakeholder workshops to uncover core brand truths and audience behaviours. 2 Define - We translate insights into a clear strategy that informs messaging, tone, and visual direction. 3 Design - Here’s where the magic happens.
Our designers collaborate closely to bring concepts to life across platforms, always prioritising clarity, emotion, and impact. 4 Develop - We refine design concepts based on client feedback, working through iterations collaboratively to get the best result. 5 Deliver - We launch with precision, testing, refining, and supporting post-campaign performance to ensure lasting results.
What makes our process unique is the balance between creativity and conscience. We're not just designing to impress we're designing to make a difference. Whether it's a global campaign or a local initiative, our team is driven by purpose and powered by collaboration. We care deeply about the work, the people it serves, and the long-term value it brings.
We also embed mentoring and inclusive thinking into our process, involving junior creatives, students, and community voices where possible because great ideas can come from anywhere.
How does your team remain inspired and motivated?
Our team stays inspired by working in a culture that genuinely values balance, creativity and purpose. At Launch, we understand that creativity doesn’t always happen Monday to Friday from 9 to 5. That’s why we foster a flexible, family-oriented environment where people are encouraged to work in the way that suits them best.
We prioritise work-life balance and trust our team to deliver great results while also having time for their families, personal passions and wellbeing. That flexibility keeps energy levels high and creativity flowing.
We also stay motivated by working on projects that matter. Whether it’s a national campaign or a local community initiative, we choose work that aligns with our values and allows us to make a positive impact. Regular idea-sharing sessions, team days, mentoring, and collaboration across disciplines keep things fresh and help everyone feel part of something bigger.
When you combine freedom, purpose and trust, you create a team that stays inspired to do their best work every day.
How has COVID-19 affected your company?
As I said above, just like many others, we faced uncertainty at the beginning of the pandemic. But in many ways, COVID-19 helped us evolve for the better. Moving to remote and hybrid working has had a positive impact on our team’s work-life balance, giving people more flexibility and autonomy over how and when they work. This shift not only boosted morale but also enhanced creativity and productivity.
The move away from being tied to a physical office also broadened our horizons. We’re no longer limited by geography we’ve gained a global audience and now work with clients across the UK and internationally, proving you don’t need to be based in a big city to do big work.
COVID-19 challenged us to adapt quickly, embrace digital-first strategies and rethink how we collaborate. Ultimately, it made us a stronger, more agile agency with a more connected and empowered team.
Which agencies do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
I’ve always drawn inspiration from agencies and individuals who not only produce exceptional creative work but also shape culture and community within the industry.
Adrian Carroll at D8 has been a huge inspiration for me. His creative leadership and ability to combine bold ideas with clear strategy is something I really admire. Katy Cowan, the founder of Creative Boom, has also had a massive impact on the creative community. She’s built an incredible platform that supports, connects, and champions creatives at every stage of their journey it’s become my go-to resource and space for inspiration.
Chris Wilson at STCKMN is an incredible designer whose work constantly pushes boundaries and challenges convention. His attention to detail and creative integrity are second to none.
Simon Dixon and the team at DixonBaxi are also a big influence. Their ability to build powerful, design-led brands across global markets while maintaining a strong narrative voice is something I’ve always looked up to.
And going right back to my university days, Neville Brody was my earliest inspiration. His fearless approach to typography and design made a huge impression on me and sparked my passion for visual communication. And although he’s not in the traditional graphic design space, I have to mention Thomas Heatherwick. I’ve always admired his ability to blend architecture with storytelling, nature and human experience. His use of space and organic form has heavily influenced how I think about user interaction and emotional design.
Each of these individuals and studios has influenced my thinking in different ways whether through their craft, their leadership, or their contribution to the creative community as a whole.
What is one tip that you would give to other agencies looking to grow?
Put yourself out there. Growth doesn’t just come from great work it comes from visibility, relationships and confidence. Don’t be afraid to shout about the amazing things you and your team are doing. Get involved in talks, podcasts, workshops and lecturing. Share your insights, tell your story, and connect with people in and outside your industry. The more you show up, the more opportunities come your way. Networking isn't just about selling it's about building trust, collaboration and community.
How do you go about finding new clients/business? (Pitching, work with retainers, etc.)
Interestingly, we made the decision to move away from a traditional sales team and instead focused our efforts on marketing, networking, and building genuine relationships. For us, new business comes from visibility and trust whether that’s through speaking at events, collaborating on community projects, or sharing our work and insights online.
We’ve found that by being active, approachable, and consistent in the creative and business communities, opportunities naturally follow. Many of our clients come through referrals, partnerships, or people who’ve seen the value we bring and want to be part of it. It’s a more organic, sustainable way of growing and it means we’re working with people who truly align with our values.
What’s your one big hope for the future of the industry?
Locally, I’d love to see more recognition and celebration of the incredible creative talent we have here in Ayrshire and across Scotland. We genuinely have some of the best designers in the world, but we’re not always great at shouting about it, it’s a very Scottish thing to downplay success and just say we’re “just doing our job.”
My hope is to help change that by building a vibrant creative community here in Ayrshire, one that brings people together through world-class talks, events and networking opportunities. Something similar to what Beth Wilson has achieved with INTL in Glasgow creating a space where creatives can connect, collaborate and feel proud of the work we do. I believe that kind of platform can inspire the next generation and put our region firmly on the global creative map.
Can you share a defining moment in your company's journey that shaped its identity or direction?
A standout moment was when I met Craig Johnson and we started our collaboration with Launch Foods, where we designed a bespoke tartan to raise awareness and funds to help feed children in Glasgow. What started as a creative concept evolved into a year-long campaign that sparked conversations, raised money, and reminded us why we do what we do. It showed us that design can genuinely change lives, not just sell products.
Since then, we’ve doubled down on that ethos, working with clients and causes that share our values. It’s shaped our culture, our team, and our direction and it continues to guide the work we take on today.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and experimentation within your team?
We believe innovation thrives in a culture of trust, curiosity and collaboration. We give our team the freedom to explore new ideas without fear of failure, encouraging experimentation as part of the creative process, not just a bonus.
We carve out time for creative play, internal passion projects, and design challenges that allow the team to step outside of client work and test new tools, trends and technologies. Whether it’s trying out a new AI tool, exploring motion design, or developing a passion-led concept, we treat experimentation as essential, not extra.
We also bring in inspiration from outside through industry events, guest speakers and workshops, and involve our junior team members, students and mentees in brainstorming sessions to bring fresh perspectives.
Our culture is built around openness, continuous learning and purpose-driven creativity. Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s something we nurture together.
What measures do you take to ensure diversity and inclusion are prioritised within your company?
Diversity and inclusion are not just ideals, they are part of our everyday culture and decision-making. We have a clear policy where every team member’s voice is heard, everyone is treated equally, and opportunities for growth and recognition are open to all. We ensure fair and equal pay across the board and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion or background. We are proud of the diversity within our team and we all contribute equally to shaping the culture and success of Launch.
We firmly believe in creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We actively promote diversity and go beyond the living wage guarantee, ensuring fair compensation that exceeds industry standards. Transparency is central to our employee policies, with clear guidelines, fair evaluations, and open communication. As a family business, we foster a friendly, collaborative workplace built on mutual respect and support values that guide everything we do.
Can you describe a project that challenged your team creatively and how you overcame any obstacles?
One project that really challenged our team creatively was working with J&D Pierce, one of the UK’s leading structural steel companies based in Glengarnock. Their portfolio is incredibly impressive from Anfield’s new stand to the Silverstone Bridge and the Olympic Stadium conversion. However, despite their scale and success, they had very little digital presence or experience with brand-led marketing when we began working with them.
The challenge wasn’t just creative, it was cultural. Derek Pierce, the Managing Director, is renowned for his extremely high standards, attention to detail, and deep technical knowledge of every project. That level of scrutiny meant we had to earn trust early on and prove that our creative work could match the calibre of their engineering.
Initially, navigating this expectation was a learning curve for our team. We focused on listening, really understanding their industry, tone, and what mattered to their clients and workforce. Through regular meetings and on-site visits, we built a strong working relationship with Derek and his wider team, which became the foundation for a collaborative and successful partnership.
We’re now helping J&D Pierce celebrate their 50th anniversary, a major milestone, through a full digital marketing strategy, social media campaigns, and content creation that tells the story of their work, people, and legacy. It’s the first time they’ve embraced this level of digital promotion, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to lead them through it.
What started as a challenge in aligning creative communication with a highly technical industry turned into one of our most rewarding collaborations proving that even the most traditional sectors can benefit from bold, thoughtful design when there’s mutual respect and shared ambition.
How do you balance maintaining your company's unique creative voice while meeting the diverse needs of clients?
Balancing our unique creative voice with the diverse needs of our clients is something we take pride in at Launch. We believe that great design doesn’t start with a style it starts with listening. Every client comes with their own objectives, audience, and brand personality, so our role is to interpret those through the lens of strong creative principles, not just a house style.
What keeps our voice consistent is our values of clarity, purpose, and impact. Whether we’re working with a global engineering firm or a grassroots charity, we always aim to tell honest, engaging stories through thoughtful design and strategy. Our creative voice is adaptable, not rigid, it’s about applying our thinking and craft to bring out the best in every brand, rather than making every brand fit into our aesthetic.
Internally, we hold creative reviews and cross-team critiques to ensure consistency in quality and approach. Externally, we work closely with clients through workshops and collaborative development to make sure our solutions are both on-brand for them and true to our standards.
It’s a balance of empathy and expertise. Our voice guides the process, but the client’s story shapes the outcome.
What strategies do you employ to adapt to changes and trends in the industry while staying true to your company's values?
At Launch, we approach industry change and emerging trends with curiosity and purpose. We know the creative and digital landscape moves fast, from new platforms and technologies to shifts in audience behaviour and brand expectations. Our strategy is to stay informed, stay flexible, and always ask: “Does this serve our clients and align with our values?”
We invest in continuous learning through industry events, workshops, trend reports, and collaborative learning within our team. But we don’t chase trends for the sake of being trendy. Instead, we assess new tools and ideas based on how they can help us create meaningful, effective, and inclusive work.
One of our key strategies is to experiment in low-risk, high-learning environments. Whether that’s running creative sprints, piloting new formats on social, or mentoring students on fresh approaches, we build internal space to try new things and apply those lessons in real-world client work.
Most importantly, we stay anchored to our values of clarity, integrity, collaboration, and impact. No matter how the tools evolve, we believe design should solve real problems, communicate with honesty, and create value both commercially and socially. That guiding principle helps us adapt with intention rather than react on impulse.
Can you share a memorable client success story that exemplifies your company's approach and impact?
One of our most memorable and meaningful success stories comes from our collaboration with the Munje Tunusuru Women’s Group in coastal Kenya. This grassroots collective focuses on restoring mangrove forests while empowering women through conservation, a mission that resonated deeply with our values at Launch.
Working in partnership with Design for Good and Cordio East Africa, we took on the project pro bono, with the goal of improving the group’s digital visibility to attract global support, boost donations, and raise awareness of their vital environmental work.
Rather than simply redesigning a website, we focused on building a strategic and sustainable digital platform. We developed a fresh content strategy, restructured the site for user-friendliness, and optimised it for search engines. The design was clean, accessible, and mobile-first, telling the women’s story in an authentic way that connected emotionally with visitors. Alongside SEO improvements, we also equipped the team with the tools to manage and grow their platform independently.
The results were transformative. The updated website improved engagement, international reach, and organic search visibility. For the first time, the group began receiving interest from global donors and potential partners helping them scale their environmental and social impact far beyond their coastal community.
This project exemplifies our belief in purpose-driven design. It combined creativity, technical precision, and human-centred thinking to create lasting, positive change. It also reinforced the power of digital storytelling when it’s rooted in empathy, collaboration, and shared goals.
In what ways do you invest in the professional development and growth of your team members?
At Launch, we strongly believe that investing in our team's professional development is essential to our growth and success. We actively encourage and support our team members to pursue opportunities that broaden their expertise and strengthen their leadership skills.
This includes taking on external board roles, such as Director or Trustee positions at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Ayr Rugby Club, as well as part-time lecturing at Glasgow Caledonian University. These experiences not only enhance their professional credibility but also allow them to give back to the community.
We also support our team in gaining certifications and chartered status across a range of platforms and institutions, including Google Ads, HubSpot, and Mailchimp. Team members are also encouraged to become members of professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Chartered Society of Designers.
Beyond formal qualifications, we value personal growth through volunteering. Many of our team are involved in initiatives like football coaching, mentoring students, and supporting charities that help feed children. These experiences enrich our team’s perspective and align with our ethos of doing meaningful, purpose-driven work.
Our aim is to foster a culture where development is continuous, encouraged, and embedded in everything we do.
How do you approach sustainability and ethical practices within your company's operations and projects?
Sustainability and ethical practice are deeply embedded in everything we do from our internal operations to the projects we deliver and the partnerships we build. We believe in using our platform and skills not just to grow businesses, but to make a lasting difference for people and the planet.
From an environmental perspective, we’re proud to operate sustainably by taking active steps to minimise our carbon footprint. We run an electric vehicle as part of our fleet, use paperless accounting systems like Xero, and host our websites on green servers powered by renewable energy. We're also members of the One Earth platform, aligning ourselves with other purpose-led businesses committed to sustainable development.
On the social impact side, we champion youth development and education through our work with Developing the Young Workforce and Yipworld, and by actively supporting the Young Person’s Guarantee in Scotland. We offer mentoring, work placements, and career readiness workshops for local school pupils, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Community engagement is at the heart of our culture. We support inclusive access to sport through initiatives with Ayr Rugby Club Trust and Whitletts Vics, and we work closely with food charities like Launch Foods and Unity Grill to combat food poverty in Ayrshire and Glasgow. We also actively participate in cultural events such as Tamfest, strengthening local identity and community ties.
Through our work and our people, we also support a wide range of charities from Ayrshire Hospice and Ayrshire Cancer Support to Action Against Stalking and Whiteleys Retreat focusing on causes that impact health, mental wellbeing, and community development.
Our ethical commitment extends internally too. We promote a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring fair pay, transparent policies, and a supportive environment where every team member is empowered to thrive. As a family-run agency, our values guide our day-to-day operations and long-term vision, ensuring our work creates both commercial and social value.
Can you discuss a time when your company had to pivot or innovate in response to unforeseen challenges, and what lessons did you learn from that experience?
I’d say one of the most memorable pivots we made as a company came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically with our “Kilts Feed Kids” campaign for the Glasgow-based charity, Launch Foods. Originally, the campaign was built around visibility, our team planned to wear bright pink kilts I designed every day for a year to spark conversation, raise funds, and support their mission to tackle food poverty.
However, when lockdown hit and events were cancelled, we had to rethink how we could maintain momentum without face-to-face engagement. That's when we decided to create custom tartan face masks using the same design as the campaign kilts. Not only did this keep the campaign alive, it made it more relevant turning a challenge into a creative opportunity.
The tartan masks became a standout product, drawing attention both online and offline, and helped us expand the reach of the campaign far beyond Glasgow. We integrated a strong digital push, including social media storytelling, e-commerce sales, and email marketing to keep the public engaged while physical presence wasn’t possible.
This experience taught us a valuable lesson about the power of agility and purpose-led creativity. When you combine strong branding with adaptability and community focus, you can turn obstacles into meaningful impact even in the most uncertain times. It also reinforced our belief that design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about problem-solving, relevance, and connection. The project was nominated at the Scottish Design Awards in the Design for Good category but lost out on the night.
Do you have any websites, books or resources that you would recommend?
These two websites, I think every designer or creative should check out. Design for Good is a global platform showcasing the best in purpose-led creativity, case studies, and educational content. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in design that drives real social impact and you can get involved too. And Creative Boom is trusted hub for the creative community that features interviews, inspiration, industry news, curated work and insights into creativity and freelancing. It is an amazing community to be part of.
Both platforms offer daily inspiration, practical tools, and real-world examples that help designers stay informed, motivated, and focused on positive impact in their work.