I use words to add personality, clarity, distinctiveness, and impact to brands and creative businesses.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for bringing in copywriting support, because there’s more than one way to run a successful design agency.
So I’m as versatile as you need me to be.
If you’re a small studio with no copywriting capacity in-house, we can discuss a full-service package. For larger agencies, I collaborate with strategists, designers and in-house writing teams to assist wherever is required.
I also work directly with brands. This includes a long-running relationship with Virgin, which began with Virgin By Design – a coffee-table book charting the fascinating evolution of the brand from 1970–2020.
“Nick’s deep understanding of branding and design make him an invaluable member of any creative team.”
Andrew Sanigar – commissioning editor, Thames & Hudson
My skill set
I can help you with:
Brand copywriting
• Defining and rolling out brand voice
• Brand storytelling and strategic positioning
• Campaign copy, taglines and naming
• Writing and refining brand guidelines
• Copywriting support for creative pitches
Content strategy
• Bespoke consultancy for creative agencies
• Ghost-written thought leadership that wins business
• Strategic planning and writing long-form content
• Video production, inc. scriptwriting and interviewing
“We worked on a very detailed global verbal identity project for TikTok that required both flair and attention to detail. Nick brought bags of both.“
David Stevens – senior strategy director, Wolff Olins
My background
After 15 years as a design journalist, I have the editorial instincts to get to the heart of what makes a brand special, and tell that story in an engaging way.
While editor of Computer Arts, I launched the Brand Impact Awards – an annual scheme to celebrate the world’s best branding. Since 2013, I have helped grow the BIAs into an unmissable fixture in the design industry calendar.
My ongoing role as chair of judges gives me a unique perspective on how agencies and brands can stand out in a fast-changing world. Every year, the intense panel debates deepen my knowledge and understanding of what it takes to craft a world-class brand.
“Nick is a charming, smart guy with a huge knowledge and respect of the industry. He loves what he does.”
Greg Quinton – CCO, Design Bridge and Partners
My clients
I’ve collaborated with agencies including:
• Wolff Olins
• Superunion
• Turner Duckworth
• Territory Studio
• Taxi Studio
• Vault49
• DesignStudio
• DixonBaxi
• Williams Murray Hamm
• Studio Output
• The Clearing
• Jack Renwick Studio
• Art&Graft
• Stocks Taylor Benson
• Studio Texture
“The breadth and depth of Nick’s knowledge is such a rich foundation for his copywriting. He can get under the skin of new brands or projects quickly and with all the smarts in all the right places. He provides so much more to creative outcomes than just words.“
Emma Hopton – creative strategist, Taxi Studio
For brands such as:
• Virgin
• TikTok
• Creative Review
• Carlsberg
• Bite Back
• Pepsi
• Facebook / Meta
• Figma
• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
• University College London (UCL)
My process
Think of me as a versatile, senior extension of your team: I’ll adapt to whatever systems and processes you use, and use my copywriting skills to craft something beautiful and effective for you and your clients.
“Every collaboration with Nick creates an impact – on the team and the work. We have worked together on copywriting, strategy and positioning briefs and will continue to do so!“
Paul Woodvine – partner, Vault49
Some of my clients employ me on a monthly retainer; I quote on a day-rate basis for smaller, self-contained briefs; or for larger projects, we’ll agree a set fee based on key deliverables.
I work remotely most of the time, but can come to you for key meetings as and when required.
But every collaboration starts with a chat to determine how we can best work together, and whether my skills are a good fit for the project in question. So, if you have a brief to discuss…
Member of D&AD | ProCopywriters | 26
I’m professionally insured through PolicyBee
Nick Carson 