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Hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer in Glasgow

From Logo to Legacy: Behind the branding of a Glasgow craft distillery

Not every logo begins with a sketchpad. Some start with a site visit. In a very recent branding commission for a Scottish-based craft distillery, our process began with immersion—on-site research, historical deep dives, and visits to the client’s original bottling space near Dumbarton. The walls were worn, the oak barrels branded with time—and inspiration. What resources informed the brand concept? Our moodboard research pulled from a variety of local historical sources, including stone engravings and tartan archives. A key influence came from the Scottish Register of Tartans , where we discovered a lesser-known family tartan linked to the founder's surname. This became the framework for a repeatable visual pattern on secondary brand elements. Additionally, Celtic stone patterns were referenced directly from the Govan Stones collection , housed at the Govan Stones Museum, Govan Road, Glasgow. Explore the Govan Stones How did local research shape visual iden...

Tactile branding in a digital world: How print design adds depth to Scottish Brands

In Glasgow’s saturated digital space, it’s physical branding that often makes the first real impression. Whether it’s a textured bottle tag for a Dumbarton gin distillery, gold embossed certificates for tourist attraction in Stirling or a UV spot colour and foil-stamped brochure for a Merchant City heritage architect, high-quality print design makes Scottish brands feel grounded, tactile—and memorable. How does Scottish recycled paper boost brand trust? On occassions while sourcing materials for our Glasgow clients, we use certified when possible Scottish recycled stocks that align with both sustainability goals and brand authenticity. A recent project for a Clyde-side marine consultancy saw a 42% higher retention rate on print pieces produced using tactile, uncoated recycled, FSC-compliant paper stocks. If client budget allows all materials used comply with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards . Forest Stewardship Council Guidelines . This regulatory alignment isn’...

How Glasgow’s heritage brands can modernise without losing identity

Glasgow’s legacy is built on craft, character, and community—qualities that remain embedded in its most iconic heritage brands. From textile producers to whisky distilleries, these institutions carry decades, sometimes centuries, of cultural capital. But as design trends evolve and audiences shift, many of these brands are asking: How do we modernise without losing our soul? The answer lies not in abandoning tradition but reframing it. At G3 Creative, we specialise in helping Scottish brands evolve while staying authentic. The key is brand evolution, not revolution . For example, updating a typeface doesn’t mean discarding history—reimagining it through a contemporary Gaelic type treatment or nodding to Glasgow’s architectural lines can preserve a sense of place. Modernising also means streamlining brand assets for digital environments without erasing the past. Colour palettes can be softened or made more vibrant to suit new media, and heritage motifs like tartan, maps, or arc...

Unlock Your Brand’s Potential with G3 Creative

In today’s saturated marketplace, your brand’s visual identity is more than just a logo—it’s a powerful communication tool. A well-designed brand identity can elevate your business, foster trust, and drive long-term success. At g3creative.co.uk , we specialise in helping businesses unlock their full potential through strategic design, branding, and digital transformation. As a Glasgow design studio with over 20 years of experience, G3 Creative delivers impactful design and marketing solutions tailored to your goals. Whether you're launching a startup or looking to rebrand an established company, our creative agency provides a comprehensive suite of services to position your business for growth. Beyond the Logo: Building a Complete Brand Identity Your logo design is just the beginning. It’s the cornerstone of your corporate identity , setting the tone for how your brand communicates visually. But to truly stand out, you need more than a symbol—you need a cohesiv...

Rebranding: A Strategic Evolution for Modern Brands

In today's fast-paced market, staying relevant is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. Enter rebranding : the strategic process of revitalising a brand's identity, visual elements, and messaging to align with evolving goals, audiences, or market expectations. Understanding Rebranding Rebranding goes beyond surface-level changes like updating a logo or colour palette. It's a holistic overhaul that can redefine: Visual Identity: Modernising logos, fonts, colour schemes and imagery Strategic Positioning: Reassessing mission statements and target audiences Digital Presence: Overhauling websites and apps for enhanced user experience Core Messaging: Refreshing brand narratives and value propositions Why Consider Rebranding? Common catalysts for rebranding include: Modernising to meet current design standards Expanding in...

Four Brand Design Case Studies: Mastering Visual Identity

Airbnb: Building Belonging Through Design The Bélo Symbol: Universal Recognition Their 2014 logo combines an 'A', heart, and location pin into a doodle-friendly symbol of belonging. Colour Strategy: Warmth and Approachability The distinctive "Rausch" coral paired with custom Cereal typeface creates welcoming, home-like aesthetics. Mastercard: Minimalist Brand Evolution Simplified Logo Architecture The 2016 redesign focused on essential elements: two overlapping circles in signature red and yellow. Functional Typography System FF Mark typeface ensures clarity across digital and physical applications. Burger King: Nostalgic Rebrand Retro-Inspired Visual Language The 2021 redesign revived 1970s elements with modern execution. Appetite-Driven Colour Palette Flam...

Midjourney V7 Alpha Launches with Faster, Smarter AI Image Generation

Midjourney has unveiled its V7 Alpha update, marking a major leap in AI-powered image creation. The new model delivers faster generation, superior quality, and built-in personalisation, alongside a game-changing Draft Mode for rapid, low-cost iterations. Key Improvements Enhanced Prompt Understanding - V7 interprets text prompts more intelligently. Sharper Image Quality - Better textures, finer details including hands and objects, and improved coherence. Personalisation by Default - Users rate 200 images to train the AI to match their aesthetic preferences. Draft Mode: Speed Meets Efficiency 10x faster and half the cost of standard generation. Supports voice prompts for intuitive, conversational creation. Lower-res outputs can be upscaled with one click. What to Expect Next Midjourney plans weekly feature rollouts over the next 60 days, including character and object referenc...

How to Hire the Right Freelance Graphic Designer in Glasgow, Scotland

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When someone says they’re a graphic designer, what springs to mind? Perhaps someone who creates logos, designs posters, or builds websites. But in truth, graphic design is a broad discipline with many specialisms. Just as doctors focus on different areas—think cardiologists versus neurologists—graphic designers often hone their expertise in specific niches that align with their skills and passions. Discover essential tips for selecting a freelance graphic designer in Glasgow. Learn how to define your project needs and choose the right specialist for impactful results. Let’s explore the different types of graphic designers—and how to determine which one suits your needs. 1. Brand Identity Designers (Visual Storytellers) What they do: Design logos, colour palettes, typography, and brand guidelines. Create a consistent visual identity across all platforms. Example: Nike’s swoosh or Apple’s clean, minimalist branding. Hire one when: Launching a new business or under...

Boost Your Glasgow Business with Google Business Profile

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In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable—especially for Glasgow businesses looking to grow. Google Business Profile (former: Google My Business) is a powerful, free tool that can elevate your visibility, attract more local customers, and help you stand out from Glasgow-based competitors . If you haven’t claimed your GMB listing yet, you’re leaving valuable opportunities on the table. Why Google Business Profile Matters for Glasgow Businesses Learn how to optimize your Google My Business profile to increase local visibility in Glasgow . Attract more customers and boost your brand’s presence in local search results. Here’s how a well-optimized Google Business Profile can transform your Glasgow business: 1. Strengthen Your Online Visibility in Glasgow Your GB profile acts as a digital storefront, showcasing your services, portfolio, and contact details in one place. By optimizing it with keywords like “graphic design Glasgow” or “branding ...

How to Make a Graphic Design Portfolio That Gets You Hired in 2024

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For graphic designers, your portfolio is your most powerful career asset—especially in a competitive creative market like Glasgow or anywhere in the UK. But how do you build a graphic design portfolio that truly stands out in 2024? This professional guide covers what to include in a design portfolio, the best presentation format, and expert tips to help you attract better clients and career opportunities. What Makes an Effective Graphic Design Portfolio in 2024 Your portfolio succeeds when it: Visually communicates your problem-solving process Demonstrates technical mastery across mediums Shows your unique creative perspective Makes your value immediately apparent How to Make a Graphic Design Portfolio That Gets You Hired 1. Strategic Project Curation Only include your strongest, most relevant work—prioritise quality over quantity by featuring: 2–3 exceptional "hero" projects A balanced mix of professional and personal work Pieces al...

Why Printed Brochure Design Still Matters (And How to Budget for It)

In the digital age, it's easy to assume that printed brochures have lost their relevance — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A well-designed, professionally printed brochure remains one of the most effective tools for building brand trust, especially at trade shows, meetings, or point-of-sale displays. If you're looking for expert brochure design for print in Scotland, look no further than G3 Creative. With years of experience and a deep understanding of print, they know how to create brochures that deliver real results. Why Printed Brochures Still Work Printed brochures offer a tangible, lasting brand impression. While digital ads disappear with a scroll, a high-quality brochure stays in hands, on desks, and in minds. ✔️ Trust factor: Physical print still conveys legitimacy. ✔️ Offline reach: Brochures work even without Wi-Fi or screen time. ✔️ Tactile experience: The right paper and finish make a strong sensory impact. What Are the 5 Parts of a Brochure? ...

ChatGPT Just Changed Marketing Forever — But Only 1% Know How to Use it Properly

No Comments on ChatGPT Just Changed Marketing Forever — But Only 1% Know How to Use it Properly The biggest marketing shift of the decade didn’t come from Google, Meta, or a flashy new social media platform. It came from a chatbot. ChatGPT just transformed how we create, test, and scale marketing materials. And the wildest part? 99% of users are doing it wrong. If you’re just typing “write me an ad for my product,” you’re missing out on the real power. The best marketers aren’t using ChatGPT for quick copy fixes — they’re using it as an AI-powered creative strategist . And the difference in results? Night and day. Here’s What We’re Breaking Down 🚀 Why this update is a game-changer for marketers 🧠 How to get ChatGPT to think like a high-performing creative 🔥 7 plug-and-play prompts that you can use today 💡 Pro tips to get jaw-dropping results from AI — every time The Two Game-Changing Benefits of Advanced AI Marketing Unreal Speed ...

The Power of Logo Design and Branding: Crafting a Lasting Identity

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At Glasgow based graphic design studio, G3 Creative – we understand that a logo is much more than just a symbol—it’s the face of your brand. A well-designed logo fosters trust, recognition, and an emotional connection with your audience. But beyond the logo itself, successful branding ensures that your business is positioned strategically, visually distinctive, and emotionally engaging. Beyond Products: The Transformational Power of Branding Transformational moments in a business's trajectory stem from amplifying a story that rises beyond products, focusing instead on a higher purpose platform—one that unifies the brand’s value proposition into a more impactful, powerful narrative. It may seem counterintuitive to emphasize meaning and mission ahead of product features and benefits, but the neuroscience, consumer insight, and real-world examples supporting this approach are compelling. Want a deeper relationship with your core consumers? Then imbue your brand with deeper meaning...

Print Design Trends in the UK: What's Hot in 2025

Discover 2025’s leading UK print design trends with Glasgow-based studio G3 Creative. Learn what’s influencing brochure, leaflet, and display panel design in Scotland. As a specialist print design Glasgow studio, we’ve seen how UK trends evolve — and 2025 brings a powerful mix of bold typography, tactile finishes , and a growing demand for eco-conscious materials . Whether you're working in heritage, tourism, retail or events, staying ahead in design helps you capture attention and build trust. 🔹 1. Tactile Print is Back Print you can touch is making a bold return — think soft-touch lamination, spot UV, embossing and foil accents . These elevate even a simple tourism leaflet into a premium experience. 🔹 2. Sustainable Print Materials Matter In brochure design Scotland , many businesses now request recycled stocks and plant-based inks . We work with local printers to ensure quality and sustainability go hand-in-hand. 🔹 3. Maximal Type, Minimal Clutter We’re seei...

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀

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. “𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙛𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜; 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮’𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧-𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙘 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙚. 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 (𝘼𝙄) 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜-𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙘 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖-𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨” says Brian McGuffie, design partner at G3 Creative in Scotland. As AI seamlessly integrates into the creative process, designers are finding innovative ways to elevate their print projects. AI algorithms analyse extensive data sets, offering designers invaluable insights into consumer preferences and trends. ...

Decoding the Essence: Unraveling the Nuances of Logo Design and Branding

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In the realm of design and business, the terms "logo design" and "branding" are often used interchangeably. However, Glasgow-based Brand Evangelist and accomplished freelance graphic designer Brian McGuffie delves into the distinct differences between these two crucial components in this insightful blog. Demystifying Branding, Identity, and Logo Design Let's set the record straight from the outset: a logo is not a brand, and it isn't an identity either. While they are interconnected, logo design, identity design, and branding each play distinct roles that collectively shape the perceived image of a business or product. What Constitutes a Brand? At its core, a brand encompasses the emotional corporate image that stakeholders perceive as a unified whole. It's the intangible essence that evokes feelings, values, and associations among audiences. Branding, therefore, goes far beyond visuals; it's about cultivating an emotional connection wit...

Hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer in Glasgow

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The intricacies of marketing design can overwhelm those unfamiliar with the graphic design realm. Precise design is paramount for impactful marketing materials. If delving into design isn’t your strength, enlisting a freelance graphic designer in Glasgow, Scotland, is a strategic choice. But how do you ensure making the right selection? When scouting for a freelance graphic designer, clarity is key regarding your project’s objectives. Define your needs to equip potential designers with essential insights. Your creative brief should encompass your company, short and long-term goals, desired qualifications, and potential challenges. Prior research into requisite skills and tools, like software favored by top designers, streamlines discussions with potential candidates. Beware of designers who are reliant on templates for their creations. Project costs fluctuate based on complexity, scope, and required expertise. Extensive research, multiple revisions, or specialised skills may height...

LOCH LOMOND OUTLETS ADVERT BY G3 CREATIVE

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Strengthening Designer/Client Collaboration for Successful Design Projects

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One of the G3 Creative design team recently had a meeting with a client's marketing manager, who expressed their enjoyment of being involved in the design process. This interaction made them feel satisfied and connected with our design team, as they believed their input contributed to their company's design. It's only natural for clients to contribute ideas and provide feedback since their initial idea set the branding in motion. As a designer, this perspective resonated with me. However, it's essential to consider how far designers go to ensure clients have an open platform for honest expression. To answer this question and others, we need to analyze the designer's attitude from the start. Sometimes, designers become so absorbed in creating the perfect image that they unintentionally exclude the client. This oversight neglects an important aspect of the client/designer collaboration. Confident in their skills, some designers proceed through various phases, hear...

Apple Unveils Vision Pro: Revolutionary AR Headset Blending Digital and Physical Worlds

Apple has introduced the Vision Pro headset, an augmented reality (AR) device that seamlessly merges digital content with the real world. With its revolutionary design, Vision Pro offers a three-dimensional user interface controlled by natural inputs like hand gestures, voice commands, and eye movements. It incorporates visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system, enabling users to interact with digital content as if it were physically present in their surroundings. The headset features an ultra-high-resolution display system with 23 million pixels across two screens, ensuring a real-time immersive experience. It offers a new way to create a visually appealing, and user-friendly interface which should allow UI/UX designers to create natural and intuitive interfaces. At an exhibition earlier this year one of the G3 Creative team tried out Meta’s Quest Pro VR headset and gave it a great review which retailed around £1000 GBP. However, it’s important to note that the Visio...