A graphic designer from Carlisle is building a community of creative minds and inspiring the next generation of local talent.
Vincent Walden is the founder and director of Studio Walden, a multimedia design agency specialising in branding, education and sustainability.
Vincent has worked for Tarras Valley Nature Reserve in South West Scotland, and numerous corporate clients seeking design solutions for websites, promotional material, social media graphics, brand identity, advertising and PR campaigns.
In collaboration with graphic designer Damon Mahoney, from Isle Studio, he has recently worked on a project for Carlisle Cathedral and supported the rollout for the rebrand of the former Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, now known as simply Tullie.
The campaign was an immersive long-term project across multiple platforms, from print and digital to broadcasting and PR.
“It’s an iconic local institution so I was very proud to work on Tullie.
“It means so much to the city and represents the identity of the brand that visitors from all over the world will engage with and experience,” said Vincent.
Originally from Lancashire, Vincent graduated from the University of Cumbria in 2013 with a degree in graphic design, settling in Carlisle with wife Gabrielle.
Design and marketing jobs with local firms in different business sectors followed steadily until he made “the best decision of my life” and became self-employed in 2020.
“I’d been made redundant twice and realised it was the right time to do what I had always wanted and start my own agency business.
“From the very beginning I aimed to build something that would bring creative people together, and that helped to support and inspire the community,” said Vincent.
Situated in a former yoga studio on the ground floor of a Victorian-era townhouse near Carlisle city centre, the studio offers temporary and long-term desk, floor and meeting space for up to 10 people.
The shared environment has helped to create a collaborative atmosphere, connecting local artists and projects within the growing arts and design community in the city.
“It’s an informal and fun way to work, having different people with such a broad range of skills really helps everybody to be better at what they do.
“There’s a mutual respect and understanding for everybody’s work,” said Vincent.
As well as supporting the costs of running the studio, the variety of different talents and expertise working alongside each other provides motivation and inspiration.
“It’s a collaborative space where we share feedback and ideas about what we’re all doing. We learn from each other and create things that wouldn’t happen otherwise.
“I’ve always wanted the studio to be a platform to raise the profile of the amazing designers and artists working in Carlisle and across the region,” said Vincent.
The studio also offers a two-week apprenticeship post to give younger designers the opportunity to learn from a wide range of different artists.
“Having interns and an apprentice in the studio, working alongside established and more experienced people is inspirational for everybody.
“I know how important this sort of experience is for graduates and younger people, there’s really nothing better for motivation than a studio full of energy and ideas and creativity,” said Vincent.
Alongside his work with the studio, Vincent recently started a master’s degree in design at the University of Cumbria, where he is also an associate lecturer and a mentor to design students.
For his final project, he is developing a new font type to support people with disabilities, including learning difficulties, impaired vision and special educational needs.
The research worked in sync with his work as a trustee for Prism Arts, a Carlisle-based arts charity supporting adults with disabilities, learning difficulties and autism.
“It’s so frustrating to see material aimed at the disabled community with comic sans across everything.
“It’s unhelpful and I wanted to explore ways of finding something that supports improved learning and accessibility,” said Vincent.
His vision to build not just a successful business, but a community of like-minded creatives that offers vital experience to younger artists, is more than impressive.
Make no mistake, Vincent Walden could be making a fine living in his dressing gown within the cosy confines of a home studio, delivering quality custom work for a queue of customers.
He doesn’t ‘need’ to be risking his own time, money and headspace for anyone, or anything else.
Therein lies the output and outcome of Studio Walden. In the space of just three years, he’s not only launched a successful business, but started a movement that is putting Carlisle on the map of the design world.
It celebrates and reflects the city’s history, diversity and cultural heritage, and gives the next generation of local talent a platform to learn and be inspired.
On the subject of AI, Vincent recognises the role it will play for future generations of design students and artists, but is concerned at the prospect of art losing its meaning.
“It’s a poisoned chalice. Removing the substance and theory of design is dangerous and leads to creation without conscience. I think it’s really important to understand and teach students how to use AI properly,” said Vincent.
As for the future, Vincent’s goal is to create a “consortium of local artists” as well as take on more apprentices and internships and continue his work as a teacher and mentor through the university.
“The best thing about working in Cumbria is being in control of who you work with and work for, opportunities for collaboration and the wonderful green spaces and outdoors that are so inspiring,” said Vincent.
