Former rookie at Edinburgh agency StudioLR now co-leader

A creative expert has taken a leading role at the Edinburgh-based agency where he originally started his career after winning a graduate placement award – as it aims to double in size within five years.

The agency aims to double in size within five years. Picture: Raini Rowell Photography.

A decade after that first opportunity with StudioLR, Dave King has now been appointed its head of strategy and creative and will lead the ten-strong team in tandem with the firm’s co-founder Andy Gray.

The agency also said the restructure marks a major shift in its development, and it is refocusing to specialise in working with “challenger” brands, as well as with established businesses that need support with redefining their brand.

Gray, the firm’s head of business, said: “We sponsored the Graduate Prize for Graphic Design at Napier University and the winner earned a short placement with us. From the moment Dave walked in the door for his placement it was clear there was something special about him. We’ve supported his development with us for ten years and so now it’s the natural step for Dave to move into this senior leadership role.”

StudioLR was formed by Gray and Lucy Richards in 2004, and she will continue to lend her experience to the firm as chair, while concentrating on the agency’s upcoming venture Better Company, looking to make a positive impact on society.

Richards added: “Having Dave on the team is like a football team having Ronaldo – he’s driven about making himself and StudioLR famous. Dave’s a sought-after circuit-speaker on creative bravery, not only across the UK but internationally, which is also why it makes sense for us to us to align our work around his passion and strengths.

Gutsy

"In the past couple of years we’ve been making more and more of a splash with brave and gutsy creative work, particularly for challenger brands.” The agency also said Gray, King and the team work on a portfolio of clients including Volvo, Jura Whisky, Seafish, Fettercairn Whisky and major recruitment specialist Sanderson – and it consistently turns over around £800,000.

Gray said: “This is a turbulent time for businesses. We know brands want to work with creative agencies that can demonstrate strong business credentials as well as creative flair.” King said: “We’re carving a reputation in helping ambitious brands to adopt stop-you-in-your-tracks creative that really helps them stand out from the competition.”

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