Lecture Introduction - Studio Set-Up

In this second case study, Stuart Tolley examines how Hamish Makgill set up his design studio and business at the point at which formal business planning was required.

Watch the lecture video below and make notes in your blog. Reflect upon these ideas, and use them as a springboard into your own investigations. Use the Ideas Wall freely to discuss, ask questions and share ideas.

Week 4: Studio Set-Up – Interview with Hamish Makgill

Key Notes

• Hamish started Red Design straight after uni with a friend, Ed. They didn’t feel employable so just went for it – very DIY, music and club scene-focused.
• They picked up work naturally – flyers, record sleeves, DJ culture fed into design jobs.
• No business training at uni – they learned everything the hard way.
• One major turning point: a client doubled their fee and became a mentor, helping them see their value.
• Eventually, Hamish left Red (after 8–9 years) to start fresh with Studio Makgill, which focused on clean, simple branding.
• He left partly because Red’s work became more decorative, and he wanted a more stripped-back, meaningful approach.
• His philosophy “Beautifully Simple” developed over time and now defines the studio.
• He values working on small, thoughtful brand projects – not chasing growth for the sake of it.
• Recession hit early on – he brought in a financial director to help and still uses the tools they gave him.
• Studio Makgill now has 6 people – a size that’s personal, but has space for ambition and support.
• He admits creatives often undervalue their work – something he had to learn to fix.
• Being able to empathise with clients and understand their needs is key to building good creative work.
• Final advice: know what your studio stands for, have a clear purpose, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Reflection – What I’ll Take Into My Own Project

Hearing Hamish talk honestly about setting up a studio was really reassuring. He didn’t have all the answers at the start, but still made it work by following his instincts and staying committed to his creative values.