These 5 graphic designers in Belfast understood the assignment!
Sick of working with designers who only create basic, cookie-cutter logos? With such a competitive online space today, it feels easier to spot branding that seems outdated. And I know how it is to work with ‘visual artists’ who just can’t match my vision.
As someone with a Master’s in Fine Arts and experience in gallery curation, I believe I have it in me to find something better. This pushed me to look for more suitable creative individuals or teams who can communicate and collaborate well.
Whether you’re a small business owner, event organiser, marketing manager, or nonprofit worker, here are some top-rated graphic designers in Belfast I believe are worth exploring.
1. Logo Design Belfast
Address: 46 Hill St, Blick Shared Studios
Phone: +44 28 4273 8950, 07875002649, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
Logo Design Belfast is led by graphic designer Rick Smith, who has more than 2 decades of expertise. He offers unique and bespoke logos through an in-depth, collaborative approach.
And unlike typical logo generators, I like that each of his clients gets a handcrafted design that aligns with their vision.
It’s also handy for me that he provides all formats of his designs (e.g., .PNG, .JPEG, .SVG, .EPS, and .PDF). This makes it easier for clients to edit the designs as they please.
This agency is also a sister company of Smith Design Agency. This is why Rick Smith can offer more services, such as signage, brochures, packaging, and digital assets.
I also appreciate that you’ll only pay what you were quoted for. In my view, this is why he gets many repeat clients.
But due to his client-centric and custom processes, I think his services aren’t the most ideal for those who expect templated designs or fixed prices.
A Wizard
“Rick is a wizard at what he does, highly recommended. He takes time to understand your requirements and implements into reality!”
-Mr. Neil Fraser, Google Review
Professional and Easy to Deal With
“Got our logo done by Rick. Professional and easy to deal with. He came up with the ideal logo for us first time round. Would highly recommend”
-Mr. Nigel Beggs, Google Review
2. Reflex Studios
Address: Unit 6, Ormeau Business Park, Cromac Ave
Phone: +44 28 9552 1125, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:30am – 5:30pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
Reflex Studios is a digital creative agency in Belfast with a wide service selection, including branding and graphics, web design (UX or user experience), social media, digital marketing, mobile apps, and search engine optimisation (SEO).
With these numerous offerings, it’s already a one-stop shop if you want custom illustrations and icons, on-site photography and videos, in-house artwork, and responsive websites.
You’ll get great bespoke work, given that its team’s assets are all in-house. The agency has its own photos, illustrations, and iconography to make its visual works very distinct.
It can also cater to multiple industries, namely tech, fashion, hospitality, and real estate. Because of this, I’m convinced the team can easily adapt to most unique client preferences.
Also, its team of nine creatives can mean faster decision-making and closer collaboration. Still, I think this small agency might find it hard to juggle several large projects at a time.
Can Work Tight Deadlines
“Worked with Michael and the team to develop a new project website in a short space of time. He brought fresh ideas and insight to the process, was always contactable and able to work to tight deadlines. The content management system is clean and clear and the website has been finished to a really high standard.”
-Mr. Niall Kerr, Google Review
Exactly What We Were Looking For
“Michael & Darren were fantastic throughout. The design was exactly what we were looking for and any changes were actioned quickly. Easy 5 star!”
-Mr. Johnny McClenaghan, Google Review
3. Kubrix Design
Address: Cameron House, 98 Lisburn Rd
Phone: +44 28 9543 7119, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:30pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
Kubrix Design is a vibrant, multi-disciplinary branding and graphic design studio in Belfast. It focuses on many services, such as brand identity, signage, illustration, print, PowerPoint, and social media content.
Besides creating designs and logos, I appreciate that the team sends their clients a visual identity guide with all the colours, imagery, tone, typeface, and imagery. I believe this ensures the brand will have consistency with other future designs.
On top of that, I like that this agency lets clients talk directly to the lead creatives for direct collaboration and speedier insights.
Additionally, a notable work for me is its ‘Mind Your Mood’ mental health campaign with Queen’s University. It focused on modern designs in both digital and print to show that this agency is reliable in both media.
The team has worked on a bunch of cultural events too, like film nights and music festivals. In my book, this shows off their artistic side that can attract specific audiences.
However, I feel its style leans toward a more casual vibe. I noticed that there aren’t many works here about conservative or corporate branding, which can alienate other types of clients.
Thoughtful and Detail-Oriented
“Barry developed our corporate brand pack – his thoughtfulness and attention to detail brought to life a brand that we are exceptionally proud off. Barry took time to learn more about us as a company, reflecting our company vision in every aspect of the design he developed for us. We would thoroughly recommend Barry and Mark for any design work you require.”
-Mr. J O’Reilly, Google Review
Utmost Quality and Professionalism
“I have worked with Mark and Barry at Kubrix for over 10 years and I have found their work to be of the utmost quality and professionalism. I would have no hesitation in recommending their graphic design services to anyone.”
-Mr. Darren F, Google Review
4. Studio Mindset
Address: Unit 1, Quaygate, 19 Station St
Phone: +44 7878 920665, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
Studio Mindset is a boutique web development and graphic design hub in Belfast. Its crew specialises in branding, visual identity, website design (with e-commerce), illustration, and packaging, as well as digital and print collaterals.
I find it incredible that this studio’s clients include some popular brands locally and globally, such as Tesco, Pearse Lyons Irish Whiskey, Alltech, ALDI, and Queen’s University Belfast.
Moreover, I appreciate that potential clients could easily see its package prices on its website for full transparency.
Not only that, but I love that it also states its usual timelines online. For example, the branding projects take 3 to 4 weeks, while websites take 4 to 6 weeks.
Nonetheless, this studio doesn’t seem to cater to small businesses that need one-stop packages. For me, this isn’t the best fit for those who need a combination of design, marketing, and ads in one package.
Creative, Friendly, and Enthusiastic
“We Are Duo have been fantastic to work with. The team are creative, friendly and enthusiastic. Nothing is ever too much to ask! Our experience has been great so far and we look forward to working with We Are Duo on future design projects within Fields of Life.”
-Ms. Fields of Life, Google Review
Thinks Outside the Box
“We are Duo have been working with my business for the last 2 years and this has been a very positive experience. They have delivered some fantastic ideas and have developed a fantastic brand for us. We thoroughly enjoy working with these guys and can highly recommend them. Mike and his team think outside the box and we always look forward to seeing the finished product.”
-Mr. Richard Brown, Google Review
5. Whitenoise
Address: 189 Airport Rd W
Phone: +44 28 9073 0999, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:30pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
Whitenoise is a full-service creative agency with a diverse team that can adapt to most projects. It’s got brand designers, UX specialists, videographers, and animators to get the job done.
This company has won 29 IDI or Irish Design Institute awards! This includes Grand Prix and Gold honours, which makes me feel more confident about its capabilities.
Also, its recent projects involve powerful motion design for the Commission for Victims & Survivors, as well as high-impact campaigns for ECNI (Equality Commission for Northern Ireland) and Translink. These either won or got shortlisted for IDI awards.
I love that the team has provided free and discounted creative support to various charities too. For me, this shows how the agency cares for socially impactful causes. I think this can help potential clients to trust the design experts here even more.
Just a few things, though. With its large team structure, this agency presumably needs longer turnaround times and higher prices than those of smaller agencies or freelancers.
Really Professional and Competitively Priced
“Whitenoise have worked on several projects with us over the years and we have always found them really professional and competitively priced. The team are really lovely to work with and always come up with some fantastic creative ideas. It is a pleasure working with them.”
-Kingsbridge Hospital, Google Review
Incredibly Quick Turnaround Period
“I worked with Whitenoise in conjunction with Campbell College on a few Music Department projects during the Covid period. They were 5*, going above and beyond, quick and easy to deal with, they got the vision without much direction and had an incredibly quick turnaround period. Lovely people to work with AND their office is dog friendly, what’s not to love? I haven’t stopped recommending and raving about Whitenoise since working with them, and wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again in the future.”
-Ms. Victoria Johnston, Google Review