Who, what, where, when

The who and the what

I’m David Airey, a design author and brand identity designer. I create visual identities for companies of all sizes, from Yellow Pages to one-person start-ups.

I’ve helped clients in Japan, Nigeria, South Africa, Canada, England, the United States, and many other locations across the globe.

Although I work from my home office, I have a strong network of contacts in the design scene, from whom I continue to learn a great deal.

My Twitter account is followed by opinion leaders such as Chermayeff & Geismar, Pentagram Design, Debbie Millman, Mark Boulton, John Boardley, Sterling Brands, Robert Scoble, Landor Associates, The Partners, Antonio Carusone, Tina Roth Eisenberg, Smashing Magazine, Maggie Macnab, Oliver Reichenstein, and Interbrand.

You can see a selection of brandmarks in my graphic design portfolio.

The where

Overlooking the Scottish capital Edinburgh (image details)

I’ve been fortunate to spend time traveling, be it catching a train journey from London to Beijing, backpacking through Cambodia, or working in the United States and Spain. For now you’ll find me in beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland.

The when

• 1979: Born in Bangor, 12 miles from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
• 1995: After many knocks to the head I began my formal design education.
• 1997: Awarded a GNVQ in graphic design.
• 1999: Awarded a Higher National Diploma in graphic design.
• 1999: Moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, and started my honours degree.
• 2001: Interned with the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• 2002: Graduated in Edinburgh with a 2:1 BA (hons) in graphic communications management.
• 2002: Taught English as a second language to businesses in Spain.
• 2003: Awarded a post-graduate diploma in management.
• 2005: After a period of design employment I traveled the world to broaden my horizons. Upon my return I set-up on my own with an independent design studio.
• 2008: Moved my home-office to Northern Ireland for more time with family and to write my first book.
• 2009: Spent most of the year researching brand identity, writing, and working with a couple of excellent design clients.
• 2010: Following 18 months in the homeland, I returned to Edinburgh, continuing to create brand identity designs.

On a recent trip to Menorca

I’m new to the whole online video scene, but you can put a voice to the face in this video blog post.

Print appearances

My book’s called Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities. I’ve launched a little site for it here.

Various newspaper articles were published about my domain name theft, and I’ve appeared in design magazines and books.

• LogoLounge Master Library, Volume 1
• Rock Your Website, in HOW Magazine
• When logos fail, in Digital Arts magazine
• Blogs, Mad About Design, by maomao publications

Radio interview

• Interviewed on BBC Radio (14 September 2009) about the Love Irish Food logo

Online interviews

In no particular order…

1. 10 Questions with David Airey, on DesignM.ag
2. David Airey, on Design Inspiration
3. An interview with David Airey, on retinart
4. The logo is an identifier, on Design Interviews
5. An interview with David Airey, on Lateral Action
6. The naked truth about David Airey, on Inspiration Bit
7. Interview with David Airey, on Freelance Folder
8. 15 answers, on Braintalk
9. Online interview with David Airey, on Spotlight Ideas
10. David Airey interview, on Inspiredology
11. Interview with David Airey, on Colorburned
12. David Airey of Logo Design Love, on Unmatched Style

Client testimonials

My previous client testimonials offer an insight into my design credentials.

Thanks for taking the time to visit. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, get in touch and I’ll do what I can to help.