As we prepare for the 2025 Creative Edinburgh Awards, taking place at Central Hall on Friday 14th November, we're excited to share this year's campaign - a celebration of Edinburgh's thriving creative community and the inspiring talent that makes our city so special!
This year, we're delighted to be collaborating with Rachel Cartledge, a multi-award-winning freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and motion designer who has been making waves in Edinburgh's creative scene.
About Rachel
Rachel’s work is particularly focused on research-led projects that uncover unexpected and unconventional narratives. She approaches design as a form of visual storytelling, transforming complex subjects into engaging, relatable experiences.
Her practice often explores social topics and overlooked stories, using design as a tool to raise awareness and spark meaningful dialogue. Rachel's recognition includes the RSA Student Design Award for Motion Graphics, a Creative Conscience Gold Award, and Best in Show for her final university project Food For Thought - a pop-up supermarket concept challenging misconceptions around Type 1 diabetes through nostalgic packaging and playful, educational visuals.
Why the 2025 Campaign?
When we asked Rachel what drew her to create this year's campaign, her response perfectly captured what Creative Edinburgh is all about. "I've lived, studied, and worked in Edinburgh, so I've seen first-hand just how much creative talent exists in the city," she tells us. "Creative Edinburgh has always been a space that supports new and emerging creatives, helping us connect, collaborate, and grow."
Rachel's connection to the Creative Edinburgh Awards runs deep. In 2023, she was part of Gutter Punks, and they won the student award. "It was such a special moment, being recognised by the community that shaped us," she reflects. Rachel’s continued engagement with the Awards has even allowed her to make new connections at last year’s ceremony that led to freelance work.
For Rachel, designing the 2025 campaign was a way to give something back. "I wanted to design something that feels like a love letter to the creative scene here and to the people who make it so inspiring," she says. It's this spirit of community and celebration that we hope shines through in every element of this year's Awards.
Creative Freelancing in Edinburgh
Rachel graduated last year into a challenging job market, where freelancing felt like "the only open door" if she wanted to keep designing. But it was the creative community here that supported and encouraged her to take that leap. A year later, she wouldn't change a thing.
"I'm part of a vibrant, collaborative community that constantly inspires my work," Rachel explains. "I'm surrounded by people who push creative boundaries in their own ways - from illustrators and filmmakers to writers and musicians - and that energy really fuels what I do."
Now, Rachel is grateful for the network she's built, which enables her to design every day, collaborate with amazing clients and agencies, and support herself doing what she loves. Her journey is a testament to the strength and supportiveness of Edinburgh's creative ecosystem - exactly what the Creative Edinburgh Awards celebrate year after year.
Campaign Inspiration
In creating this year’s Awards campaign, Rachel was inspired by the mystery and lore in Edinburgh’s history:
“Edinburgh is a city shaped by its rich history and dramatic landscape - a place where storytelling is stitched into the very fabric of its streets. Steeped in mystery and lore, this city offers a powerful emotional and visual backdrop for creativity. Beneath its surface lie countless untold narratives, waiting to be discovered - much like the emerging and unheard creative voices that make up this magical community.”
Contact
You can see more of Rachel’s great work on her Instagram channel @rachcartdesign and on her website.
And of course you’ll be able to see the full campaign all around at the 2025 Creative Edinburgh Awards Ceremony!
