As we gear up for the 2026 Creative Edinburgh Awards - marking our 15th anniversary - we're thrilled to share this year's campaign, designed by Oisín Corcoran, a Leith-based graphic designer bringing his signature playful, hand-drawn style to our biggest milestone year yet.
Behind the Design - Oisín Corcoran - Creating the 15th Annual Creative Edinburgh Awards Visual Style
About Oisín
Oisín describes his style as playful, colourful and full of character. He's drawn to the human touch in design, embracing the imperfect, hands-on side of creating wherever he can. That personality shows through in some brilliant local work: during his time at Muckle Brig in Leith, he helped create Port of Leith Distillery's first range of bottled cocktails, a scenic illustrated negroni campaign for Lind & Lime Gin, and the brand's first ready-to-drink can. He's also designed a series of travel-patch-inspired beer labels for Campervan Brewery with fellow designer Tyrone Stoddart, each one telling the story of where the beer's flavours come from.
Earlier this year, Oisín played a part in creating the "Hope" shirt for Street Soccer Scotland, designed with Timorous Beasties and O'Neills - a limited-edition football shirt that raised vital funds and was worn across the football world during this year's World Cup in the US, from the Tartan Army to professional players.
Why the 2026 Awards Campaign?
Designing the Creative Edinburgh Awards has been on Oisín's wish list for years. "It's only now this year after going freelance that I felt like I would have the time to properly give it my all, so I applied on the off chance - and luckily I got it," he tells us. Having gone freelance in July, he was looking for the perfect project to launch this new chapter, and the Awards fit the brief. "Designing an identity for an event or festival is on my design bucket list, it's an area I'd like to explore more and this opportunity has been the perfect springboard."
Beyond the artwork itself, Oisín says the project has stretched him in ways he didn't expect - building his presentation and public speaking skills, and creating video and reel content for the first time. "It's tested my skills and organisation in the best way."
Creative Freelancing in Edinburgh
Oisín has worked in Edinburgh's creative scene for almost four years, and he's full of praise for the community here. "There's such a great pool of talent in this city, be it designers, photographers, videographers, interior designers, and I've thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with them over the years."
However, freelancing hasn't been without its challenges. He points to the unpredictability of income, especially in quieter months, but he has no regrets. "The amount of freedom and control you gain over your life and time makes it so worthwhile. Every project and Instagram post is building your own brand, and that's always going to be valuable going forward."
What inspires him most is the strength of Scotland's design scene and the pride woven through so much of the work he sees, something he connects to deeply, both as someone from Ireland and now a proud resident of Edinburgh. "I feel very grateful to live here and be part of a creative community making work that excites people and hopefully makes a positive impact on the city."
Contact
You can see more of Oisín's work on Instagram @design.by.oisin, or get in touch at designbyoisin@gmail.com if you’re interested in commissioning him to work with you - we’d thoroughly recommend it.
Don't miss the full campaign at the 2026 Creative Edinburgh Awards - 15 years of celebrating this city's creative community! Nominations are currently live and tickets are available now!