A woman and a man sitting against a plain grey background, looking slightly to their left with neutral expressions. The woman has long dark hair and is wearing a red top, while the man has a beard and long hair tied back, wearing a light grey shirt.

The agency alternative – Preston branding and graphic design duo.

We are Design by Gray – experienced branding and design duo, husband and wife team, Gray & Nina.

Working from our home studio in Preston, Lancashire, we offer growing businesses and organisations, agency-level creative thinking and support with the value for money of a freelance designer.

Gray is a highly considered, award-winning graphic designer. Nina is a larger than life, big picture project manager and brand strategist. Read our profiles below.

Gray.

Brand & Graphic Designer

As a considered designer and creative problem solver, I’m never happy just producing something that looks beautiful – it has to work beautifully too.

I get under the skin of your business and your audience so the ideas we deliver actually hit the mark – then I bring them to life with design that looks as good as it works. I’m driven by a challenge, obsessed with consistency and go further to make your brand work harder.

A man with a beard and long hair tied in a bun, wearing a red and black plaid shirt, sitting in a bar with a glass of beer in front of him, smiling.

Work.

25 years creative industry experience

Winner of industry awards including DBA Design Effectiveness & IPA Health

Previously worked at creative agencies in Manchester to Design Director level

Educated to degree level in Graphic Design

A man with a beard wearing a black bicycle helmet and black jacket taking a selfie outdoors on a cloudy day, with rolling hills and a fenced grassy field in the background.

Play.

A keen mountain biker and runner

Listens to 1980s Italo Disco

Looks like he’d enjoy a craft IPA (and he does)

Believes cheese and banana are a winning combination

Take a look at our creative projects or give me a shout!

Contact gray
Our work

Nina.

Project Manager & Brand Strategist

I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and finding out what makes their businesses tick.

I’m outgoing, collaborative, and all about keeping the process smooth and enjoyable. Whether I’m coordinating design work or helping shape brand direction, I bring structure, clear communication, and good energy.

My curiosity helps me guide design projects with clarity and build brands that feel real and meaningful.

Woman with short brown hair and sunglasses sitting outside at a table, holding a small piece of food, smiling, in bright sunlight.

Work.

Experienced project manager with senior roles at Lancashire County Council

Specialist in working with hard-to-reach audiences in underserved communities

8 years working independently

Educated to degree level in Social Policy

A woman standing barefoot on the beach at sunset, looking at the ocean waves.

Play.

Lives for the outdoors whether it’s a morning stroll in the country or a sunset beach run

Obsessed with nutrition and eating well

A green-fingered window sill gardener

Loves being active and keeping fit

Loudest laugh in Lancashire

Take a look at our services or contact me about your project:

Contact nina
Our services

Testimonials.

We’re proud to have worked with many of our clients for a number of years. Some since our beginning, some since theirs. See what they have to say about us below:

  • NHS logo in blue

    "Design by Gray are very creative and deliver impactful concepts and creatives, offering excellent value for money. On top of that they are lovely people to work with. I will definitely work with them again."

    Russell Cartwright
    Head of Communications & Behaviour Change
    NHS South East London ICB

  • Logo for Moguhl, featuring an abstract pattern of gradient coloured hexagons.

    "We had a complex project that required deep sector knowledge and in-depth understanding of our project narrative and requirements. Their professionalism and output was truly world class, I would highly recommend them."

    Heath Groves
    Director
    Moguhl Ltd

  • Logo for "Do Well" on a plain background.

    "We are really happy and enjoy working with Gray and Nina. Very easy to talk to, helpful, and have many insights on how to better your website."

    Christina Lumba
    Founder
    Do Well Therapy

  • Logo of Brindle Distillery Holmes Farm Lancashire and Cuckoo Spirits, with a black semi circle and church tower and a bird in flight.

    “From concept to product launch and beyond, Gray have been at the heart of our family project and have brought our brand to life in ways we could never have imagined.”

    Mark Long
    Owner & Director
    Brindle Distillery

  • Nextday Freight logo with purple text and a checkmark inside a yellow circle

    “Throughout the process of rebranding our business and creating our new website, Design by Gray went above and beyond to understand our values and our vision. We have already received more work as a direct result of the new website.”

    Paul Cox
    General Manager
    Nextday Freight

  • Logo of King George's Hall with building and text label

    "From first contact with Nina, I was confident we were in good hands with Design by Gray. The final product is simply stunning and it’s been very popular over the bar, largely down to the label design which really stands out."

    Neil Dagnall
    Venue Operations Manager
    King George’s Hall

  • Royal Borough of Greenwich logo with red text and emblem

    "Gray and Nina bring with them extensive experience of health related social marketing. They work with us to understand our aims and take on board any comments. The project was delivered on time, to a high standard, and was excellent value for money."

    Rebecca Layng
    Public Health Programme Manager
    Royal Borough of Greenwich

  • Logo of Stonyhurst College, featuring a purple crest with a building and banner, with the text 'STONYHURST' below.

    “Gray always goes the extra mile, with a range of creative suggestions and an excellent understanding of succinct copy combined with a clean, innovative visual design style.”

    Ruth Hughes
    Director of Admissions
    Stonyhurst College

Now you know us, we’d love to get to know you…

Send us a message about your next project and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.