Introducing: Kev Wilson. Artist Code: YZVZ
In this Spotlight Interview, we sit down with the incredibly talented Creative Brand Designer, Kev Wilson, Artist Code: YZVZ - the newest member of our Creation Population® family.
UK Based Creative Brand Specialist Kev Wilson, UK. Artist Code: YZVZ.
With a wealth of experience in graphic design, brand creation, and an eye for impactful visual identities, Kev takes us through his journey, his creative influences, and what drives his passion for design.
Read on to learn more about the man behind the creative matter. Over to you Kev!
Tell us a little...
About what you do now?
I'm a senior graphic designer with a passion for crafting impactful visual identities for brands. I love the process of shaping a brand's look and feel, whether from the ground up or helping established brands evolve to new heights.
There’s a deep satisfaction in connecting with each business, understanding its essence, and creating visuals that truly reflect its identity and values. For me, each project isn’t just design work; it’s about becoming part of a brand’s journey and building something meaningful alongside the people who drive it.
Chelsea FC | @Seventy7: Typeface Design
Chelsea FC | @Seventy7: Typeface Design
What you did prior?
Prior to going freelance, I spent over 13 years at a multichannel creative agency, working with a wide range of clients from SMEs to multinational brands across different sectors, including leading creative campaigns for M&S Home and typographic work for Chelsea Football Club.
My last role before freelancing was creative lead and brand custodian for a fast-paced, experiential retail start-up called SITU LIVE in London, where I helped shape the brand's visual identity and marketing communications, designed in-store environments and creatively led brand activations.
Quick Fire Five ...
Biggest influence, professionally or personally?
My biggest influence has got to be my parents. My mum was a talented artist with a remarkable skill for drawing and oil painting and my dad is a skilled craftsman and carpenter, which combined made creativity an integral part of my upbringing. Every birthday and Christmas was filled with art-related gifts. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a pad and pen in my hand.
Paints & Paint Brush. People One Fifty, Illustration, UK. Code: 31S7
Illustration was my first love and I always dreamed of becoming an illustrator. When I discovered graphic design, it opened up a whole new world for me and I quickly found ways to merge the two.
My early career was defined by a highly illustrative approach to design, blending my passion for drawing with the structure and creativity of graphic design.
I will always be grateful to my parents for nurturing that passion, surrounding me with creativity, and encouraging me to explore my artistic side from such a young age.
Creative UK | The Big Creative UK Summit:
Brand Refresh
Best piece of advice you have ever been given, personally or professionally?
My old creative agency boss, advised me to stop searching for perfection because I’d never find it. I now know what he was telling me, but at the time, I was young and determined to be a “perfect” designer, so I didn’t fully understand his point.
Now I have come to learn that perfection is an endless struggle with yourself that you can never truly win. Advice that still helps me to this day.
ZEROH20 | Hummel, Yeh Group
@Seventy7: Brand Identity
Where are you happiest?
I’m happiest in the countryside with my family. There’s something about the clean, fresh air and the sight of green fields stretching beneath a perfectly blue sky that brings me peace.
What’s your favourite catchphrase?
Don’t follow me, I’m lost too.
People One Fifty, Illustration, UK. Code: 31S7
Tell us something we don’t know about you – work or personal?
Twelve years ago, I founded ODFU (One Down Five Up is a gear ratio) a clothing brand inspired by the underground motorcycle culture in London. It was a time when bike enthusiasts weren’t just mechanics - they were artists, crafting motorcycles that reflected their personalities and creativity.
One of my proudest moments with the brand was collaborating with a renowned bike builder to launch a collection of graphic t-shirts and building a one-of-a-kind motorcycle that became a recognisable symbol of the brand which featured in well known magazines and shows.
ODFU: Founder, Brand Identity, Design & Illustration, Digital Marketing
And, lastly…
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
My advice to anyone starting out in the creative industry is to get hands-on experience as early as possible. You’ll learn more working for a successful creative agency than you ever could in a classroom.
Whether you have a degree or not, I recommend finding a way into an agency, through a paid role or one day a week apprenticeship alongside college or university, and immersing yourself in the day-to-day workings.
“My advice to anyone starting out in the creative industry is to get hands-on experience as early as possible. ”
This experience not only gives you insight into how the industry operates but also shifts your mindset. You’ll move from focusing solely on the fun, creative side to understanding the practical aspects - like developing communication skills, collaborating with multiple departments and project managers and truly understanding client needs. Mastering this balance will put you ahead of the pack.
Visit Showcase for a deep dive into Kev’s stunning brand refresh for The Big Creative UK Summit. The UK’s largest gathering of creative visionaries tackling the sector’s biggest challenges and opportunities.
Like what you see?