Oliver Milner-Smith

Oliver Milner-Smith

Brand and design in UK

About

I'm a graphic designer and the founder of General Observatory. My belief is good design amplifies your natural strengths and has the potential to elevate brands to the top of their niche. I bring a senior level of experience to the table.

Work Experience

2009 — Now
OMS

Developing brands, campaigns and digital products for founder-led brands. I'm an independent graphic designer with experience across multiple industries, from tech and retail to finance and the public sector. I also partner with creatives in other fields to deliver a full-service offering.

2024 — Now
Co-Founder at YesYes

A chemical reaction between words and visuals. YesYes is a creative partnership between designer Oliver Milner-Smith and brand writer Seth Rowden. Launching in 2023.

2022 — Now

Designer and consultant at Bake, a brand storytelling studio led by Daniel Spencer. I created the brand identity for the studio itself and continue to advise on specific projects.

2018 — Now
Brussels, Belgium

Agreco are funded by the European Commission and deliver key research and guidance on continual sustainability of natural resources and biodiversity across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the countries neighbouring Europe. The majority of this research is boiled down into a large body of publications that are delivered both online and in print around the world.

2016 — 2022

Awarding-winning animation studio creating brand films, explainers and commercials for Adobe, Volvo, Wellcome Trust, Disney Pixar and more. I directed both visuals and motion, guiding the studio team to produce brand-aware narratives for some of the world's leading brands.

Projects

2023

Founded by Kate Mason-Keaney and Sarah Glover - Make Waves delivers coaching and development for global brands. Ahead of their launch, we developed a bold brand system and website that delivers on their promise, to make waves in their industry and turn the tide on performance.

2022
Grow

Founded by internationally-renowned hairdresser and educator Antony Whitaker, Grow is a digital platform that helps salons and their teams get savvy at running a business. In anticipation of a new course promotion, I led an ambitious rebrand to drive sign-ups that included everything from the brand's identity to website launch.

2021
Zap

Tech platform that helps brands drive engagement through posting personalised physical postcards triggered by real-time events. Working closely with the CEO, I delivered the brand identity, website and motion branding they needed to launch and scale.

Side Projects

Ongoing

Prints inspired by general observations. Founder of GO, an online store featuring limited edition prints and illustrations.

Education

2010 — 2011
BA – Graphic Communication at NUA
2009 — 2010
FdA – Interface Design and Motion Graphics at Norwich City College

Contact

Instagram