What it was really like being a designer in Colchester

Bry Bird, Creative Strategist

I didn't plan for Colchester to become such a big part of my story. But when I look back at how I got to where I am now, so much of it traces back to this city and the people I met while I was here.

I spent a chunk of my early career working in and around Colchester as a brand designer and web designer, and it genuinely shaped how I think about design, business, and the people I want to work with.

What it started: agency life and real-world design

My first proper taste of client work came through a Colchester web design agency, where I got to work across a real mix of projects: websites, visual identities, and content for independent businesses that wanted their brand to actually mean something.

What struck me pretty quickly was how many small businesses knew what they wanted to say but struggled to say it visually.

The work wasn't just about making things look good. It was about helping people communicate more clearly, build trust faster, and feel confident about how they showed up online.

That's still the lens I bring to every project today.

The people that made it: networking and community

One of the things I loved most about being based in Colchester was the community. I co-ran the Ambitious Women in Essex networking group during that time, which introduced me to some genuinely brilliant people, and led to collaborations that pushed me creatively.

There's something about being in a room with people who are building things from scratch that makes you think differently about what good support actually looks like. A lot of my understanding of what small businesses really need came from those conversations, not a textbook.

Working with Essex County Council

Alongside the agency work, I also supported the Business Growth Team at Essex County Council on projects across Colchester and the wider Essex area. It was a different kind of work but it gave me a much broader picture of the challenges businesses face at different stages, and what genuinely useful creative support looks like in practice.

I think about that a lot when I'm scoping projects now. The question isn't just "what does this look like?" It's "what does this business actually need right now?"

Projects that stuck with me

Some of the work I'm proudest of from that period includes designing web platforms and brand identities for local businesses from scratch, helping established companies refresh their look without losing what made them recognisable, and supporting community events and campaigns that needed design to work hard on a small budget.

Every project reinforced the same thing: good design solves problems first and looks great second.

Still working with Colchester businesses

I moved back to Manningtree a while ago, but Colchester is still very much part of my client base and honestly, it's a short trip. I still meet clients in person there, and some of my longest-standing working relationships started in that city.

My work has grown to include clients in Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Suffolk and across Essex, but Colchester is where a lot of the foundation was laid and I'm proud to still be part of that community in whatever way I can be.

FAQs

Do you still work with businesses in Colchester? Yes, absolutely. Even though I'm now based in Manningtree, I regularly work with clients in Colchester and across Essex, either remotely or in person.

Should I work with an independent designer or a Colchester web design agency? It depends on what you need. Agencies often have larger teams, but working independently means you get one consistent person across your whole project. I handle both branding and web design, so nothing gets lost in translation between different departments or contractors.

Where can I find your prices? Everything's on my services page, no request needed. I think transparency about rates saves everyone time.

Final thoughts...

Colchester gave me a lot. The projects, the people, the scrappy energy of a city full of small businesses trying to do something real. That period is baked into how I work now, even when I'm designing for someone on the other side of the country.

If you're a small business looking for a brand designer or web designer who actually gets what it's like to build something from scratch, I'd love to hear from you. You can explore my services here, or sign up to my newsletter for honest advice and practical tools for small business owners.

Don't go without saying hi!

Hi, I'm Bry (pronounced Br-eye), an Essex-based Creative Strategist and neurodivergent founder.

I help small businesses and founders show up with branding, websites, and content strategy that helps them become more visible to the right people.

My work has been recognised by the Small Business Awards (Best Creative Arts Business, UK top 100 and Best Business Branding, UK top 10), and I've been featured in Essex Life Magazine, the Harwich and Manningtree Standard, Business Wire, Greatest Hits Radio, and the 7th edition of Graphic Design School.

In 2026 I was also shortlisted for Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the SME Awards and for the East of England StartUp Awards.

When I'm not doing this, I'm probably reading about exotic fish or writing about nerdy marketing stuff. Sometimes both.

Learn more about me