Edge Creative Studios: Building a design practice rooted in collaboration and trust

Edge Creative Studios didn’t emerge from a grand business plan or a well-timed gap in the market. Instead, it grew out of a shared conviction that design should be more than surface-level decoration. The founders, Daniel Short and Scott Morgan, simply wanted to create a studio where creative freedom and strategic insight could thrive side by side.

“Edge has always been more than just a business,” Scott explains. “It all stemmed from a long-standing passion and a shared ambition to create a space where creative freedom and strategic insight could truly thrive.”

After years of experience working within other companies such as The Financial Times and Boohoo.com, the pair saw an opportunity to build something of their own in 2020. They envisioned a studio that not only delivered thoughtful design but also empowered clients through knowledge-sharing and honest collaboration, offering more than just visuals. We wanted to create real, impactful value.”

Generosity and trust

From the outset, Edge’s philosophy has been about openness. Instead of treating design knowledge as something to guard, the team sees sharing it as essential to building stronger partnerships.

“At the heart of Edge is a genuine desire to help others succeed,” Daniel says. “We believe that when our clients thrive, so do we, which is why we never withhold an idea or insight that could support their growth. Our approach is collaborative, generous, and deeply rooted in trust.”

That attitude has shaped the way Edge works with clients, collaborators, and even competitors. Rather than seeing the industry as zero-sum, the studio often partners with other specialists to expand its capabilities. Web development, for example, is handled through a trusted alliance with Artifice Creative, providing Edge’s clients with fully integrated solutions.

Projects that cross boundaries

Having an open, network-driven approach has allowed the studio to work across an unusually wide range of industries, from technology and e-commerce to jewellery and motorsport, which Scott thinks is very fortunate.

“We choose to give every opportunity a chance, something largely made possible through our strong network of collaborators and industry peers who can fill in the gaps,” he adds.

That mix brings layered perspectives to each project, with insights flowing between sectors. It also means that when a brief lands outside their core expertise, Edge can find the right partner to make it happen, rather than walking away.

Educating clients on design’s value

Running an independent studio, of course, comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most persistent has been helping clients see design as more than a ‘nice-to-have’.

“One of the ongoing challenges is helping clients truly understand the transformative power of design,” Daniel says. “Great design can be the difference between blending in and standing out. But while businesses often recognise its value, they do not always prioritise it. It’s what sets a brand apart in a saturated, distracted market.”

Rather than preaching, the studio has learned to demonstrate its value by showing tangible outcomes, such as growth, engagement, and recognition. It’s an approach that requires patience, but one that has helped Edge carve a reputation for consistency and depth.

Highlights and milestones

Asked about standout moments, both Daniel and Scott agree that it’s seeing clients succeed. Among them is HN Communications, a marketing and communications agency with a focus on sustainability.

Scott says that the client saw “remarkable growth”. He adds: “Their mission to drive sustainable business practices and meaningful change is truly needed in the world today, and it’s been a privilege to support their journey and watch them make a real impact.”

A culture of openness

Inside the studio, the same emphasis on trust applies. Edge has worked to foster a team culture that feels transparent and safe, which can be surprisingly rare in the design industry.

Daniel says: “At Edge, every voice is heard, whether you have a fresh idea, a concern, or simply need support. We foster a safe and open environment where team members are encouraged to speak up and share their thoughts.

“This openness leads to richer creative conversations, earlier problem-solving, and more holistic solutions for our clients.”

That environment also shapes how they handle the often tricky balance between creative experimentation and client needs.

“Clients are always at the heart of everything we do,” Scott adds. “Building trust is essential, and that starts with transparency and meaningful involvement from day one. When a client feels seen, heard, and included, they’re more open to creative exploration, and that’s where the real magic happens.”

One recent project illustrates this well, where Edge partnered with DMENR, a jewellery brand making its debut in the market. The founders gave Daniel and Scott freedom to experiment while keeping their vision at the centre. The result, they say, was “a seamless and highly productive collaboration” that reflected both creative risk and client trust.

Success measured differently

When it comes to defining success, the studio resists easy metrics, such as headcount or turnover. Instead, it’s about the depth of impact.

“Success for us isn’t just measured in scale, it is about impact, relationships, and creative freedom,” Daniel says. “Of course, we’re open to growth, but we are more interested in meaningful projects, long-term collaborations, and opportunities where we can genuinely add value.”

That outlook means Edge can remain selective, prioritising clients who align with its ethos and ambitions.

Looking ahead

The next chapter for Edge is still being written, but the team is already clear on its priorities.

Purpose-driven projects – particularly those tied to sustainability and social impact – are high on the wish list. The studio also sponsors a different charity each year and is keen to deepen that involvement.

Scott adds: “The goal is to stay agile, curious, and creatively ambitious – without losing the personal, client-first approach that defines us.”

Five years on from its inception, Edge Studio remains small enough to stay nimble yet confident enough to pursue bigger ideas. The common thread through it all is a belief that collaboration, trust, and generosity aren’t just nice values to have, but the foundations of design that lasts.