Adam Softley

Adam Softley Email and Phone Number

Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director @ Agency S/R
London, GB
Adam Softley's Location
London, England, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
About Adam Softley

As a design-driven entrepreneur with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve been at the forefront of the creative industry since 2004, when I founded The Surgery, a brand, editorial, and information design agency. My enduring passion for design has been the cornerstone of my career, guiding me through the creation of compelling visual narratives. In 2015, I took a significant step by merging The Surgery with Redcow, resulting in the formation of Agency S/R — a multidisciplinary creative agency that connects people and brands through innovative design solutions.Design is more than my profession; it’s my lifelong passion. I excel in creating impactful experiences that resonate both aesthetically and emotionally. From building brand identities and crafting editorial layouts to designing information systems, my goal is to deliver work that communicates effectively and leaves a lasting impression.In addition to my design work, I channel my creativity into running a small festival and sound system that tours alongside larger, more commercial festivals. This platform not only showcases emerging DJs but also emphasises sustainability within the festival scene. We prioritise eco-friendly practices and educate the younger generation on sustainable event management, from reducing waste to minimising our environmental footprint through innovative initiatives. Our mission is to build vibrant communities and set a positive precedent for future events.At the heart of my career is a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and empowering others to find their creative voice. I am always eager to explore new opportunities that allow me to leverage my extensive design experience to create impactful and innovative work.

Adam Softley's Current Company Details
Agency S/R

Agency S/R

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Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director
London, GB
Employees:
8
Adam Softley Work Experience Details
  • Agency S/R
    Co-Founder And Executive Creative Director
    Agency S/R
    London, Gb
  • Agency S/R
    Co-Founder / Executive Creative Director
    Agency S/R Jan 2004 - Present
    Central London, United Kingdom
    As Co-founder, Executive Creative Director, and Head of Operations at Agency S/R, a London-based agency specialising in brand, content, editorial, digital, and data design, I lead the creative vision and manage the day-to-day operations of the business. Since founding The Surgery in 2004 (now part of Agency S/R), I’ve remained committed to delivering innovative design solutions across brand identity, editorial design, and data visualisation.In my role, I mentor a talented, multidisciplinary creative team, encouraging collaboration and professional development to ensure we consistently produce engaging, high-quality work. I work across sectors such as Real Estate, Energy and Sustainability, Finance, Tech, Media, and Professional Services, helping clients develop content strategies and refine data presentation for both internal and external audiences. In addition to overseeing daily operations, I drive the agency’s strategic direction, focusing on business growth while upholding the highest standards of creative excellence.With a passion for transforming complex data and content into visually compelling communication tools, I help clients strengthen their brand narratives and engage their audiences more effectively.
  • The Design Surgery
    Founder / Creative Director
    The Design Surgery Jan 2004 - Dec 2015
    London, United Kingdom
    Founder and Creative Director of The Design Surgery, a boutique agency specialising in editorial, brand, illustration, and data design. Under my guidance, the company significantly enhanced its reputation as a leader in data visualisation. Over the years, our work—including the production of weekly supplements for The Times and The Sunday Times—played a crucial role in establishing our expertise in both data visualisation and editorial design.With a talented team of editorial designers, data designers, brand designers, and illustrators, we developed a distinctive visual style that continues to resonate today. I provided creative direction and managed the overall operations of the business, driving growth and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, innovative work.In 2015, The Surgery merged with Redcow to create Agency S/R. This strategic merger allowed us to explore new fields and strengthen our market presence, enhancing our position in media, property, finance, and professional services, and further boosting the reputation of both companies in the industry.
  • Sauce®
    Creative Director
    Sauce® Jan 1999 - Dec 2003
    London, United Kingdom
    Sauce marked my entry into the world of freelance and contract work, providing valuable experience across various sectors with clients of all sizes and under diverse directions. This role taught me the essentials of running a business and navigating the business side of the creative industry. The growing demand for my unique skills and the desire to have greater creative control and impact fueled my decision to establish my own agency. This experience not only built my confidence but also equipped me with the expertise needed to launch and successfully run my own agency.
  • Redcow Creative
    Lead Creative
    Redcow Creative Oct 2000 - Jan 2002
    London, United Kingdom
    I served as the lead designer in establishing a new creative agency, collaborating closely with Founder Graham Ogilvie (now my business partner) and the Creative Director. Together, we worked on major events for BAFTA and made a significant impact in the property sector, producing award-winning work that helped establish our reputation.
  • Emap
    Graphic Designer
    Emap Jan 1999 - Jul 2000
    London, United Kingdom
    I specialised in producing magazines with a focus on the healthcare sector, overseeing a diverse range of projects including marketing campaigns, print production, and large-scale exhibitions. My role involved orchestrating every aspect of print and event management, from the initial concept to the final execution, ensuring impactful and polished outcomes.
  • M&C Saatchi Group
    Assistant Design Director
    M&C Saatchi Group Apr 1998 - Dec 1998
    London, United Kingdom
    I served as the right hand to the Design Director, working closely with major global brands on high-impact campaigns. My role involved delivering comprehensive brand experiences, overseeing major campaigns, and managing editorial projects and magazines for blue-chip clients. This position allowed me to contribute to and execute large-scale, international initiatives, ensuring that each project met the highest standards of creativity and effectiveness.
  • Macmillan
    Corporate Designer
    Macmillan May 1995 - Apr 1998
    London, United Kingdom
    My role focused on upholding the corporate image of the Macmillan Group through rigorous design disciplines. I ensured that all communications—both internal and external—maintained brand consistency and reinforced the company's professional image. This involved applying design principles to every aspect of communication to align with Macmillan's corporate identity and messaging.
  • Macmillan Magazines
    Junior Graphic Designer
    Macmillan Magazines Jan 1995 - May 1995
    London, United Kingdom
    My journey as a creative designer began at Macmillan, where I started as an intern through my college apprenticeship scheme. I had the privilege of being mentored by Graham Ogilvie (who is now my business partner). Under his guidance, I delved into the dynamic intersection of design, copywriting, and creative flair. Each day brought new learning opportunities, from small yet important tasks like hours of scanning and backing up to photo manipulation, editorial and advertising design layouts, and creating scale models of exhibition stands. I gained invaluable hands-on experience in print production, color separation, layout design, photo editing, typography, events, magazine and advertising design, and maintaining corporate image. This role was a crucial springboard for my career, laying a solid foundation for my future in design.

Adam Softley Education Details

  • Kingsway College Centre For The Arts
    Kingsway College Centre For The Arts
    Graphic Design
  • Thurstable Secondary School
    Thurstable Secondary School
    Gcse

Frequently Asked Questions about Adam Softley

What company does Adam Softley work for?

Adam Softley works for Agency S/r

What is Adam Softley's role at the current company?

Adam Softley's current role is Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director.

What schools did Adam Softley attend?

Adam Softley attended Kingsway College Centre For The Arts, Thurstable Secondary School.

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