Owen Williams

From university idea to a 20-year creative legacy

Owen Williams, co-founder of sixredsquares, represents the power of initiative, collaboration and long-term vision. What began as a university project has grown into an award-winning design agency celebrating over 20 years of success, rooted right here in the local community.

Turning a project into a business

The foundations of sixredsquares were formed during Owen’s second year at university. What started as a professional development brief quickly evolved into a “quasi-business,” as the founders chose to push beyond the assignment and build something real.

This early decision required them to learn skills well beyond design, including legal processes, networking and business strategy. That willingness to step outside their comfort zone gave them a significant advantage early on.

“It’s important to discern between a good opportunity and one that isn’t… and to really understand the industry you’re stepping into.”

From the start, the team understood that success in the creative industries is not just about creative output, but about understanding how to turn ideas into sustainable opportunities.

The human side of design

A defining feature of sixredsquares is its human-first approach. Rather than focusing solely on visuals, the agency prioritises understanding the people behind each project.

This approach is built on:

• Strong communication
• Empathy and relationship-building
• A focus on real stories and lived experiences

By avoiding rigid structures and working collaboratively, the agency ensures it connects with clients in a meaningful way. This has allowed them to build long-term partnerships and deliver work that resonates on a deeper level.

Their projects range from local community initiatives to large-scale corporate work, always maintaining the same focus: creating designs that feel authentic and human.

Building resilience over time

Reaching a 20-year milestone in any industry, particularly the creative sector, requires resilience.

Owen highlights several key factors behind the agency’s longevity:

• Trusting your own ability
• Building the right team
• Managing the practical side of business effectively
• Being prepared for feedback and rejection

“Be prepared for your work to be constantly critiqued… and to take rejection.”

For creatives, this means balancing artistic vision with professional discipline. Success comes not just from producing great work, but from managing finances, maintaining relationships and staying adaptable.

Growth through collaboration and community

sixredsquares’ success is also rooted in its strong connection to the local community.

The agency actively works with charities, organisations and initiatives that aim to create positive change. Projects such as collaborations with local campaigns and public sector organisations demonstrate a commitment to using creativity for social impact.

Their work is not just about branding or marketing - it’s about creating emotional connections and meaningful experiences.

At the same time, this community-focused approach has supported their growth into global work, including partnerships with international clients. Their ability to scale while maintaining authenticity is a key part of their success.

Adapting in a changing industry

Like many creative businesses, sixredsquares has had to adapt to rapid changes in technology and the way content is produced.

While digital tools and social media have made design more accessible, Owen notes that this has also increased the risk of repetition and lower-quality output.

The agency’s response has been to focus on originality, avoiding template-driven work and ensuring each project is distinctive and purposeful.

Advice for the next generation

Owen’s message to students and graduates is clear: be proactive.

• Seek opportunities rather than waiting for them
• Build both technical and soft skills
• Communicate with people across different disciplines
• Take initiative and show genuine interest

“Go knocking on doors, show initiative… don’t just focus on your technical skills.”

He also emphasises the importance of balance. Creative success is not just about talent - it’s about how you collaborate, communicate and adapt.

A lasting impact

What started as a student idea has grown into a respected agency that has influenced both the creative industry and the local community. sixredsquares is a testament to what can happen when creativity is combined with resilience, collaboration and a clear sense of purpose.

Their journey highlights that success is not built overnight. It is shaped through consistent effort, adaptability and a commitment to both craft and people.

Key takeaways from Owen’s journey

• Start early and take initiative
• Understand the business side of creativity
• Value relationships as much as technical skills
• Stay resilient in the face of challenges
• Keep creativity purposeful and human-focused

Owen Williams and sixredsquares show that a creative career can be both successful and meaningful when grounded in authenticity and community.