We design. We write. We create
HOW WE WORK
From the moment you contact Red Onion we'll find out as much as possible from you and then if required arrange a face-to-face meeting. We take as long as it needs to analyse a brief so we come up with the best solution for you... we provide as many ideas within reason until you're 100% with the direction.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Red Onion Design began in 2011 with predominantly work in printed magazine design. That's still at the heart of what we do, however we've become an integrated agency and now bring those skills to specialist digital design too. We're also offering optional content services for all our work.
AWARD-WINNING TEAM
Our designs have won international silver at the CASE Circle of Excellence Awards 2018 and 2017, and a Highly Commended at the CIPR #insidestory awards 2015! We connect with people. Whether it's lifestyle, homes, interiors, real-life, fashion, health, special interest for men and women, we'll find creative solutions to any project.
What we provide
Outstanding design and content support for communication teams
A personalised service
At Red Onion we’ll take the time to understand what you require for your business. We're always ready to listen and provide a confidential service.
A clear and concise timeframe
Red Onion will pinpoint exactly what the job entails and give you a breakdown of how long each aspect of the project will take to deliver.
Creative Edge
Red Onion will hit on an innovative and refreshing angle to help sell your brand. Not all designers and writers are created equal.
Strategic thinking
We look at all aspects of your business and provide strategic advantages so you can successfully grow.
Newsletter
Optional email newsletter keeping you updated with new developments.
Phone and Email support
Dedicated and personal guidance – with phone and email support for the duration of the project.
Meet the directors
Rob Castles
Creative Director
Rob has over 20 years experience in graphic design. He can turn his hand to any project, enjoys a challenge and is always willing to learn something new. He likes to keep an eye on developments in design and technology!
Loves: Good quality coffee, running to keep healthy
Michelle Garnett
Senior Content Director
A highly skilled and experienced editor and writer, with mean subbing and proofing abilities when time allows. An amazing eye for detail, yet is able to take a wider view of all projects that go through Red Onion.
Loves: Reading a good book, country walking and maps
What our clients say

On Rob: “As Editor of House Beautiful I needed an Art Director that understood the vision for the magazine and was able both to match our high standards and evolve the design. I needed someone who would be just as happy leading a team of designers as working independently. Rob stood in for my Art Director admirably”
Julia Goodwin, Editor, House Beautiful
On Michelle: “Michelle was regularly booked in to provide an extra pair of editorial hands. She’s fantastic to work with – a great writer and copy editor, and very experienced when it comes to commissioning features and contributing to the overall editorial process. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Michelle again and would highly recommend her.”
Nichola Browne, Editor, Bauer UK
On Rob: “His help on magazines and publications throughout my time at both The Who Cares? Trust and The Guinness Partnership has always been excellent – easy to work with, with a fantastic eye for getting a design to achieve an objective, attention to detail, quick turnarounds and the flexibility that, let’s be honest, design projects sometimes need! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him for a moment.”
Oliver Wilkinson, The Guinness Partnership
On Rob: “Rob is the ultimate professional and a joy to work with. Not only is he creative but commercial as well which makes answering any brief so much more successful. I could not recommend him more highly.”
Inca Waddell, Marketing Director at Phaidon Press
On Rob: “He has brought creativity and a real contemporary edge to our magazines for young people in care. Rob’s designs are inspiring and thoughtful, fun and engaging. His experience and enthusiasm for design shine through. Rob is professional, warm, and respectful… I highly recommend him!”
Emma Price, Publications Manager, Become
On Rob: “I was really happy with how it turned out – you made it look so good!”
Marina Carnwath, Communications and Alumni Officer, Chevening Scholarships
On Rob: “Thanks again for your hard work on the ASI brochures, they have been invaluable and have led to us being 30% oversubscribed in our GI offer.”
Andrew Hutton, ASI Healthcare
On Rob: “Rob has been a help working in a freelance design capacity. He interprets and understands a brief quickly and produces work, answering the brief, that is both creative and well thought through.”
Adrian Morris, Art Director, Sunday
On Rob: “Thank you very much to getting us to this place – and particularly to Rob for all his help and patience with the Report”
Charlotte Borger, Communications Consultant, Divine ChocolateIndustry Recognition
CIPR Highly Commended
2015 – For the work Red Onion provided on the internal magazine for Circle Housing
Featured Spotlight
2017 – FM Magazine cover picked to feature on the homepage of this popular portfolio website
2016 – Phaidon magazine picked to feature on the homepage of this popular portfolio website
CASE International Silver Award
2018 – Design of a Data and Analytics brochure, on behalf of the University of Essex
2017 – Redesign of the alumni magazine Essex Effect, on behalf of the University of Essex
100 + shares
2018 – LinkedIn feature about graphic design trends in 1 week received over 3000 views, 400 likes and 100 shares, from industry professionals worldwide