Design and Art as a means for change and collaboration.
Intro
I’m Irene, an artist and designer with over a decade of experience working on projects that drive sustainability, advance social justice, and help communities reclaim their agency. I believe design is a tool for systemic change—helping organisations think more about the people they serve and enabling people to feel more valued and connected.
Freelancing allows me to collaborate with diverse teams and learn through shared practice. Over the years, I’ve worked as a senior graphic designer for agencies like Stronger Stories and Nesta. My recent projects range from developing the visual identity for Climate Insights, a climate action group, designing a street photography exhibition for London is Lonely to challenge the stigma around loneliness, to illustrating campaign materials for the feminist abolitionist group Level Up.
I take a hands-on, research-led, and collaborative approach—listening carefully, asking the right questions, and working closely with organisations to ensure their stories resonate. I see art and creativity as tools and catalysts for change, reshaping narratives, shifting perspectives, and imagining new possibilities.
(11 - 25)
Work
As a visual strategist, my work is rooted in curiosity and research, blending exploration, critical thinking, and creative intuition to shape ideas into tangible, impactful stories.
Most recently, I worked as a senior graphic designer at a storytelling agency, where I helped craft visual narratives that connected cultural trends, behavioural insights, and human values. What I do:
Brand Positioning: Helping organisations like The School of System Change and Forum for the Future, and helping research groups translate complex findings into clear, compelling visuals.
Campaings & Audience Engagement: Designing campaigns that connect people with critical issues, ensuring messages resonate widely and powerfully.
Creative Exploration: Partnering and collaborating with artists, researchers, thinkers and activists to shift perspectives and spark new conversations. Such as Ella Saltmarshe, to explore how stories can symbolise cultural shifts and reshape dominant narratives.
Beyond agency work, my freelance practice has allowed me to work across disciplines and formats, shaping projects that merge strategic thinking with artistic experimentation. Past freelance projects include:
Senior Graphic Designer & Art Director: Co-founded and led the creative direction for different organisations such as Lonely Together or The Loneliness Lab, designing exhibitions and communication strategies to reframe loneliness as a social issue in public spaces.
Visual Consultant & Illustrator: Supporting research-led organisations with storytelling strategies that bridge complex ideas with accessible design.
Marketing & Campaign Materials: Designing visual identities and printed and online materials for charities, organisations, and consultancies as UK100, a cross-party organisation working towards Net Zero goals.
With a background in Fine Arts from the Polytechnic University of València and Design from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, I specialise in graphic design, art direction, photography, and illustration — This combination of artistic exploration and practical training, along with years of real-world practice, shapes how I approach each project with care and curiosity.
Check out my work.
My practice has grown through creative partnerships and shared learning. Over the years, I've formed close bonds with fellow designers, videographers, illustrators, photographers, and animators who share a vision for design and art that makes a difference. These friendships and collaborations mean each project can draw from a rich pool of creative talent, bringing together the right mix of skills and perspectives.
Meet my friends ( :
Clients
I work on an ongoing basis with people and organisations who share a commitment to climate and social justice, including:
Ella Saltmarshe (The Long Time Project), advocating for long-term thinking in culture
Hugh Knowles Co-CEO of Friends of the Earth, focused on environmental systems change
Bethan Harris, Director of Collectively, driving social and environmental collaboration
Jonathon Porritt, sustainability advocate, former co-chair of the Green Party, and founder of Forum for the Future
Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party and long-time advocate for environmental and social justice
Polly Billington (UK100), former director of UK100, now an MP championing local climate action
I’ve also worked with organisations and collectives, like Nesta, Stronger Stories, Level Up, Futerra, Collectively, The Loneliness Lab, The Comms Lab, UK100, League of Intrapreneurs, Forum for the Future, The School of System Change, Kin&Co, WorldSkills, Enginuity, The Good Investors, Workable, and The Unschool.
Talks
Central Saint Martins - University of the Arts London / Queen Mary University of London / The Loneliness Lab kick off event
Volunteering
The Escape is a collective of women working in sustainability who come together to resist burnout. In the heart of the forest, we carve out space to rest, recharge, and learn from each other—reimagining how we sustain ourselves while sustaining the world. Volunteering with The Escape means supporting gatherings, sharing skills, and helping create a community where resilience and care are as vital as action.
As housing becomes increasingly unaffordable, organizing together is essential. London Renters Union fights against an oppressive system that keeps tenants powerless. Volunteering means standing with fellow renters to demand fairer policies, support one another in housing struggles, and build collective power to challenge injustice. Because housing is a right, not a privilege.
Press, Publications & Exhibitions
My work has been published by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and featured on BBC Women’ Hour, Stylist Magazine, The Evening Standard and The Independent, among others. It’s been showcased in the London Conference at the Royal Institute Venue, the London Assembly and NOW Gallery. Also, it has been exhibited at a variety of self managed venues (and on the streets) of London, Berlin, Valencia and Barcelona.